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 at the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka, the fertile Jaffna Peninsula is still fairly isolated from the rest of the country. Some evidence of the Civil War still remains in the form of roofless buildings and heavily militarized areas, but temples are being repainted and renovated, and houses are being rebuilt. Travelling around this primarily rural peninsula is an excellent way to catch glimpses of a world that remains untouched by modernity. Attractions include multiple kovilswith their extravagantly decorated interiors and colorful goburams, and ancient dagobas steeped in history. Visitors may even come across Hindu religious processing making their way through the villages.

• Kandharodai

10 km N of Jaffna. Open daily. Note; Armed guards present at site. Shoes should be removed before entering. An unusual and atmospheric spot, Kandharodai is an archaeological site comprising a cluster of squat miniature dagobas. They are thought to be around 2,000 years old, although their exact purpose of significance remains a mystery. According to some, the dagobas enshrine remains of monks. Another theory indicates that they were constructed and consecrated in fulfillment of prayers. Other finds from excavations of the site are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Jaffna.

• Nilavarai Well

Located at the peninsula’s northern edge are the Keerimalai hot springs, one for men and one for women. The latter is walled but the men’s pool has a good view of the sea. According to local folklore, a 7^th century Chola princess had such a disfigured face that she bathed in these waters and was curved off affliction. In gratitude, she ordered the construction of the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, found south of area.

The springs attract many visitors who come to immerse themselves in the therapeutic waters. There is another temple, the Naguleswaram Sive Kovil, nearby. The damage it sustained in the late 1990s is no longer apparent and the interior has been repainted in a riot of colors.

• Valvedditturai

30km NE of Jaffna. Former site of Prabhakaran’s house. A fishing town, Valveddditturai is most famous as the birth place of the founder of the LTTE, Velupillai Prabhakaran. However, the elusive guerilla leader’s childhood home was destroyed in 2010. Valvedditturai has a couple of interesting temples, including the Amman Temple towards the east of the village. Behind this shrine is a temple dedicated to Shiva, formerly owned by Prabhakaran’s family.

• Point Pedro

Note: photography is generally not permitted but it is worth asking the sentry for permission. The lighthouse cannot be visited. Point Pedro is the peninsula’s second largest town and its lighthouse marks Sri Lanka’s northern most point. The lighthouse, unfortunately, is still considered a High Security Zone and cannot be visited. However, the road on front can be accessed and visitors may be able to photograph the lighthouse with the permission of the sentry stationed nearby. Fisherman’s beach, located just 2 km beyond the military zone, is attractive and worth a stroll.

• Manalkadu Desert

Towards the south of Point Pedro is a stretch of white-sand coastal dunes, somewhat grandly called the Manalkadu Desert. The remains of St Anthony’s Church, dating from the early 20^th century, can be seen here, half-buried in the sand. Nearby is a group of grave markers, mostly dating to the 2004 tsunami. There is also a beach lapped by bright blue water. However, the remains of houses destroyed by the tsunami have not yet been cleared, and getting to the beach would involve navigating through them.

• Vallipuram

Once considered to be one of Jaffna’s main town, Vallipuram still attracts visitors who come to see the kovildedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is second only in size to the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. It underwent extensive renovation in 2012, during which a new roof was installed and the building repainted.

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.

Located in a Colonial-era building dating from 1877, the Colombo National Museum was founded by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The museum houses a plethora of interesting collections that provide a good introduction to the island’s temples and ancient cities. The most engaging galleries on the ground floor are 2 to 5, which feature exhibits from the Anuradhapura period through to the Kandyan era. The highlight here is the elaborate Kandyan throne, which was used by the last king of Kandy, Sri WickramaRajasinghe. Upstairs, there are several paintings, masks, coins, jewellery, puppets and a skeleton of a blue whale that washed ashore in 1984.

Part of the same complex as the Colombo National Museum, this museum is dated and dusty but those interested in the island’s diverse flora and fauna may find it appealing. There are various specimens in jars, including a pickled two-headed goat by the entrance, and informative display panels. Next door, the National Art Gallery comprises a large room displaying paintings by Sri Lankan artists in a range of styles. Notable among these are canvases by George Keyt. Temporary exhibitions are held in the room.

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.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the ancient citadel of Sigiriya sits atop a giant granite rock rising 200 m above the surrounding countryside. There are conflicting theories about the history of Sigiriya, but according to the MahavamsaKing Kassapa killed his father, King Dhatusena, in AD 477 to inherit the throne. Fearing retribution from his half-brother, Mogallana, Kassapa built an impregnable palace-fortress on the summit of the rock between AD 477 and 485. The site is thought to have been occupied for millennia, but much of what can be seen here today is attributed to the time of King Kassapa. The ruins were first discovered by British archaeologists in the early 20^th century, and excavations have continued here ever since.

The Royal Gardens

These landscaped gardens are divided into water, boulder and terrace gardens. The water gardens on the way to the rock from an avenue, with brick-lined pools and islands with ruined pavilions on either side. Beyond these lie the boulder and terrace gardens at the base of the rock.

The Lion Platform

This terrace on the northern side of the rock marks the final steep ascent to the summit. At one time, a colossal brick lion guarded the stairway leading to the top of the rock. The lion’s massive paws are all that remain of the structure, but even these are impressive.

The Summit

Nearly 2 ha in extent, the summit was once covered with buildings .today, only the foundations can be seen. The main attraction here are the spectacular views over the water gardens and beyond.

The Mirror Wall

This wall was originally coated with a natural concoction of lime, egg white and honey, which lend it a brilliant shine; some sections look highly polished even today. This wall is covered with graffiti- often in verses – by visitors between the 7^th and 13^th centuries on their impressions of Sigiriya and the frescoes here. Translations of these can be seen in the Sigiriya Museum.

Sigiriya Frescoes

One of the highlights of a visit to Sigiriya Rock are the beautiful frescoes that can be seen in a shelteredgallery in the western rock face. Of the estimated original of 500 frescoes, only 200 remain today. Dating from around the 5^th century, the paintings were initially thought to depict Kassapa’s concubines but are now believed to be portraits of apsaras (celestial nymphs) with their attendants. However, a theory suggested by Dr Raja de Silva claims that these are actually depictions of the Mahayana goddess, Tara. Among the island’s most iconic images, the frescoes have been likened in style to those in the Ajanta Caves in southwestern India. Despite their antiquity, the paintings remain remarkably well preserved, in part because of the protection afforded by the stone ledge.