Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, the back story

About Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, the back story

By the ULTIMATE Sri Lanka Editorial Team

Between Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy lies the Cultural Triangle, with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the first great capital, for well over a thousand years, with huge stupas such as the Ruwanwelisaya and the sacred Bodhi tree.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa succeeded it in the 11th–12th centuries; its ruins include the Gal Vihara, Buddha figures carved from a granite face.

From the summit of Sigiriya, a king once looked out over his whole kingdom.

Sigiriya

In the 5th century King Kashyapa built a palace on top of the Sigiriya rock, with frescoes, the Mirror Wall and a lion gateway. The climb is steep; go early.

Dambulla

The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a complex of cave shrines filled with Buddha statues and paintings.

Our advice: climb Sigiriya at opening time, visit Dambulla in the afternoon, and cover your shoulders and knees at the temples.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, the back story before you go.