History. Now there’s a word that can send your offspring running for the hills. “It’s meant to be a holiday not a lesson about ancient cultures and architecture,” comes the cry. But travel to Sri Lanka on a Red Dot holiday and we will do our best to sugar-coat activities a cultural expedition or two.
There are plenty of things for families to do in the Cultural Triangle. A trip around the ruined city of Polonnaruwa can enchant an imaginative, serious-minded child, but many others can be found sat on the remains of a 1,000-year-old civilisation, scuffing their trainers while their parents have their noises in the guidebooks. One different way of exploring Polonnaruwa is through the story of the tribes of monkeys that battle for supremacy among the ruins – the Monkey Kingdom of Polonnaruwa is a way to bring the place alive.
Most families love scrambling up to the summit of Mount Sigiriya. We recommend that you avoid the crowds and the heat of the day so depending on whether your family are early risers or like a lie-in we can fine-tune your itinerary so suit. Ritigala is another family favourite – a clamber up steps surrounding by undergrowth which crates a sense of exploration.
But the Cultural Triangle is not just about… well, culture. It is also home to Minneriya game park, which along with its neighbour Wasgamuwa, is one of the smaller game parks in Sri Lanka, but particularly appealing in August when the dry season draws hundreds of elephants to its watering holes in search of a much-needed drink.
Perhaps the most glorious trip of all when it comes to activities in the Cultural Triangle is a hot-air balloon trip. Rise with the mist, soon after dawn, and enjoy a birds-eye view of the central plains that will surely be a highlight of your Sri Lanka holiday.
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
Sri Lanka Hot Air Ballooning
Kandalama, Cultural Triangle
Rise at dawn and soar above the wide plains and clusters of jungle which cover the Cultural Triangle, an area of Sri Lanka which is littered with dramatic ancient ruins dating back over 2,000 years.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: November to April
Minneriya National Park
Habarana, Cultural Triangle
Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. It is also the site of the world-renowned wildlife event ‘The Elephant Gathering’.
Duration: 1 hour
Best time: July to December
The Monkey Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle
Quite apart from the incredible ruins of this medieval city, Polonnaruwa is home to a large monkey population who were famously featured in Disney’s engaging documentary film ‘Monkey Kingdom’.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wilpattu, North-West Coast
Wasgamuwa National Park is comprised of dry evergreen forests, grasslands and wetlands, and is known for the elephants which frequent the Mahaweli River which runs along a boundary of the park.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: November to May
