A Pocket Guide to Sri Lanka´s Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
Ancient cities, crumbling temples, and towering Buddha statues…all surrounded by lush and vibrant greenery. Welcome to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where every corner has a story to tell, a story of this country’s rich and layered history. This is the area to plan your Sri Lanka journey around.
This is the first leg of ourThree-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary. For the rest of our itinerary, check the links below. Come back up here when you’re ready, but finish this first guide first!
the Sri Lanka Series…
CLICK TO JUMP!✷ Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
✷ A Pocket Guide to Kandy & Ella, Two of Sri Lanka’s Favorite Destinations
✷ A Pocket Guide to Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast: Hiriketiya, Ahangama, Galle, and Colombo
The first leg of our trip was all about diving straight into Sri Lanka’s folklore in the Cultural Triangle, where the island’s rich history comes to life through ancient ruins, temples. and monumental landmarks.
The Cultural Triangle connects Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Sigiriya:
Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a maze of ancient stupas, sacred trees, and weathered ruins that still hum with a sense of spirituality.
Polonnaruwa is home to the Ancient City, a compound of intricately carved ruins and temples where you can wander through the country’s history in a beautiful setting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must vist.
Then there’s Sigiriya, the iconic rock fortress that juts out of the landscape like something from another world. Whether you want to climb and explore this ancient fortress, or admire it from afar, everything in Sigiriya revolves around this quintessential landmark.
Dambulla is famous for its cave temples, another 2000 year-old UNESCO Heritage site that houses murals and over 150 Buddha statues.
However, we skipped Dambulla to trade more temples for some scuba diving on the beaches of Trincomalee, so while Trinco is not part of the Cultural Triangle, I’ve included it in this blog post as it was part of the first leg of our trip.
Table of Contents…
ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and was even capital of one of the biggest civilizations in Asia over 2000 years ago. The archaeological site is UNESCO Heritage and is also where Buddhism was born in Sri Lanka. It’s a small town with a few things to do and see, but if you want a closer look Sri Lankan culture, then come here.
Anuradhapura is also part of Sri Lanka’s “cultural triangle” - an area comprised by Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla where most historical and archaeological sites are located. These three towns are pretty close to each other, so they’re easy to squeeze into your itinerary.
Where to Stay…
✷ Kutumbaya / $
We stayed at Kutumbaya…a little guesthouse run by a lovely mother and her family. We had a super comfy room, with A/C, private bathroom and there was even a small pool and a little restaurant.
Things to do…
✷ Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
A holy tree for Sri Lankan Buddhists that was born from a branch of the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. There’s a temple built around the tree and it’s full of locals praying and bringing lotus flower offerings. Some people say this temple is simple, but I loved visiting because it felt like a very real window to local life.
And the people there were excited to pull us to the front of the temple and explain to us with signals what we had to do while there. They cleansed us and tied a white string around our wrist as a blessing.
Just a warning: You’re going to have to leave your shoes at the entrance, and the cement and stone floors can get incredibly hot, so come prepared and bring some socks. Apply this rule for all temples you plan to visit in Sri Lanka.
✷ Visit the Ruwanelisaya Stupa
A giant, monumental stupa built in 140 B.C., that is one of the holiest sites on the island because it houses some remains of the Buddha. You can’t go in (not even Sri Lanka’s president can!), but it’s worth talking a walk around.
VIDEO BY @MENINKETTT✷ Take a tour around the Ancient City
If you want to cover more ground and really explore the Ancient City, you can book a tuk-tuk tour around the ancient city like this one.
POLONNARUWA
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Polonnaruwa is like stepping back in time to an ancient world, but with a super chill vibe. This small town is packed with ruins from a bygone era, so it’s a must-visit if you’re into history—or just want to wander around somewhere really cool. It’s the kind of place where you can casually stumble upon massive Buddha statues and intricate stone carvings, all while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Plus, it’s part of Sri Lanka’s “cultural triangle,” so you’re right in the heart of the island’s rich heritage.
Where to Stay…
✷ Ariya Rest & Spa / $
This was one of our favorite stays during our trip. The hotel itself is, as many others on the island, basic and comfy. But it was the service and hospitality here that made us fall in love with this place. This place is run by Shani and her family, and the women in the family are in charge of preparing the meals. And this was seriously some of the best food I had in all of Sri Lanka. So much so, that we asked if we could do a cooking class, and they ended up preparing a special class for all the guests.
You can see a sneak peek of their cooking class here.
Things to do…
✷ Explore the Ancient City
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a must-see. Wander through the ruins of palaces, temples, and gardens from Sri Lanka’s medieval capital.
Key sites include the Royal Palace, the Quadrangle (a group of well-preserved ruins), and the Gal Vihara, where you’ll find four stunning Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock.
You can visit the complex in a DIY, way, or you can do it on a private cycling tour to really immerse in the history of the place.
✷ Go on Safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
While Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous safari destinations, depending on the season you’re visiting you might want to opt for Minneriya National Park. Just a short ride away from Polonnaruwa, Minneriya is most famous for the annual "Elephant Gathering," which takes place between July and October.
During this time, hundreds of elephants migrate to the park’s Minneriya Tank (a large ancient reservoir) to drink, bathe, and graze on the grasslands. It’s one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world and it’s something incredibly special to witness. During our morning there we got to see dozens elephants, including babies that were just two days old!
