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  • Monks at Sigiriya Fortress
  • Dambulla Temple
  • Archeological Site of Pollanaruwa

Cultural Triangle holidays

Explore Sri Lanka's historic cultural triangle

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Home to mystical ancient cities, thick jungles, cool hill stations and highlands and precious stones, in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle you can stay in a restored tea factory or a selection of unique hotels in Habarana, Sigiriya or Kandalama.


Cultural Triangle Holiday Highlights
•  The magnificent Dambulla Rock Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive caves and boasts beautiful murals, inscriptions and statues. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagmbahu for 14 years during his exile from Anuradhapura, and he built the Rock Temple when he regained his throne.
•  Go bird-watching in pretty Habarana, near Sigiriya. Kandalama’s 55-acre forest is also teeming with birdlife, as well as trees and medicinal plants.
•  Sri Lanka’s Buddhist capital from the 11th-13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is home to the former palace, audience hall and magnificent carved Buddhas. Parts of the city are ruined but its special atmosphere pervades amid lush gardens.
•  The 650ft-high Lion Rock at Sigiriya can be seen from miles around as it towers over the flat plains. Take in superb views from the top of this fortress and admire the gallery of well preserved frescoes halfway up.

Cultural Triangle Honeymoons
Celebrate your union with a honeymoon in Sri Lanka's beautiful Cultural Triangle. When browsing our Cultural Triangle hotels, look out for the ones with a 'Honeymoon' label, as these are our favourites for a romantic escape.

Cultural Triangle Weddings

Getting married in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is a magical and memorable way to tie the knot. An exotic land of vibrant cultures and magnificent landscapes and wildlife, the Cultural Triangle is sure to infuse you with its beauty and wonder.

Sri Lanka also offers fantastic value, look out for our ‘Wedding’ labelled Cultural Triangle hotels for our specially negotiated Sri Lanka wedding packages. All of our Sri Lanka wedding hotels also offer Renewal of Vows ceremonies and many also offer special offers and discounts, please see the individual pages for details.



Cultural Triangle Multi-Centre Holidays

Just say the word and we’ll combine your time in the Cultural Triangle with other parts of stunning Sri Lanka. Laze on pristine beaches, tour tea plantations in the hill country and explore fascinating cities. Or venture further afield and take in the Maldives, Dubai and India. For more information, view our Sri Lanka multi centre holidays.

Cultural Triangle Tailor Made

Our experienced sales team can tailor make your Cultural Triangle holiday from scratch incorporating flights, destinations, hotels and experiences so everything’s exactly as you want it.
To tailor make your own Sri Lanka holiday:
•  Have a look at our fantastic selection of hotels and tours
•  Call our friendly experts on 01306 747002 and tell them your holiday requirements
•  Complete our online quote request form

Time difference / local time

GMT +6 hours
Language

Sinhalese. Tamil and English are also widely spoken, and newspapers are printed in all three languages.

Currency

Sri Lankan rupee
Safety

Ethnic disturbances rarely occur in tourist areas. We always follow Foreign Office advice on matters of security for British visitors, but crime against foreign visitors is virtually non-existent here.

Highlights

Puranagama
Visit this charming village for a true taste of traditional Sri Lankan life. Nestled in tropical jungle, it is steeped in cultural heritage.

Aligala Caves
These fascinating caves date back to the 1st century BC. Stone pillars and amazing rock formations are scattered around them, and you’ll also see inscriptions and frescoes.

Dambulla Cave Temple
This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s five caves are shrines filled with magnificent Buddha statues and intricate murals depicting scenes from the deity’s life.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this spectacular landmark is steeped in legend. The ruins of a palace sit atop a sheer rock towering at over 200 feet.

Anuradhapura
A sacred city built in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura is home to some of Sri Lanka’s oldest archaeology, including an ancient monastery and several dagobas.

Polonnaruwa
In this 12th-century medieval capital city you’ll find a Royal Palace and Council Chamber, statues of Buddha carved into rocks, and beautiful Hindu temples.

Minneriya National Park
A sprawling park where you can spot deer, leopards, elephants, painted storks, cormorants, frogs and the endangered red-lipped lizard.

Events and festivals

March
The Great Night of Shiva
You might see Hindus holding sacred rituals at temples during this important Hindu festival, which celebrates the deity Lord Shiva’s birth and wedding anniversary.

April
Sri Lankan New Year
Everyone celebrates this non-religious festival, and the festivities include traditional games such as pillow-fighting and ‘hide the wig’.

May
Vesak Poya
This is the most important full moon for Buddhists, as it marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing. The island flickers with the light of delicate paper lanterns and clay coconut oil lamps.

August
Elephant Gathering
At this time of year, nearly 300 wild elephants gather every evening at nearby Minneriya National Park’s reservoir, and many hotels organise safaris to see watch them as they interact.

September
The Lanka Challenge
This annual tuk-tuk rally’s south-west route passes through Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwarra Eliya and Colombo as hopefuls from all over the world compete to win a cash prize.

Flying time to destination

10¾ hours

Sports

Your resort may offer badminton, tennis, pool and archery.

Spa facilities Many of our hotels boast sophisticated spas or Ayurveda centres where you can unwind at the hands of skilled therapists.
Eating/Drinking

Food
•   In Anuradhapura you’ll find international and Sri Lankan cuisine, while Kandy is known for its spicy curries.
•   In Polonnaruwa stick to hotel and guest-house restaurants.

Water
•   Don’t drink the tap water. Most hotels offer boiled and bottled water, so stick to this instead.

Good to know

Religion
Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.

Excursions

Our Cultural Triangle resorts offer a range of excursions. Set off on a night hike or jungle trek, or journey by bullock cart to a banana plantation.

You could cast a net with local fishermen, take a scenic helicopter flight over the island, or watch baby elephants feed at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Excursions are also available to national parks, temples and other landmarks.

Rather explore on your own?
Hire a bike and explore your surroundings, or set off on foot along eco trails and nature walks. Go bird, butterfly and dragonfly watching; sail off on a lake safari; or sway from side to side on the back of a horse or elephant.

Mystical types can try star gazing, watch snake charmers at work or have your palm read.

Tipping

Typically a 10% service charge is included in the bill, even in markets. If not, tip 10-15%.

Climate data for this region

Best time to visit

November to March and July to August.

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  • Elephant Trekking from Habarana: A magical journey

    Embark on an unforgettable elephant-back trek, soaking up the views as you slowly rock with each step of your incredible new friend. Pass through Habarana’s woodlands and keep an eye out for crocodiles wallowing in the rivers and water monitors - lizards that can grow over three metres long - at the water’s edge.


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