The Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla sit close together in the central dry zone and can be explored in two to four days.
Kandy
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the heart of the sacred city of Kandy, the last royal capital.
Galle Fort
A fortified colonial town on the south coast, still lived in today.
Northern heritage
Jaffna's Hindu temples, fort and island shrines show a different side of the island's culture.
Visiting respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats at sacred sites, and follow photography rules. Licensed site guides add a great deal of context.
Sri Lanka's UNESCO cultural sites
Six of Sri Lanka's eight World Heritage Sites are cultural: the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Sacred City of Kandy, and the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications. The other two are natural sites: Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands.
Suggested order
Most routes approach the Cultural Triangle from the airport or Kandy. A logical order is Anuradhapura first (furthest north), then Sigiriya and Dambulla, then Polonnaruwa, before heading south to Kandy. Basing yourself near Sigiriya for two or three nights lets you visit several sites without moving hotels.
Getting the most from the sites
The ancient sites are big, exposed and hot, so start early, rest at midday and return in the late afternoon. A licensed guide brings the history to life, especially at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Visit the site museums first for context. Wear modest clothing for active religious sites, and bring socks for hot stone floors where shoes must be removed.
Lesser-known cultural sites
- Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced, near Anuradhapura
- Ritigala, a forest monastery on a mountain, near Habarana
- Aukana, a tall standing Buddha carved from rock
- Yapahuwa, a rock fortress with an ornate stairway
- Mulkirigala, a rock temple near Tangalle on the south coast
- The Embekke and Gadaladeniya temples near Kandy, known for wood and stone carving
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for the Cultural Triangle?
Two days for the highlights; three or four to include Anuradhapura and slower visits.
Are the sites suitable for children?
Yes, though heat and climbs mean early starts and breaks work best.
Do I need a guide?
Not essential, but a licensed guide helps bring the ruins to life.
What is the Cultural Triangle?
The area between Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with Sigiriya and Dambulla in the middle. It holds most of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and UNESCO sites.