Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is a must-see region for history and heritage enthusiasts. Located in the north-central part of the country, it comprises three major UNESCO sites: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. These former royal capitals offer a fascinating journey through over 2,000 years of history.
🌿 Anuradhapura: the sacred capital of Buddhism
Founded in the 4ᵉ century BC, Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first great capital and a major religious center. Today, its impressive ruins and sacred sites attract pilgrims and travelers from all over the world.
📍 Anuradhapura must-sees
- 🌳Sri Maha Bodhi: this sacred tree, over 2,300 years old, is an offshoot of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
- 🏯 Ruwanwelisaya: a gigantic white stupa, one of the holiest in the country.
- 🗿 Jetavanaramaya: once one of the world’s tallest monuments, this brick stupa is an architectural masterpiece.
- 🛕 Abhayagiri & Thuparama: two ancient Buddhist monasteries still in operation.
🎫 Practical info
- Entrance fee: 25 USD
- Visiting time: a full day is recommended
- Tip: rent a bike to explore the ruins more easily
🏰 Polonnaruwa: Sri Lanka’s medieval city
After the fall of Anuradhapura, the royal capital was moved to Polonnaruwa, which flourished from the 11ᵉ to the 13ᵉ century. Its ruins are better preserved and easy to explore.
📍 Polonnaruwa must-sees
- 🗿 Gal Vihara: three giant Buddha statues carved in rock, impressive in their detail and serenity.
- 🏛️ Royal Palace: remains of King Parakramabahu’s former palace, once a huge complex.
- ⛩️ Vatadage: an elegant circular structure with Buddha statues.
- 🌊 Parakrama Samudra: a gigantic water reservoir built for irrigation.
🎫 Practical info
- Entrance fee: 25 USD
- Visiting time: 3 to 5 hours (ideally by bike)
- Tip: visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
🦁 Sigiriya: the Lion Fortress
Built in the 5ᵉ century, Sigiriya is a spectacular site perched on a 200-meter-high rock. This palace-fortress, surrounded by gardens and ponds, is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful sites.
📍 S igiriya must-sees
- 🎨 Les Demoiselles de Sigiriya: ancient frescoes depicting women with bare torsos, painted directly on the rock face.
- 🪞 Miroir Wall: a wall that, once polished like a mirror, now bears ancient graffiti left by visitors of the past.
- 🦁 Les Pattes du Lion: impressive monumental entrance leading to the top of the rock.
- 🏰 The summit: ruins of the former royal palace with breathtaking panoramic views.
🎫 Practical info
- Entrance fee: 30 USD
- Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours (bring water and be in good physical condition)
- Tip: climb early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
🔥 Bonus: Dambulla and elephant safaris
If you’re exploring the Cultural Triangle, don’t miss:
- 🛕 The Dambulla caves: a spectacular troglodyte temple with over 150 Buddha statues.
- 🐘 A safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla: these national parks are home to large herds of free-roaming elephants.
📌 Tips for visiting the Cultural Triangle
✔️ Buy the Cultural Triangle pass: it saves you money (around 70 USD for the three sites).
✔️ Cycling in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura
✔️ Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
✔️ Bring water and comfortable shoes
The Cultural Triangle is an immersion in Sri Lanka’s thousand-year-old history. It combines religious sites, royal palaces and spectacular landscapes. A must-see for all curious travelers!
📌 And you, which site would you like to visit first? 😃