Sigiriya

The Cultural Triangle in the dry central north of the island brings together Sri Lanka's most significant ancient cities and sanctuaries, nestled between Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla. Those interested in early Sinhalese history will find several UNESCO World Heritage Sites here in a compact area, alongside national parks featuring large elephant herds.The region lies north of Kandy, with Anuradhapura approximately 205 kilometres north of Colombo. Sigiriya and Dambulla, owing to their central position, serve as convenient starting points for day trips.

Minneriya National Park, located in the Cultural Triangle, protects the catchment area of an ancient reservoir and is famous for the so-called Gathering: during the dry season, large numbers of elephants gather on its banks. Estimates range from 150 to 200 animals, with some reports mentioning up to 700.The park is situated approximately 182 kilometres from Colombo, between Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and covers nearly 8,900 hectares. King Mahasena commissioned the Minneriya Reservoir in the 3rd century.Declared a protected area in 1938, Minneriya became a National Park in 1997. Besides elephants, Sambar deer, White-bearded langurs, Toque macaques, and rarely leopards live here; additionally, around 160 bird species are recorded, including Grey Pelicans and Painted Storks.

Dambulla is a market town in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, renowned for its cave temple featuring 153 Buddha statues and approximately 2,100 square meters of wall paintings. Situated on the main road to Anuradhapura and close to Sigiriya, the town also serves as a convenient transport hub for the region.The cave temple is located at the foot and on the flank of a rock that rises 150 to 160 meters above the plain. Below it stands the golden Buddha statue of the newer temple and museum complex, separate from the historic site. The town center, with its bus station and shops, stretches along the main thoroughfares, while to the southwest, on the road to Kurunegala, lie the megalithic tombs of Ibbankatuwa.According to tradition, King Valagamba found refuge in the caves for 15 years in the 1st century BCE and later had them converted into a temple. Since 1991, the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second great royal city after Anuradhapura, boasts an extensive ruined city, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. Palace complexes, temples, and the rock sculptures of Gal Vihara can be easily explored by bike in a day.The city lies east of the Cultural Triangle, by the Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Its archaeological zone stretches north of the current city, while the modern center with train and bus stations is about three kilometers south in the Kaduruwela district.After Vijayabahu I captured the city in 1070, it flourished under Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. From this era derive the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle with the Vatadage, and irrigation systems surpassing those of the Anuradhapura period.

Anuradhapura was the capital of the Sinhalese kings for over a millennium and remains to this day one of the holiest cities of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Huge dagobas, monastery ruins, and the Sri Maha Bodhi, considered the oldest human-planted tree with a known planting date, attract pilgrims and travelers alike.The city lies about 205 kilometers north of Colombo, at the northern edge of the Cultural Triangle. Since the 1949 protection plan, the sacred Old Town with its ruins and the New Town to its east, with government offices, the railway station, and most accommodations, have been separated.The city was the royal seat from the 4th century BC until the end of the 10th century. Since 1982, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. East of the city lies the pilgrim mountain Mihintale.