Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka's cultural triangle is defined by three historic Royal Sinhalese capitals from its past glory days. Kandy, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura are three remarkable cities featuring some of the world's finest Buddhist art and architecture. Dambulla and Sigiriya are also part of this triangle.

Sri Lanka boasts an impressive seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its compact area, matching the number found in heritage-rich Egypt. Six cultural sites reflect a civilization with over 2,000 years of documented history, while a seventh natural site showcases some of the highest biodiversity outside the Amazon basin.

From massive ancient monuments and tranquil rock carvings in expansive ruined cities to a 5th-century AD king’s palace in the sky, the World Heritage Sites highlight the island’s rich history and contributions to civilization. The largest and most dramatic of these are situated in the so-called Cultural Triangle, formed by connecting the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. It’s a living heritage, where visitors can see Buddhist monks and devoted worshipers and hear the mesmerizing murmur of religious chants, bringing the ancient brick temples, granite statues, and towering dagobas of Sri Lanka’s historic cities to life.

Through these heritage sites, visitors can relive significant episodes in the island’s history, such as the introduction of Buddhism, which inspired kings to achieve remarkable engineering feats; the complex palace intrigues; the repeated invasions and conquests; and ultimately, the surrender to European colonial powers.

Exploring Sri Lanka’s heritage sites takes you on a spiritual journey that will uplift, amaze, inspire, and refresh. The island’s compact size allows for visiting several of these wonders in the Cultural Triangle even on a short trip.

There is much to see and experience within this triangle. It is advisable to plan early and list iconic places to visit. If you have extra time, you can add additional sites for a bonus.

The region is mostly dry and receives minimal rain throughout the year, with the highest rainfall occurring in November and December. All between June and July.