Minneriya National Park is connected through a corridor to another one called Kaudulla. So depending on where the elephants are on that day, is where your guides will take you.
Book a private safari here, or join a group tour if you’re flying solo!
SIGIRIYA
Where to Stay…
✷ Sun Shine Villas / $
This little homestay was a recommendation from our previous hotel in Polonnaruwa, so they booked it for us! Sun Shine Villas is a bit off the road and surrounded by lush greenery, so it’s got a bit of an intimate and cozy vibe.
✷ Back of Beyond Jungle Hideaway / $$
A hidden, eco-retreat near Pirudangala rock that is a fully, jungle immersive experience, while still being just 30 minutes from Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
✷ Hotel Sigiriya / $$$
If you want to splurge, then head to the Hotel Sigiriya. This luxury hotel has one of the best views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and offers ayurvedic healing experiences. Pretty much where I want to stay next time around.
Things to do…
DRONE VIDEO BY @MENINKETTT✷ Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortess
The primary reason most people visit Sigiriya is to climb the rock fortress. Everything in this area revolved around the so-called “Lion’s Rock”.
The hike up the ancient fortress takes you through ancient frescoes, a mirror wall, and the famous Lion's Paw entrance before reaching the summit.
The entrance is $36 USD, so if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll love the next option instead.
✷…or climb to Pirudangala Rock instead
Just a short distance from Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock is a fairly easy climb from where you have a stunning (and way less crowded) view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Buy a couple of beers and climb for sunset for a 360° view of the whole area. It’s amazing!
On the way up, you’ll pass a Buddhist temple, so make sure you pack a sarong or thin scarf to cover yourself up. If not, don’t worry, you can borrow one on the way in.
✷ Enjoy the view from the ground at Soul Food
The third way to enjoy the view of the Lion’s Rock is this one:
Soul Food, a small and colorful shack that sits right in front of an incredible view of the Fortress.
Come for lunch, order some roti, fresh juice, and enjoy the view!
Ps. Oh, and there’s a swing for the perfect photo op!
bonus!
TRINCOMALEE
Trincomalee, tucked away on Sri Lanka's Northeastern coast, is an area that still feels very much like a world apart from the trendy beaches in the South of the island.
This coastal town offers a little bit of everthing: laid-back vibes with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, amazing scuba diving (during dry season!). But also tidbits of Sri Lanka’s culture and history, with colorful Hindu temples and an ancient Portuguese fort to explore.
But my biggest advice for Trincomalee? Indulge in some local crab and shrimp curry right on the beach — it was one of the best meals we had in Sri Lanka, and I would seriously return just to eat that crab and shrimp again!
Trincomalee is comprised of three beaches:
➙ Nilaveli Beach: Known for its long stretch of soft, golden sand and calm, clear waters, Nilaveli Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking boat trips to nearby Pigeon Island. It’s quieter than some of the other beaches, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
➙ Uppuveli Beach: A bit livelier than Nilaveli, Uppuveli Beach offers a mix of chill beach vibes and local culture. With a handful of restaurants, bars, and diving schools along the shore, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The waters here are great for swimming, and the sunsets are incredible.
➙ Marble Beach: This lesser-known gem is tucked away within a naval base, so it’s super clean and well-maintained. The beach is named for its smooth, white sand and marble-like appearance. The water is incredibly calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip for its tranquil atmosphere.
DRONE VIDEO BY @MENINKETTTWhere to Stay…
✷ Pranu House
Basic, affordable, and comfy! Just a short walk away from Nilaveli beach. The owner was lovely and gave us great recommendations for diving and dining.
Things to do…
✷ Scuba Diving
If you’re coming to Trinco between May and September, then this is an amazing spot for diving. We went diving with Poseidon Diving, and I’m so glad we did. These guys are as ethical and passionate about their beaches as can be!
✷ Whale Watching
This area is also known for whale watching, although we only got to see dolphins. But I didn’t enjoy this experience as much, the boat ride is fast and jumpy and there are so many boats chasing and hounding the whales and dolphins. Definitely not the right way to interact with wildlife. We picked a random tour on the beach that had good reviews, but I wouldn’t repeat this experience.
✷ Visit the Koneswaram Temple
A colorful local hindu temple perched on top of a hill with a giant golden Shiva shining under the sun, and surrounded by views of the sparkling blue Indian Ocean. On the way up there’s a local market where you can buy arts and crafts (at way better prices than down South!) and little wooden terraces where you can sit and take a break from the heat while you enjoy some fresh juice and the views.
We didn't see as many foreigners in this temple, so maybe this local family was surprised to see us and they stopped me to ask if they could all take a photo with me. We could barely understand each other, but it was one of those funny and lovely human connection moments that only happen while traveling.
✷ Eat Crab and Shrimp Curry at the Beach
I cannot explain how insanely good the crab and the shrimp curry were (I still think about them often) at this little, laid-back shack called Mamma Mia on Nilaveli Beach. Besides, anything you order will taste good just because you’re surrounded by palm trees and hearing the waves crash just a few meters away.
🛺 Our next stop? Kandy and Ella…
Read the second leg of our trip here.
Never, ever travel without Travel Insurance!
While Sri Lanka is pretty safe, travel insurance is a must, no matter your destination. Accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Unexpected medical bills, stolen items, missed flights…make sure you and your belongings are protected abroad.
🗺️ Find all the places in this pocket guide in my Sri Lanka map here!
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