The town of Mahiyangana is famous in Buddhist legend as the first of the three places in Sri Lanka that the Buddha visited after he gained enlightenment; the other two been Kelaniya and Nainativu.

About 1 km south of the town center, the huge RajamahaDagoba marks the spot where the Buddha is believed to have preached during his first visit to the country. Said to enshrine a lock of the Buddha’s hair, the dagobawas expanded by King Dutugemunu in the 2^nd century BC, and further renovated during the reign of King VoharikaTissa in the 3^rd century AD. The attractive complex, backed by a long walkway.

Another temple of note here is the Sri Maha Bodhi Seya, which is located west of the center. It was commissioned by President Premadasa in the early 1990s to look like the Mahabodhi Stupa at Bodh Gaya in India.

The town also serves as a good base for visiting the MaduruOya National

Among the many Kandyan-era temples that dot the area around Kandy, the Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and EmbekkeDevaletemples are exceptional. These three temples date from the 14^th century, when the Kandyan kingdom was in its early days.

Situated atop a rock, the Gadaladeniya Temple complex was built during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahuin 1344. The first building within the temple complex is the cruciform subsidiary shrine. Each wing of this is the cruciform subsidiary shrine. Each wing of this shrine houses the Buddha image and is crowned by a small dagoba.The interior is adorned with attractive wall paintings.

Guarding the steps leading to the main stone temple are two small elephant sculptures the carvings of dancers and drummers on the temple’s exterior walls mark the influence of south Indian architecture in its construction. Inside, a serene golden Buddha sits under a makaratorana(ceremonialarch) decorated with murals.

Located 2 km south-west of the Gadaladeniya Temple, the imposing, bright white Lankatilaka Temple is probably the most impressive of the three shrines. Visitors arriving by car enter from the western side of complex, while those on foot reach the site by a steep flight of rock-cut steps on the eastern side. The west door leads to a series of Hindu shrines. However, the main attraction here is the Buddhist image house, the entrance to which lies on the eastern side. Flanking the door-way leading into the chamber are two guardian gajasingahas (elephant-lions). Inside, there is a seated Buddha statue under a makaratoranasurrounded by Kandyan-era paintings on the walls and ceiling. To the left of the building is a rock inscription detailing the construction of the temple, which was completed in 1344.

Dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama, the EmbekkeDevale lies 2 km south-east of the Lankatilaka Temple. The shrine is famous for the richly carved wooden pillars of its digge (drummers’ pavilion). The intricate design on each of these pillars portrays flowers, dancers, soldiers and wrestles among other themes. Just behind the digge is the main shrine, and to its right is a subsidiary shrine with a Buddha statue of a peacock, the bird associated with Kataragama.

Among the many Kandyan-era temples that dot the area around Kandy, the Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and EmbekkeDevaletemples are exceptional. These three temples date from the 14^th century, when the Kandyan kingdom was in its early days.

Situated atop a rock, the Gadaladeniya Temple complex was built during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahuin 1344. The first building within the temple complex is the cruciform subsidiary shrine. Each wing of this is the cruciform subsidiary shrine. Each wing of this shrine houses the Buddha image and is crowned by a small dagoba.The interior is adorned with attractive wall paintings.

Guarding the steps leading to the main stone temple are two small elephant sculptures the carvings of dancers and drummers on the temple’s exterior walls mark the influence of south Indian architecture in its construction. Inside, a serene golden Buddha sits under a makaratorana(ceremonialarch) decorated with murals.

Located 2 km south-west of the Gadaladeniya Temple, the imposing, bright white Lankatilaka Temple is probably the most impressive of the three shrines. Visitors arriving by car enter from the western side of complex, while those on foot reach the site by a steep flight of rock-cut steps on the eastern side. The west door leads to a series of Hindu shrines. However, the main attraction here is the Buddhist image house, the entrance to which lies on the eastern side. Flanking the door-way leading into the chamber are two guardian gajasingahas (elephant-lions). Inside, there is a seated Buddha statue under a makaratoranasurrounded by Kandyan-era paintings on the walls and ceiling. To the left of the building is a rock inscription detailing the construction of the temple, which was completed in 1344.

Dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama, the EmbekkeDevale lies 2 km south-east of the Lankatilaka Temple. The shrine is famous for the richly carved wooden pillars of its digge (drummers’ pavilion). The intricate design on each of these pillars portrays flowers, dancers, soldiers and wrestles among other themes. Just behind the digge is the main shrine, and to its right is a subsidiary shrine with a Buddha statue of a peacock, the bird associated with Kataragama.

Located to the northeast of Colombo is the Kelaniya Raja MahaVihara, a venerated Sri Lankan Buddhist shrine considered second only to the temple of the Tooth in importance. Earlier shrines on this spot were destroyed by Indian invaders and later by the Portuguese colonialists; the present-day structure dates from around the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

A fairly plain dagobamarks the spot where the Buddha is said to have preached during one of his three visits to Sri Lanka, but this is upstaged by the elaborate image house. Made of yellow-orange colored stone, the eye-catching exterior boasts detailed decoration with ornate door knockers and pillars; look out for the elephants flanking the entrance. The interior is covered with paintings, the most striking of which are the 20^th century murals by SoliasMendis, a renowned artist, depicting the Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka.

The three-shaded temple grounds are home to a large bo tree, an impressive bell tower, two large statues and a small museum. Raja MahaVihara is also the focus of the DurudhuPerahera festival.

A short walk southeast from Beira Lake lies the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist shrines as well as the focus of the NavamPerahera festival. The temple was established during Sri Lanka’s 19^th century Buddhist revival, and comprises an usual mix of Minimalist and modern Indian architectural styles. The temple complex is made up of a group of buildings clustered around the main courtyard with a dagobaat the centre and a bo tree growing out of a raised platform. This is also where the temple elephant can be seen.

Located across the courtyard is the main image house – home to a large orange-robed Buddha in meditation pose, flanked by elephant tusks and surrounded by devotees. Although the statue is brightly colored and overpowering, the effect is nonetheless impressive. It is also worth looking around to appreciate the carvings on the walls and along the base of the image house.

The wooden pavilion opposite the image house is the library, where piles of antique ola-leaf manuscripts are flanked by Buddha statues from abroad. The upper floor can be accessed via the bo tree terrace, and a walk along the adjacent balcony affords a good overview of the complex. Just off the courtyard, the temple museum contains an extraordinary collection of gifts accumulated over the years – ranging from Buddha statues to cameras. The 1930s Mercedes Benz parked outside was also presented to the temple and is a popular photo opportunities.

Visitors must take their shoes off inside the temple. Note, however, that the floor here can get very hot from the sun, so it is advisable to bring a pair of socks.

Located in the heart of Colombo, the placid Beira Lake attracts a variety of water birds such as pelicans, egrets and cormorants. Visitors can hire a swan-shaped pedal boat to take a trip around the lake. On the southern side of Beira Lake site Seema Malaka, a meditation temple used as an inauguration hall for monks from the nearby Gangaramaya Temple. It was financed by a Muslim businessman who, having been ostracized by his community, dedicated to invest money in a Buddhist venture.

The temple was built to a design by Geoffrey Bawa and is made up of a series of three platforms that are connected to each other and to the shore by walkways.

The Cultural Triangle has a wealth of attractions, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites. The ruins of Anuradhapura and Polannaruwa, along with the town of Kandy form the triumvirate of unmissable sights that lend the region its name. Beyond these cultural hotspots lie other fascinating ruins and some superb national parks.

Located in Sri Lanka’s northern plains, Anuradhapura and Polannaruwa are bastions of Sinhalese traditions as well as architectural marvels. All that remains of these great cities today are captivating ruins that provide an insight into Sinhalese culture and inform visitors about the history of Buddhism. In fact, Mihintale, not far from Anuradhapura, is said to be where Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

The Cultural Triangle has, however, much more to offer visitors who venture beyond these sights. The nymph frescoes at the spectacular Sigiriya Rock, and the murals in the Dambulla Cave Temples are excellent examples of Sri Lankan art, while tourists gape at the sheer size of the standing Buddha sculptures at Aukana and Sasseruwa. There are also the tranquil, abandoned monastery ruins of Ritigala and Arankele for those who want to escape the crowds.

Aside from the cultural sights, this diverse region also boasts a wealth of natural attractions. Visitors can intersperse their sightseeing with trips to Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks, where “the Gathering” the elephants takes place each year during the dry season. The parks also have a wide variety of birdlife.

