The back story
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The back story
Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, the back story
Ancient capitals, cave temples and a palace on a rock: the heart of Sri Lanka’s history.
Region guide · about 4 hours from Colombo
Sigiriya & the Cultural Triangle: Our Favourites
Sigiriya, the cave temple of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: five World Heritage Sites.
What's onThis week in Sri Lanka
What to see
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A palace on a rock
Sigiriya
The 5th-century rock fortress of King Kashyapa, with frescoes and a lion gate.
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Caves of Buddhas
Dambulla cave temple
Five cave shrines filled with statues and paintings, above the town of Dambulla.
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View of Sigiriya
Pidurangala Rock
The rock next to Sigiriya, with a temple at its foot and the best view of Sigiriya from the top.
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Cradle of Buddhism
Mihintale
The hill east of Anuradhapura where, according to tradition, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.
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Ruins in the jungle
Ritigala
The ruins of an ancient forest monastery on a jungle-covered mountain, part of a strict nature reserve.
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Rock-cut Buddha
Aukana Buddha
A tall standing Buddha cut from a rock face, near the Kala Wewa reservoir.
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Before the climb
Sigiriya Museum
The site museum at Sigiriya, which explains the water gardens, the frescoes and the life of the fortress.
Where to stay
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Villas in the paddy fields
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Private dwellings among paddy fields, reed beds and lakes created on former farmland near Sigiriya.
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By Geoffrey Bawa
Heritance Kandalama
Geoffrey Bawa’s celebrated hotel, built along a rock face above Kandalama tank and slowly covered by jungle.
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Near the rock
Water Garden Sigiriya
A resort of villas around water gardens and paddy fields near Sigiriya.
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Safari base
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
A garden hotel by a lake at Habarana, well placed for Minneriya, Kaudulla and Sigiriya.
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Walauwa estate
Uga Ulagalla
A luxury resort of villas around a 150-year-old walauwa (manor house) near Anuradhapura.
Share your The Cultural Triangle tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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