On a Cultural High in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka

It often comes as surprise the diversity of experiences this tiny island, Pearl of the Indian Ocean offers. And when you start digging up its list of cultural spots you will be stunned to know that you can make a whole trip just out of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, that consists of tranquil Buddhist religious sites and sprawling historical cities. Like everything in the country, the triangle can be easily accessed by road and combined with other activities like beach visits and safaris.

Kandy : Situated in the Central highlands Kandy, 135 kilometres from Colombo, is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists around the world. It is believed that a part of a tooth of Lord Buddha is here in the Temple of the Tooth Relic, inarguably the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, and also a World Heritage site. Since Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka you can visit The Royal Palace of Kandy built in the 14th century.        

Other places of cultural interests are Ceylon Tea Museum, Buddhist museum (located close to The Temple of the Tooth) and Bahirava Kanda Vihara Buddhist Statue (to have the best views of entire Kandy town), apart from beautiful parks and gardens.

Sigiriya : Ninety kilometres north of Kandy lays the iconic rock fortress, urgently protruding out of the adjacent flatlands. It is an ancient capital town built by King Kasyapa on the flattop of a 200-metre tall rock, the sides of which are
decorated with colourful frescos.

Today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and consists of the ruins of the palace and palatial paraphernalia, apart from canals, bridges, dams etc. Sigiriya is considered a fine example of urban planning and considered the 8th world wonder by the locals. Visitors can see the beautiful ruin city by hiking up a series of rocky stairs, and once at the top, the view of the expanse of misty forests down below is truly breathtaking! No wonder it is one of the most visited spots in Sri Lanka.

Close by (20 kms) is Dambulla, famous for its Dambulla Cave Temple Complex dating back to 1st century B.C. The complex of five caves is filled with sculptures of Lord Buddha and of Sri Lankan kings and gods, other than frescos and murals. This sanctuary of peace is a UNESCO World Heritage site too. If you’re into pre-history you will find Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs of particular interest; visit the on-site museum to view the tools and wares from the period that were unearthed in the region.

Anuradhapura : At the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka lies the ancient city of Anuradhapura, deemed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world (founded in 380 BC). It served as the first capital of the ancient Sinhalese kingdom. Today what remains are the restored and preserved ruins of ancient palaces, monasteries, dagobas (brick stupas), gardens, burials, and water tanks etc, but the city still holds its significance in current age as a Buddhist religious site. One of the main attractions is the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bodhi tree (fig tree), which is believed to have grown from the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Close by is the twin city of Polonnaruwa, used by the kings as the capital of the island, after Anuradhapura, until the 13th century. Many choose to visit Polonnaruwa over the former because the ruins are spread over a smaller area. It is just as impressive as Anuradhapura with numerous Buddha scuptures, the royal palace, Hindu temples, dagobas and very old trees. You can see the whole city on a cycle with the help of a map. Culture and adventure together!

While you’re around the area you can make a day trip to Ritigala, about 45 kilometres from Anuradhapura. It is the highest mountain range in the middle of the dry zone of Sri Lanka and has a wet microclimate. In fact, it is higher than
Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale. It is home to about 70 caves that were inhabited by monks, all in ruins now. There are also the ruins of a Buddhist Monastery in the jungle along with bridges and bathing enclosure. The beauty of Ritigala is the serenity of the jungle setting; it is almost meditative.

Mihintale : Revered as the ‘cradle of Buddhism’ in the country, it is considered to be the meeting place of Arahath Mahinda Thero (son of Emperor Ashoka from India who converted to Buddhism when he saw the miseries of warfare) and King Dewanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka, which resulted in the spread of the religion in the country. The 1840 odd steps canopied by rows of tall ancient trees will lead you to the famous Mihintale Mahaseya Stupa, ancient inscriptions, water bodies, monuments, and several ruins. You can also have a brilliant panoramic view of the nearby cities. Since the first meetings are believed to have taken place in the month of June, every year on this month thousands of pilgrims visit the site and decorate it with prayer flags, lights and paper lanterns. It’s a great time to witness the holy site come to life. Sri Lanka may be one of the few countries of its size to have so many UNESCO World Heritage sites. The triangle is a world of its own, away from the bustle of cities and beaches – a treat for the soul. With Uber Intercity you can travel to all the sites hassle-free, at your convenience from Colombo. Give us a call and get ready for your cultural journey!

” Make the best of the short trip by cutting on travel time with Uber Intercity.
You can also use the Call2Book function to have our representative book you an Uber from Colombo to any city in Sri Lanka.

Just call +94 711 26 5555

Intercity travel in Sri Lanka is made so convenient now with Uber Intercity. ”