Activities in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnuruwa and Anaradhapura
You will be spoiled for choice when drawing up a list of must-do activities in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.
The cultural triangle draws travellers to Sri Lanka like no other region to gaze upon the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to clamber to the summit of Mount Sigiriya, once the fortress of a mad Kandyan king, or walk up the steep steps to the cave temple at Dambulla.
As you explore Sri Lanka’s shimmering central plains, a region where great reservoirs lie in a region of light, scrub jungle, lesser sites also jostle for your attention. There are even several game parks on your doorstep – Minneriya is the most convenient – where you can watch herds of elephants in natural surroundings.
The top hotels in the cultural triangle are so appealing that when other tourists depart for the day you may decide simply to bask by the pool in beautiful rural surroundings. Just you and your loved ones, an occasional monkey and an array of bird life. Or take advantage of the many wellness treatments and yoga classes on offer.
When you seek things to do, Red Dot can offer exclusive experiences in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle to make your holiday that little bit better.
The most intrepid travellers to Sri Lanka can take a hot air balloon trip across the arid plains and jungle landscape of the cultural triangle shortly after sunrise and gaze upon the wonders below.
The ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are quite extensive so why not explore these ancient civilisations by bicycle – it will help to keep the children happy. In fact, if you just want to cycle gentle along peaceful, flat by-roads by ancient reservoirs, the cultural triangle is the place to be.
At a time when the region is more popular than ever, we can help you discover quiet places to go in the cultural triangle to escape the main tourist trail.
Hidden in forest close to Kandalama, the ruined Buddhist monastery of Kaludiya Pokuna – not to be confused with its namesake near Mihintale - dates back more than 1,200 years and is a haven for bird life. Or you can take a wooded walk up the steps of Ritigala where again other tourists will be in short supply. Strike out for Yapahuwa or admire the giant Buddha of Aukana – all of them excuses to get onto some of the charming by-roads that litter this region.
And don’t forget Mihintale itself, a land of stupas, shrines and caves, where Buddhism originated on the island. It is especially inspiring on a Full Moon day when hundreds of people congregate in silent prayer.
Aluvihara Cave Temple
Matale, Cultural Triangle
Aluvihara Cave Temple, which can be visited easily from Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, is where the oral teachings of Lord Buddha were first put into writing in the 3rd century AD.
Duration: 1 hour
Best time: Year-round
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Discover the majestic remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, originally built in the 4th century BC, the ruling place for over 100 Sri Lankan kings. You can explore these extensive ruins by bike.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, Cultural Triangle
The most famous cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple boasts the largest number of Buddha statues to be housed in one place, as well as stunning ceiling paintings.
Duration: 1 hour
Best time: Year-round
Mihintale
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Mihintale was recorded as being the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC. The peak is home to magnificent pieces of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and a majestic 40ft dagoba.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from 1073 until the late 1200s, the ruins of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa are incredibly well-preserved and include magnificant granite sculptures of Lord Buddha.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Ritigala
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Ritigala is nestled deep inside a jungle-covered nature reserve, the ruins of an extensive Buddhist monasty which was abandoned during the invasions of the 10th and 11th centuries.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Life
Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Hop into a bullock cart and explore the village life of the island. Walk through lush paddy fields, take a boat ride along Hiriwaduna Wewa and finally, savour a traditional Sri Lankan meal to wrap up your sojourn in the village.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Yapahuwa
Yaddigama, Cultural Triangle
Yapahuwa, a shortlived Sri Lankan medieval capital, is an enormous yet little-visited rock fortress built in the 13th century around a vast granite rock which rises 100m above the surrounding plains.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
