It's undoubtedly the most beautiful part of Sri Lanka to visit, especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. At the heart of the country, the "cultural triangle " welcomes visitors to ancient historical cities, once capitals of great Buddhist empires. Between Anuradhapura to the north, Polonnaruwa to the east, and Kandy to the south unfold temple and palace ruins, sacred caves, Buddha statues, sacred places... While the north was built under Sinhalese rule over 2,000 years ago, the south of this historic heart bordered by jungles dates from the 14th-19th centuries, under the Kandy kingdom. Here's an overview of the must-see sites during a journey through Sri Lanka's cultural triangle :

Anuradhapura

Built in 380 BCE, the ancient capital Anuradhapura is brimming with historical and religious treasures. Today it stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka, though many can be found throughout the historic triangle. For more than 1,300 years, the city witnessed the succession of 119 kings. A magnificent open-air museum, it houses some of the world's finest stupas.

Jetavaranamaya

Built in the late 3rd century, this stupa ranks among the world's most renowned. Indeed, its impressive height of 122 meters makes it one of the largest structures of the ancient world (just after the Pyramids of Giza) and the greatest stupa of its era. Moreover, 100 million bricks were used in its construction. It houses the relics of a belt worn by Buddha. It was one of many buildings that made up the Jetavana monastery, now in ruins, but which once housed approximately 10,000 monks.

The Sacred Tree

Another must-see site in Anuradhapura, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree is one of the country's most important spiritual places and in Buddhist religion. It is believed to be a branch from the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, approximately 25 centuries ago. Numerous rituals are organized around this tree.

Isurumuniya Temple

Less impressive in scale, this temple is nonetheless worth a visit as it was Sri Lanka's first rock temple. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it was designed to accommodate approximately 500 children destined to become monks. For a time, it housed Buddha's tooth relic, now relocated to Kandy.

Sigiriya

If you love nature, you'll certainly be enchanted by the ruins of Sigiriya. In the heart of the jungle, King Kassapa had built a palace city in the 5th century, nestled on the heights of a rock. You can reach the summit of this 200-meter rock by climbing a stairway carved into the stone : 600 steps decorated with paintings of mystical women... It's called the Lion's Mountain Palace because it was guarded by an immense lion statue at its entrance. The view alone makes the climb worthwhile !

Polonnaruwa

Capital of the Sinhalese empire between the 11th and 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa today houses some of the best-preserved ruins. The inner city features the king's palace and administrative buildings, while outside, you can admire the famous sacred quadrangle. Nestled in the jungle and its macaques, this ruined city actually served as the model for the monkey kingdom in "The Jungle Book." To explore on foot or by bicycle.

Dambulla

Lost in the heart of the jungle, the rock of Dambulla shelters some 80 sacred caves, five of which are open to visitors. Spectacularly colorful, these spiritual caves are decorated with over 150 magnificent Buddha statues, including a reclining one.

Kandy

Kandy is the heart of spirituality in Sri Lanka. Throughout the year, the historic city is flooded with pilgrims in white carrying lotus flowers. A more recent city, Kandy remains vibrant with its spice and tea markets in the city center, traditional dance performances, gardens...

Temple of the Tooth

This white temple with a golden roof attracts numerous pilgrims. Magnificently decorated inside, it houses notably a Buddha's tooth.

Peradeniya

Just outside Kandy lies the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka, and undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful. Beside the Mahaweli River, its unique climate allows it to host numerous species of tropical plants, palm trees, orchids, bamboos... A rainbow of colors and scents not to be missed during your journey to Sri Lanka !

Pinnawela

For nature and animal lovers, nothing beats a quick detour to the Pinnawela elephant sanctuary. This elephant orphanage houses around a hundred elephants, found without parents in the country's forests, injured or abandoned. An ideal place to reflect in harmony with nature and observe these giants of the planet. Moreover, the elephant is the symbol of Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

Located in southeast Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the country's most visited. It's indeed the perfect place for hiking, but also for safari, to encounter leopards, elephants, deer, buffalo, monkeys...

Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks

These two neighboring parks located just next to Sigiriya are a perfect detour for those wishing to observe local wildlife. They notably host the world's largest gathering of elephants between June and September, a spectacle not to be missed !