The Cultural Triangle is well established on the tourist trail and visitors are catered for with comfortable and atmospheric hotels, a host of transport options and tour operators offering a variety of interesting outdoor activities such as hot-air ballooning and cycling.

Exploring the Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle sees more visitors than most areas of Sri Lanka as it is home to numerous sights of historical interest, ranging from staggering ruins of great Sinhalese capitols and Buddhist monasteries to remarkable cave temples carved out of granite outcrops. Centrally located Habarana and Sigiriya are excellent tourist destinations in their own right, along with being good bases for day trips to Polannaruwa and Anuradhapura. Smaller and less-visited attractions towards the south of the region, such as the temple at Aluvihare or the Nalanda Gedige, can also be comfortably accessed but trips will need to be planned in advance. The region’s national parks are ideally positioned to break up an itinerary of historical sights.

Getting Around

Visitors to the Cultural Triangle often hire a car and driver, which makes getting around easier and less time consuming. Trains run from Colombo to both Anuradhrapura and Polannaruwa and bus services in the region are regular and reliable. Habarana is a key point for changing buses. Bear in mind, however, that some of the north-bound buses can be extremely crowded and travelling in them can be difficult. Dambulla, Habarana and Sigiriya are ideal bases for day trips to surroundings areas. To visit and sights located further afield, tourists without a car often choose to arrange tours through guesthouses or hotels, or hire a three-wheeler. The ruins at Anuradhapura and Polannaruwa are best explored on bicycle and these can be hired from nearby guesthouses. A jeep and driver are needed for park safaris, which can be arranged through hotels or at the entrance to the parks.

A charming, culturally vibrant city, Kandy is the capital of the Hill Country. It was the seat of government of the last Sinhalese kingdom, until it was taken over by the British in 1815. Today, it attracts tourists and pilgrims alike who come here to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, and to experience the famous Esala Perahera. Easy to wander around, Kandy also has some interesting museums and markets to explore. There is a range of accommodation to choose from, with many of the town’s hotels set in the surrounding hills. Kandy also makes a great base for exploring the Knuckles Range and the outlying temples.

Kandy Lake

Located in the heart of the city, this lake was created by the last king of the Kandyan kingdom, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in the 19^th century. The island in the center was used as the king’s pleasure house before the British converted it into an ammunition store after they conquered Kandy in 1815. The building on the south shore, opposite the Temple of the Tooth complex, was formerly a monk’s bath house; it is now a police station. Visitors can hire a boat for a tour across the water. Lone travellers are advised to avoid the eastern and after dark.

Kandy National Museum

On a small hill east of the Temple of the Tooth stands the Kandy National Museum, housed in a white building used to function as the Queen’s Palace. The exhibits in this museum depict life in Kandy before the arrival of the Europeans. Among the displays are weapons such as bows and arrows, knives and daggers as well as jewellery and traditional costumes. In addition, items of the day-to-day use such as jaggerymoulds with elephant designs, and areca nut cutters shaped like can be seen near a display of devil dance masks and wooden carvings. The museum is good place to take a closer look at ola-leaf manuscripts and to appreciate the skills of the crafts-man of the Kandyan kingdom.

Museum of world Buddhism

Those interested in Buddhism will find a visit to this museum rewarding. House in a Neo-Classical building from the British era, the museum explores the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and also has exhibits on Buddhism in other Asian countries. A large number of the sculptures on display here are replicas, while some of other objects have been donated by the relevant countries. Tourists who have visited Aukana and Sasseruwa will find the photographs of the colossal Bamiyan Buddha statue in Afghanistan especially interesting. The replica of the fasting Buddha statue in the Pakistan pavilion is also striking. Rooms upstairs filled with exhibits focusing on Buddhist beliefs in countries such as India, China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, the Buddha’s tooth. Built in the 16^th century, the original temple stood at the heart of the Royal Palace complex. The temple was plundered along with the palace when the Dutch attacked the city in 1765. The main shrine was originally constructed during the reign of Vimala Dahrma Suriya I (1590-1604); it was rebuilt by King Rajasinghe II (1634-1686) following the Dutch incursion. The palace was renovated in the 19^th century by Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Kandy, who built the most and replaced the earlier entrances with a massive stone gateway. An LTTE bombing badly damaged the temple in 1998, but it has since been restored.