LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES Sri Lanka boasts eight phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Sites , four of which can be found in the Cultural Triangle . Between them they tell a fascinating story of Sri Lankan civilisation .
SIGIRIYA The 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the island ’ s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites and its prime tourist attraction . It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600 foot high rock . For just two decades in the 5th century AD , King Kashyapa set up his capital at Sigiriya . His creation was a remarkable feat of engineering and a true work of art .
To fully appreciate Sigiriya , it is worth climbing up the steep steps to the summit . At the top , there are majestic views of the surrounding jungle and the foundations of a Royal Palace , with water tanks that supplied water to all the other buildings . On one of the stairways , part-way up the rock , you will find ancient frescoes depicting 21 life-sized damsels ( believed to be the king ’ s concubines ), still shining in their original colours . You can stroll through the ruins of the palace and gardens down below and admire the rock without climbing up all the steps .
CAVE TEMPLES OF DAMBULLA Hewn into a 160m granite outcrop are the remarkable cave temples of Dambulla . Used as a refuge since the 1st century BC , each cave is filled with murals depicting scenes from the Buddha ’ s life and gilded statues of the Buddha in various poses . The temple is spiritual and mesmerising , with no less than 150 Buddhist statues in the five caves . Cave 2 , the Maharaja Vihara , is the largest and most spectacular . This visit involves a 10-15 minute uphill climb on foot , though you are also rewarded with wonderful views looking over the plain .
MEDIAEVAL CAPITAL OF POLONNARUWA In the 12th century AD , the capital of Polonnaruwa was one of the great urban centres in South Asia . It tells a story of Buddhism , royalty , kinship , war and power . Today , the well-preserved ruins give you the chance to experience the grandeur of this period and marvel at the artistry of the island ’ s early craftsmen . Highlights are the Royal Palace and Council Chamber , and the four graceful Buddha statues of Gal Vihara ( Stone Temple ), the pinnacle of Sri Lankan rock carving . The site also hosts the Royal baths and the vast Parakrama Samudraya reservoir , as well as many distinctly South Indianstyle Hindu temples . Set amongst gently undulating woodland , with monkeys , giant lizards and birdlife in abundance , Polonnaruwa ’ s historical site is usually explored by car and on foot ; or you could hire a bike and cycle around .
THE SACRED CITY OF ANURADHAPURA The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a vast archaeological site of palaces , monasteries , temples and dagobas , mostly in ruins , athough some have been restored . This was once one of the grandest monastic cities the world has ever seen , established in the 4th century BC then rising to become the major centre for Buddhist pilgrimage and learning in Sri Lanka . It is home to the 2,300 year-old sacred bo tree which was brought to Sri Lanka as a sapling from the bo tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment .
The great kings of Anuradhapura oversaw a golden age in the island ’ s history , building colossal dagobas that rivalled the pyramids of Egypt in scale , and developing a sophisticated irrigation system that is still in use today . The Jethawanaramaya Stupa is one of the largest ancient monuments in the world . Anuradhapura eventually fell into decline in the 10th century AD , but still remains an important centre for Buddhism today . Due to the vast scale of the ancient city and the hot weather , people usually drive to the various sites . You can also hire bicycles to cycle around .
MIHINTALE SANCTUARY Clearly visible sitting on ‘ the hill of Mahinda ’, 8km from Anuradhapura , lies Mihintale sanctuary . Known as the ‘ cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka ’, it was here that the Buddhist doctrine was first preached by the monk Mahinda , son of the Emperor of India , to King Devanampiyatissa more than 2,000 years ago . It is approached by a magnificent , wide , ancient stone stairway of 1,840 steps .
RITIGALA The intriguing ruins of a 9th century monastery are hidden on a mountainside amongst dense forest . Ritigala ’ s remains include a reservoir wall , hospital , banqueting hall for the monks , library and ordination hall . The visit is on foot , up hill , along paths occasionally overgrown with vegetation .
MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK This park offers the best chance of seeing elephants in the wild , particularly on the water ’ s edge of Minneriya tank , an ancient reservoir built 1,500 years ago . Visitors are also likely to see spotted deer , wild buffalo , wild boar , crocodiles , sambur , water birds , and peacocks within the park . There have been rare sightings of leopards and sloth bear . Asian elephants are renowned as highly social animals and their ‘ tank gatherings ’ demonstrate their complex group dynamics in action . At Minneriya , between July and October , you can witness the phenomenon of up to 300 elephants gathering in the late afternoon around the tank . Wildlife safaris by jeep can be arranged to Minneriya National Park during most months of the year ( it is on the road to Polonnaruwa ). A little further to the north-east is Kaudulla National Park , established in 2002 , which supports a large herd of elephants and a range of wildlife similar to those found in Minneriya .
ACCOMMOATION IN A NUTSHELL A few ideas for extra special places to stay
LUXURY BOUTIQUE Jetwing Vil Uyana ( near Sigiriya ) and Ulagalla Resort ( near Anuradhapura ) are luxury boutique hotels set in extensive grounds amongst rice paddies and lakes , where accommodation is in individual villas . The boutique Elephant Corridor offers luxurious suite living , with private indoor or outdoor plunge pool , set in acres of scrub jungle .
UNIQUE ECO-RESORT For something completely different , the Heritance Kandalama is a unique eco-hotel that manages to merge with the natural landscape ; a masterpiece of the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa . The Mudhouse is an eco-retreat in a remote location offering a truly unique experience .
CULTURAL HIDEAWAY Aliya Resort & Spa offers sensational views of the Sigirya Rock Fortress from its first floor viewing deck and infinity pool . Its design has also been heavily influenced by the ‘ Aliya ,’ or Sri Lankan elephant .
COMFORTABLE CHALET-STYLE For excellent ‘ no-frills ’ hospitality , near Sigiriya , we have chosen the comfortable Kassapa Lions Rock hotel for its charming atmosphere .
CLIMATE As the climate is very hot , with an average temperature of 30C , it is best to do sightseeing and activities in the early mornings and late afternoons , with time to relax at the hotel , eat or travel in an air-conditioned car at the height of the day . Average humidity is 60 %, with very little rainfall most of the year - most of the rain falls between November and February when the North east monsoon prevails .
DRIVING DISTANCES Colombo to Sigiriya 4 hours ( 170km ). International Airport to Sigiriya 4 hours ( 153km ). Dambulla to Sigiriya 30 minutes ( 24km ). Dambulla to Polonnaruwa 2 hours ( 70km ). Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura 2.5 hours ( 100km ). Sigiriya to Anuradhapura 2 hours ( 82km ). International Airport to Anuradhapura 4.5 hours ( 170km .) Sigiriya to Kandy 2.5 hours ( 92km ).
Monks praying at Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura
Buddhist monks
Dambulla Cave Temples
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