Main Attractions in Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka – Highlights for the Discerning Sightseer

The mysterious city of Anuradhapura has the distinction of having been Sri Lanka's first ancient capital. As you might expect at this renowned city you will have the opportunity to observe a myriad of fascinating and evocative ruins. Taking pride of place is the greatly venerated Sri Maha Bodhiya which is a bo tree that is sacred to Buddhists. Another highlight is Ruwanwelisaya, which is a renowned stupa that is frequented by devotees as well as sightseers. Other prominent sites include a number of well-known religious and cultural attractions that are sure to capture the interest of the sightseer. Anuradhapura functioned as the capital of the land for as long as 1,000 years.

Polonnaruwa became the capital of the land following the demise of its predecessor Anuradhapura. The archaeological remnants to be seen at Polonnaruwa today provide an insight into its glory at the time of its heyday. Culture lovers will be captivated by the temples, tombs, stupas and statues that can abundantly be found at Polonnaruwa. Make sure to visit the Royal Palace whose ruins provide a suggestion of its onetime glory. Another highlight is the Audience Hall which boasts a number of interesting carvings; to see these features you must ascend a flight of stairs flanked by splendid stone lions. A tour of this city would not be complete without visiting the picturesque Sacred Quadrangle with its numerous attractions.

The principal cultural attraction of Sigiriya is the spectacular Lion Rock which features the remnants of a royal palace on its summit. Before ascending the remarkable Sigiriya rock you will have the opportunity to explore this site's royal gardens which even today will impress the sightseer. If you make the effort to climb the spectacular rock you will be rewarded by a number of features of interest. A highlight would be the famous Sigiriya frescoes which depict a number of females engaged in carrying flowers. Another renowned feature is the Mirror Wall which was at one time so well polished that it functioned as a mirror; this wall also contains the famous graffiti inscribed by visitors to the site. A choice of accommodation that you could consider from where this site would be within easy reach would be Jetwing Vil Uyana, a conveniently located hotel in Sigiriya.

The well-known location known as Mihintale has the distinction of being the site, according to tradition, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by the monk Mahinda. As you might expect, you will find a host of interesting sites at this locality which will draw the attention of the Buddhist devotee and sightseer alike. At the base of Mount Mihintale, visitors will find the remnants of an ancient hospital, a number of interesting stone engravings and a bath that was reputed to have medicinal properties. By ascending a number of stairways you will have the opportunity to visit several engrossing shrines at Mihintale.

Dambulla which is situated in the central part of the Cultural Triangle is renowned for its mysterious cave temples. Within these intriguing shrines, you will encounter a host of fascinating murals and sculptures that will draw the interest of the culture lover. The cave temples are located within the massive rock at Dambulla and can be reached by ascending a series of steps. From the temples, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding plains.