Destination guide · Region
Dambulla & theCultural Triangle
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla — the places to know in Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle.
Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle
Why go
Why visit Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
1st Capital of Sri Lanka – UNESCO World Heritage Site (OR Polonnaruwa); Mihintale – the 1st Buddhist Monastic Complex; OR Ritigala – Secluded Mountain with Monastic Ruins and Rich Biodiversity
Polonnaruwa
2nd Capital of Sri Lanka – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sigiriya
Rock Fortress – Palace of King Kashyapa (5th century); Pidurangala Rock; Minneriya OR Kaudulla OR Hurulu Eco Park – famous for the “Asian Elephant Gathering” every year from August to November
Dambulla
Golden Rock Cave Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
What to do
Ways to experience it
Walk
Cultural Walk in Anuradhapura OR Polonnaruwa
Visit
Visit Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple
Walk
Religious & Nature Walk in Mihintale OR Ritigala
Hike
Hike to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Hike
Sunrise or Sunset Hike to Pidurangala Rock
Walk
Nature Walk OR Night Walk (Mammals) in Sigiriya Sanctuary
Safari
Safari Jeep Drive to Minneriya OR Kaudulla OR Hurulu Eco Park
Boat
Sunrise / Sunset Boat Ride OR Cycle Ride to Sigiriya Village
When & where
Finding your moment
Asian Elephant Gathering — Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu (August to November)
For stay travellers
Staying in Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle
Base yourself here for a slow-paced stay: our Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle experience spends three nights in the region, on a half-board basis. Choose the kind of place you want to wake up in.
Gallery
Seen on our journeys
Begin here
Plan your Sri Lanka journey
Include Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle in a journey designed around you.