Cultural Triangle

The ruins of Anuradhapura:

The ruins of Anuradhapura, the country's first capital includes a large number of sacred Buddhist sites including dagobas, monasteries, palaces and the ancient Bo Tree, grown from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Aukana Buddha:

One of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and elegant statues, the Aukana Buddha lies to the west of Kala Wewa. The statue stands 12m high, carved from a single rock and is completely free-standing.

Dambulla’s ancient cave temple:

Dambulla’s ancient cave temple has a rock ceiling with a sweep of colourful frescoes, some of which date back to over 2,000 years, depicting Buddhist mythology and the tales of the Buddha's previous births

Mihintale:

Mihintale, where Buddhism originated on the island in 247 BC is especially inspiring on a Full Moon Poya Day when hundreds of people congregate in silent prayer, the statues are surrounded with flowers and the air is scented with incense and burning oils. Vesak takes place on full moon day in May with remembrance of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Prinivanpama (his passing). In June, the festival of Poson is celebrated in remembrance of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda.

Polonnaruwa:

Polonnaruwa’s ruins include the magnificent sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Vihara cut into Granite stone. The archeological museum in Polonnaruwa provides a useful guide to this ancient kingdom

The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery:

The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery nestles deep inside the Ritigala Nature Reserve. Walking up wooded slopes to the beautiful ruins, it is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones whilst clambering over the overgrown relics of a forgotten time.

Sigiriya:

Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic historical sites in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties enhances Sigiriya’s striking setting, which was built in 5C by King Kasyapa as a rock fortress. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya will astonish with its beautiful views and staggering engineering.

Wilpattu National Park:

Tantirimale borders Wilpattu National Park. A gradual climb leads to acres of flat granite rock where there are several ancient statues of Lord Buddha carved out of the rock, a dagoba and Bo tree. Secluded and little visited with great views.

Yapahuwa:

After the fall of Polonnaruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inaccessible crags, bearing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was Yapahuwa, where you can climb steep steps to the ruins.

Water Garden

Serves delicious international cuisine (Indigaswewa, Sigiriya, 0664 933 000)

Jetwing Vil Uyana

The most popular restaurant in Sigiriya, serving a selection of Western, Asian and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine (0662 286 000)

Heritance Kandalama

International cuisine and spectacular views across Kandalama Lake (0665 555 050)

Ulagalla

This cosy dining venue offers you the best of Sri Lankan, Asian and Western cuisine as well as unique fusion fare (Thirappane, 0252 050 280)

Forest Rock Garden

Serves (only) authentic vegetarian cuisine (Puttalam Road, Andarawewa, 0252 033 000)

The Lake

Serves a selection of Western, Asian and Sri Lankan food overlooking a magnificent lake (New Town, 0272 222 411)

Deer Park Hotel

Serves a selection of Western, Asian and Sri Lankan dishes (Giritale, 0272 246 272)