Immerse yourself in historic cultures and discover vibrant wildlife
We recommend visiting the spectacular cultural sites
The Cultural Triangle offers phenomenal luxury Sri Lanka holidays that encompass the country’s treasure trove of ancient kingdoms, cultural wonders and vibrant wildlife. Stretching from the three great capitals, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, the area is strewn with a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it essential during your encounter with Sri Lanka culture.
The ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital. Founded in 380 BC, Anuradhapura is peppered with monasteries, temples and ancient pools. Visit the sacred Bo tree of Sri Maha Bodhi, believed to be the oldest living tree in the world or the enormous dagoba of Jetvana. Polonnaruwa was the second capital city, and its medieval remains are among the best-preserved archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. The city is a complex park of hundreds of ancient structures, temples, tombs and stupas, making it a delight to explore.
Nearby is Sigiriya, known as Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous sites. The spectacular natural column of rock rises from the tree-dotted plains, soaring to nearly 200m high. The enormous rock’s flat surface houses the remains of an ancient civilisation built in the 5th century thought to be the palace and fortress of the Kassapa Kingdom. Next, stride into the tropical forests and lush wetlands of Minneriya National Park, where wild herds of elephants loiter and play. Visiting the Cultural Triangle will be a pivotal experience during any Sri Lanka holiday.
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