The Cultural Triangle stretches from the medieval Royal City of Kandy (present hill capital) in central Sri Lanka to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and includes Dambulla and Sigiriya all of which lie in the north-central province, the Rajarata of ancient Lanka and the cradle of its civilization. These historical cities are much patronised tourist destinations with Sri Lanka hotels rising to the occasion by providing high quality facilities and services including leisure activities. If you want to pamper yourself while delving into the past and wish to go adventuring in the jungles, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts would be suitable to meet your needs.
Within the Cultural Triangle are Sri Lanka’s first and second capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Anuradhapura is a city dotted with great dagobas, many monasteries and palaces, reservoirs and a complex system of irrigation works .The Ruwanveli Seya, Thuparamaya, Mirisavetiya (shaped like a mound of chillie) are great stupas. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, the sapling of the Bo Tree in Buddha Gaya under which the Buddha attained enlightenment is perhaps the most sacred site in this city. Mihintale, birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism is nearby. Polonnaruwa, has the beautiful Gal Viharaya, a fine example of stone carving and the Vatadage is an elaborate edifice. The great Parakrama Samudraya is Polonnaruwa’s great man made reservoir and neighbouring Polonnaruwa is the historic jungle shrine, Somawathi Chethiya.
Sigiriya or the Fortress in the Sky is another marvel within the Cultural Triangle. With its beautiful female frescoes, the highly polished Mirror Wall, ruins of palaces, gardens and the lion paw entrance, Sigiriya stands globally unique. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace and the spectacular Esala Perehera (Pageant). Dambulla’s Rock Temple, Yapahuwa and Panduwasnuwara, the Minneriya National Park (Great Elephant Gathering in dry season July – September) and Kaudulla National Park are part of the Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
