Sri Lanka is an island to the south of India with a rich cultural heritage that dates back a few millennia to the time of the Lord Buddha. A few of these remnants from ancient times of kings and queens still remain and are preserved for its constructional ingenuity as their historical value and beauty. The cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka consists of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with Sigiriya at its centre and boasts a few of Asia’s richest world heritage sites and tells the story of an advanced civilization with a history of 2500 years.
The sacred city of Anuradhapura was the first established capital of Sri Lanka and has a number of temples and palaces to visit. The Sri Maha Bodiya is the oldest tree in the world and is a Bo sapling of the very tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Ruwanvali saaya, Jetawana and Abhayagiri monastery complexes as well as the many lakes and tanks provide picturesque sites with long histories and play a significant role in the lives of the people. The city later was abandoned in 1703 and was discovered by the British colonizers in the 19th century where it was rescued from years of forest encroachment.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the next capital city and has a number of palace sites but few religious sites. This era in history saw a change in culture and religion due to Indian influence and is seen in the many carvings and ruins left today. The Galviharaya with a 7 meter high Buddha statue with delicate features is truly remarkable as well as a visit to the enormous Parakrama Samudraya will not go unrewarded.
The ancient rock fortress of King Kshyapa is situated in Sigiriya and is universally acknowledged to be a masterpiece of the ancient engineering gene. Its architectural and historical value is immeasurable and this majestic rock stands tall and proud overlooking beautiful gardens and water fountains. The Golden Temple at Dambulla with its 5 caves filled with paintings and carvings of the Buddha is an out of this world experience. The eerie golden glow inside the caves throw dramatic shadows on the colorful walls and one feels the steep climb to the temple was absolutely worth it.
Stay at any of the Hotels in Sigiriya at the heart of the cultural triangle and experience a true culture blast from the past. Sigiriya Village is a unique Sigiriya Hotel that offers a blend between nature and comfort to make your stay a most memorable one.
