The well-known cultural triangle in Sri Lanka is home to numerous temple ruins, abandoned cities, and revered Buddhist buildings and sites. Located in the heart of the island, this region is oriented towards the three major Sinhalese capitals of Kandy, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, from which the best preserved examples of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist legacy can be found.
The north central plains of Sri Lanka, encircled by forests and outcrops, are home to the country’s cultural heartland, which is revered by locals, visitors, laypeople, and clergy (mostly Buddhist). Known as Rajarata, or the King’s Land, these plains were the site of several kingdoms’ first capital cities as well as the development of their creative and architectural endeavors. The once-thriving Sinhalese dynasties eventually collapsed, leaving behind deteriorating temples and other material remnants that were gradually engulfed in jungles and forests. This series of historic cities rises from the forest’s depths to become a well-known destination with great universal value. It should be at the top of your list of places to see in Sri Lanka.
Take a cultural tour of these UNESCO-listed gems while visiting Sri Lanka.
The Lion Fortress, Sigiriya
Formed from the magma of an extinct volcano, Sigiriya is a rock citadel 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, this magnificent complex is still reachable by way of a sequence of galleries and staircases that ascend from the mouth of the enormous lion that acts as the fortress’s entrance. Regarded as one of the most remarkable illustrations of historical urban design, Sigiriya astounds guests with its vast system of walls, gardens, ponds, canals, lanes, and fountains adorning the ruins of a palace.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
The second-oldest city on the island is Polonnaruwa. Highlights of this historic site include ruins of buildings, parks, and sanctuaries constructed by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, when the city was still experiencing its heyday, as well as Brahmanic monuments from the Chola Dynasty. The enormous Buddha statues in Gal Vihara, the king’s Audience Hall, and the Parakrama Samudraya, the largest old man-made rainwater tank in Sri Lanka, are among the other highly significant buildings.
Abhayagiri Dagoba in Anuradhapura
The ancient red-brick Buddhist temple stands 75m above the forest floor, providing a visually appealing spectacle against light woodland. A sight to behold, this colossal temple is constructed over a footprint of the Buddha and measures 106.6 meters in diameter at the widest point of the curve. It is one of the greatest constructions of the ancient world from which its historical, cultural and religious significance remains untouched by the passage of time.
The Golden Temple of Dambulla
The largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka is this monument. There are roughly 150 exquisite Buddha statues and paintings spread across five cave sanctuaries at the holy site. The Maha Raja Viharaya is the most spectacular of the five caves, featuring elaborately decorated arches and an extensive collection of the finest Buddhist structures and paintings.
When to visit
The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s well-known cultural triangle is during the dry months of January through March, when you can move around comfortably and the days are warm and sunny. The Kandy hill country offers a cooler break from the warm temperatures, which are suitable for day trips around the northern plains.