Cultural Triangle

North of Kandy, the green hills of the central highlands roll down into the plains of the dry zone that’s occasionally dotted with isolated mountainous outcrops that tower dramatically over the surrounding flatlands.  These northern plains – traditionally referred to as Rajarata, or “The King’s Land”, although now popularly known as the Cultural Triangle – where the heart of early Sinhalese civilization, centred on the great cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, whose grandiose monuments still serve as potent reminders of the golden age of Sinhalese civilization.

We recommend several great options when staying in the Cultural Triangle, and our travel specialists can advise on which would be perfect for you:

Cinnamon Lodge
Vil Uyana
Kalundewa Retreat
Chaaya Village Habarana
Aliya Resort & Spa

The ruined city of Anuradhapura, capital of the island from the third century BC to 993 AD and one of medieval Asia’s great metropolises, dotted with vast monasteries, elaborate palaces, enormous tanks and a trio of monumental dagobas, only exceeded in scale in the ancient world by the Egyptian pyramids.

The remains of Polonnaruwa, the island’s second capital, are more compact but equally absorbing, while few visitors miss the chance to climb the spectacular rock citadel of Sigiriya, perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most extraordinary sight.

Jungle Beach, our featured hideaway on the east coast, is about a 2-hour drive from both Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Other leading attractions in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle include the marvellous cave temples of Dambulla, a magical treasure trove of Buddhist sculpture and painting, and the religious centre of Mihintale, scene of the introduction of Buddhism to the island.

Dambulla, at the southern end of the Cultural Triangle, is 90km north of Kandy – about a 2 hour drive.

Major attractions aside, the Cultural Triangle is peppered with other intriguing but relatively little-visited ancient monuments, including the abandoned cities of Yapahuwa and Panduwas Nuwara; the great Buddha statues of Aukana and Sasseruwa; the absorbing temples of Aluvihara and Ridi Vihara; and the haunting forest monasteries of Arankele and Ritigala. And there is no shortage of natural attractions, either, at the national parks of Minneriya, Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa.