Explore the Wonders of the Cultural Triangle in a Day
Explore the Cultural Triangle: Visit ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, where you can explore historical ruins, temples, and impressive rock fortresses.
Tour Overview
Duration: days / nights
Price: $
The Cultural Triangle is a region in central Sri Lanka renowned for its concentration of ancient cities, monuments, and archaeological sites.
It's a hotspot for Sri Lankan history, religion, and culture.
To fully immerse yourself in this experience, consider renting a car with a driver with Lanka Getaways and exploring the rich cultural heritage at your own pace.
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Here's a breakdown of the Cultural Triangle:
Location - Central Sri Lanka
Key Sites:
Anuradhapura - First capital of Sri Lanka, boasting ancient ruins and monasteries
Polonnaruwa - Another ancient capital with impressive palace and temple remains
Sigiriya - A rock fortress with a palace on top
Dambulla - Cave temple complex filled with statues and paintings
Significance:
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Cultural Triangle contains several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing their global importance.
Rich Sri Lankan History: The region provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient civilizations, particularly the development of Buddhism on the island.
Religious Center: A pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially Anuradhapura and Dambulla.
Understanding Sri Lankan Culture: Experiencing the Cultural Triangle offers insights into the foundations and traditions that shaped Sri Lankan culture.
Things to do Anuradhapura:
Seek serenity under the ancient Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, a direct descendant of the tree where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Anuradhapura features remarkable architectural feats from ancient times, such as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya Stupa, and Abhayagiri Monastery, which reflect the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of its early inhabitants.
Discover Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where the historic meeting between King Devanampiya Tissa and Mahinda Thera led to the introduction of Buddhism to the island.
The city is dotted with ancient reservoirs, known as "tanks," which were essential for agriculture and irrigation.
These include Tissa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, and Basawakkulama, among others, showcasing the technological prowess of ancient Sri Lankans.
Explore the architectural marvel of Ratna Prasada, a bygone monastery that whispers tales of a glorious past.
Sigiriya:
Sigiriya is renowned for its historical and archaeological significance, dating back to the 5th century AD.
It served as the royal citadel of King Kashyapa I, who ruled the region during the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.
Unearth the secrets of Sigiriya, a historic fortress-palace where you can walk through the beautifully landscaped Royal Gardens before reaching the base of the awe-inspiring rock fortress.
Immerse yourself in history at the Sigiriya Museum, where captivating sculptures and exhibits bring the past to life.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over Sigiriya, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes.
The best time for a balloon flight are November to April.
As dawn breaks, a mystical veil of morning mist gently envelops the expansive landscape of Sri Lanka.
Beneath you, the verdant jungle unfolds, interspersed with shimmering lakes and ancient water pools, creating a scene of serene beauty.
As the sun begins to rise, its golden rays cast a radiant glow upon the iconic Sigiriya Rock fortress.
As you glide over the remnants of a bygone civilization, a knowledgeable guide and pilot will regale you with fascinating tales of Sri Lanka's rich history and the cultural treasures of the Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa triangle, which you'll have the privilege of exploring from the skies.
Polonnaruwa:
Polonnaruwa served as the second capital of Sri Lanka, succeeding Anuradhapura, from the 11th to the 13th century AD.
It reached its zenith during the reign of King Parakramabahu I and became a thriving center of trade, commerce, and culture.
One of Polonnaruwa's most remarkable achievements is the Parakrama Samudra, an expansive reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I to irrigate the surrounding fields and support agricultural endeavors.
The reservoir remains a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of the time.
Wander through the ruins of the Royal Palace, remnants of King Parakramabahu I's reign. Afterwards, be mesmerized by the four colossal Buddha figures carved from a single granite slab at Gal Vihara.
Explore the captivating ruins within the Sacred Quadrangle, leading to a sanctum that once housed the sacred tooth relic of Buddha.
Dambulla and National Parks:
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic religious sites in Sri Lanka.
Carved into the rock face of a massive granite outcrop, the temple complex consists of five caves adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals and over 150 intricately carved statues of the Buddha.
It has served as a refuge for Buddhist monks and pilgrims throughout history and remains an important pilgrimage site to this day.
In addition to the Dambulla Cave Temple, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration and adventure. Nearby attractions include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and Minneriya National Park, renowned for its elephant gatherings during the dry season.
Explore the lush Hurulu Forest Reserve, a haven for elephants, diverse wildlife, and a kaleidoscope of birdlife.
Prices of Entrance Fees to Sites
Sigiriya Rock $30.00
Sigiriya Museum $5.00
Pidurangala Rock near Sigirya LKR 1000
Anuradhapura including Jethawanaya & Abhagiriya $25.00
Mihintale Sacred Area LKR 1000
Dambulla Cave Temple LKR 2000
Dambulla Museum $2.00
Tour Itinerary
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Additional Information
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