The Cultural Triangle

ANCIENT TEMPLES AND RUINED CITIES

The cradle of a 2000 year old hydraulic civilization can be seen from the remains of Buddhist stupas, secluded monasteries, old royal palaces and vast man-made lakes that dot the landscape of this forested plain.

Some of the island’s finest hotels entice visitors with lovely jungle locations.

Observing wild elephants and elephant rides are other popular activities.

THE ROCK FORTRESS OF SIGIRIYA

The ‘Fortress In The Sky’ with its world famous frescoes is perhaps the most magnificent ancient monument in the island

The ‘water-gardens’ at the base of the rock are one of the oldest in the world. A hair-raising climb leads to a ruined fort at the top giving awesome views over the surrounding plains. The Sigiriya Museum is essential viewing, especially for those who cannot climb to the top.

Thought by many to be the 8th Wonder Of The Ancient World!

POLONNARUWA - 1073 AD TO 1300 AD

The best preserved of the Ancient Cities with many of its monuments in an excellent state of preservation. A large, very picturesque lake also surrounds this city.

The Vatadage contains the most concentrated area of ancient historic remains in Sri Lanka, with exquisite structures, beautifully proportioned Medieval period buildings and intricately carved guardstones.

Nearby is the Gal Vihara with 3 huge images of the Buddha is considered to be one of the masterpieces of world Buddhist Sculpture.

KAUDULLA AND MINNERIYA LAKE RESERVES

Wild elephants can be seen feeding by these wild and very picturesque lakes in the early evenings. During the April-Sept Dry Season, the largest herds of Asian elephants to be found anywhere in the world can be observed at these reserves. Upto 200 elephants sometimes gather in a large group by Minneriya Lake

ELEPHANT BACK RIDES AT HABARANA

Those who prefer more individual interaction with elephants can try the highly popular Elephant Back Rides that are available at Habarana. Great fun or families with children.

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE - FROM 89 BC

The most impressive cave temple in the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great importance.

Five caves are embedded into the huge Dambulla Rock that rises over surrounding plains containing Buddhist images and paintings of extreme antiquity. The Temple Of The Great Kings is the biggest and most spectacular cave temple with over 150 statues and 1500 paintings.

There is a long series of steps to climb but for those with difficulty walking there is now a road access that takes you virtually to the top by vehicle.

ANURADHAPURA - 500 BC To 1073 AD

One of the fabled ‘Lost Cities’ of the East whose fame once spread throughout the Ancient World.

Ruins lie scattered over a vast area including 4 huge s tupas that dominate the skyline for miles around. The Jethawanaramaya Stupa at Anuradhapura (3rd Century) was the tallest structure in the world (400 ft) after the Third Pyramid at Giza.

The subject of great veneration here is the Sri Mahabodhi Tree, the oldest historically documented tree in the world, a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained Nirvana.