Cultural Triangle Tours

The tropical lowlands to the north of Sri Lanka contain several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, because they are close together, these can easily be combined in one superb (and triangular) cultural tour. The first point of call on any tour should be Sri Lanka's most famous landmark, the extraordinary and UNESCO-protected Sigiriya rock fortress. This remarkable rock citadel which dates back to the fifth century is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge stone-carved lion's feet at its base. While in the area, also visit the nearby cave temple of Dambulla. This unique temple complex is actually built into the rockface and houses ancient frescoes and a huge reclining figure of the Buddha, also carved out of the rock. Then tick off the other two points on Cultural Triangle holidays with visits to the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. These once great (and still tongue-twisting) cities have been reclaimed from the jungle by archaeologists, and are fascinating to wander around on foot or by bicycle, accompanied by an incredibly knowledgeable guide to bring it all even more vividly to life. Read more