Ancient Cities in Sri Lanka
Disintegrating temples, lost urban cities and sacred sites are reason enough to head up country Ancient Sinhalese administrations established their capitals here on Sri Lanka’s hot central fields, which served as the foundation for enormous architectural and engineering projects. In the long run these kingdoms fell, giving nature an opportunity to reclaim the area.
For more than a century archeologists have been gradually shedding the numerous layers of history from this congested landscape. The Rock Fort at Sigiriya, the protruding dagobas of Polonnaruwa and the quiet Buddhas scattered around Anuradhapura are however a couple of the sites now considered national fortunes.
The territory is normally called the ‘Cultural Triangle’. Besides the amazing ruins, spare time for the national parks, which overflow with elephants. Plan spending a few days here, meandering from town to town,making new discoveries every day.
- Admiring the fine artwork carved into the fascinating Polonnaruwa Quadrangle
- Scaling the rock monastery at Sigiriya known for its epic views,outstanding art and mindboggling ruins
- Getting lost for hours in Sri Lanka’s best museum at Sigiriya
- Cycling around the sprawling ruins of Anuradhapura
- Spotting elephants and other wildlife in the lush Minneriya National Park
- Going Buddha-spotting in Dambulla , where rock caves contain some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning paintings, temples and Buddhist images
- Summoning your inner explorer at the mysterious ruins at Ritigala
Getting Around
The towns and cities of the of the Cultural Triangle are decently connected by open and private transports, and sometimes via train. Distances are not incredible and most streets are great, so getting around by open transport is generally comfortable (although buses can be very crowded at certain times of day and during holiday periods). As always the easiest way to tour, however, is with a car and driver. You can reach the area by train or bus and then arrange for a car and driver on a daily basis through your accommodation.
Ancient Monuments
The Polonnaruwa Quadrangle, the ancient quarter of Anuradhapura, the jaw-dropping sight of the rock monastery at Sigiriya: just some of the remarkable ruins ready for exploration.
Temples
Amid the leafshrouded ruins of Anuradhapura is Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred tree that has seen history and devotion for 2000 years. Other temples, such as the one up over 1800 steps in Mihintale, will inspire your own devotion.
Cycling
The ruins of the Ancient Cities are sited within much larger parks and reserves. You can pedal between the wonders along palm-shaded paths and never see a car. Guesthouses have bikes for hire.
