Travel triangles seem pretty popular. Maybe it’s a sneaky way to trap tourists into visiting a triage of destinations? Or maybe they’re all legit attractions in their own rite. Some, like the Bermuda triangle are surrounded with mystery and intrigue, some are natural wonders and others are culturally significant attractions. Whatever their role, the most impressive travel triangle I have enjoyed visiting is the cultural triangle in the interior of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
This travel triangle of ancient sites provides a glimpse into the history of Sri Lanka. All vastly different in appearance, and spread out across the country, the cultural sites of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura make up the main attractions, however the Dambulla caves and Mihintale mountain are also worth visiting, as is the city of Kandy which serves as the southern border to this triangle.
Anuradhapura, is the most northern tip of the triangle, in central Sri Lanka. Once the capital of Sri Lanka, this ancient city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mostly in ruins, some stupas remain in great condition and there are finely detailed carvings, stones and paintings around the area.
This is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhism as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is found here. This sacred fig tree was planted nearly 2300 years ago, making it the oldest known planted tree in the world. This Bodhi tree is believed to have been planted from part of the tree in which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. When I visited there were literally hundreds of young monks visiting the site, most for the first time. It was fun to watch the young monks laugh and have fun at a place of such spiritual importance.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa lies further east, in central Sri Lanka and is most famously known for it’s rock carvings and statues.
The rock temple of Gal Vihara is a collection of Buddha carvings, with the giant reclining Buddha being one of the most famous sites in all of Sri Lanka. There is a lot more to see here too, so staying a night or two in the modern, clean city of Polonnaruwa is well worth it. The ruins are nearby and a great way to get around to see the ancient sites is to rent a bicycle.
Finally, Sigiriya, my favourite must-visit destination along the cultural triangle route. Lying further south in Central Sri Lanka, Sigiriya enjoys greener, more natural surroundings. As you approach the area, the landscape is mainly flat grasslands, until you see this one giant rock. Once a strategicaly important rock fortress, Sigiriya is also known as Lion Rock as the gateway to climb to the peak of the rock was once carved in the shape of a huge lion. Today, only the giant carved lion paws remain.
There are beautiful gardens and walking paths in the area, and as you climb Sigiriya, you’ll spot some of the best rock paintings in all of Sri Lanka. There is also a strangely interesting mirror wall. This rock wall was once polished so finely that you could see your reflection on it! Views from the top of Sigiriya are worth the effort of climbing the steep stairs bolted into the rock.
Other stops along the route. The Golden Buddha is massive! It is close to the entrance to the Dambulla caves. The Temple of the Tooth is in Kandy, and is said to house an actual tooth from Buddha. Worth visiting if you can handle the crowds and heat – you only get a fleeting, obstructed glimpse of the tooth at certain times of the day. Mihintale is a climb and a half. Lots of stairs up to the top of a mountain but well worth, it especially at sunset. You might just catch a monk or two hanging around on top of the mountain too.
While Sri Lanka may be rich in cultural history, the country also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, bears and elephants. If you like hot, spicy food then you’ll also love Sri Lanka!