Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka
is the most celebrated tourist destination of the country. It was the cradle
of the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka which flourished 2500 years ago.
This region is Asia’s richest archaeological heritage site and
comprises of monuments spanning a period of 1700 years. Excavations during
the last 100 years have pushed back years of jungle encroachment and
restored many ancient sites and access to them.
Sri Lanka’s cultural Triangle was formed by linking the ancient
capitals of the Anuradhapura, Polannaruva, and Kandy as three corners with
Sigiriya in the centre. All these for towns are torchbearers of ancient
cultural legacy and heritage of Sri Lanka. UNESCO has taken the
responsibility of preserving these ancient sites under the banner of Sri
Lanka Cultural Triangle Project.
Anuradhapura:
Anuradhapura is a shinning gem in the crown of Sri
Lanka. It is one of the great cities of ancient world, whose history dated
back to 2,200 years ago. Anuradhapura has a significant history and
considered as the birth place of Sinhala dynasty. Continuously from 5th
century BC to 1017 AD, Anuradhapura has served as the capital of Sri Lanka
and much advanced as compare to other civilization. But, in 1723 AD, it was
abandoned to the mercy of jungle.
Lying to the North West of the modern town and 2 hours of Dambulla,
Anuradhapura was once the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. It is
the most sacred city of the country and has the sacred Bodhi Tree “Sri
Maha Bodhi” within its territory. This tree is safeguard by golden
railings.
Polannaruwa:
Polannaruwa is another significant destination of
cultural triangle of India. Located in the North-Central province of Sri
Lanka just 222 km from Colombo, Polannaruwa is the second most ancient
capital full of ruins of Architectural beauty. The ruins of the town date
from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded
Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura. Today, the city of Polonnaruwa remains
one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country and perfect
testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first
rulers. Thanks to all these archeological sites , Polanaruwa is now counted
among one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Polannaruwa is also famous as one of the cleaner and more beautiful cities
of Sri Lanka. Apart from the ancient ruins of the town, Polanaruwa is also
famous for a huge lake named as Parakrama Samudraya. It was built in 1200
A.D and some other tourist spots of the town are Alahana Pirivena Complex -
Buddhist temples , Lankatilaka Gedige (Temple) , Demala Maha Seya (Temple)
and Gal Vihara (Temple).
Sigiriya:
Sigiriya is the centre of Sri Lanka’s cultural
triangle. Sigiriya, also called as the Lion Mountain’s very well
displays the architectural traditions of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya has an
interesting history of more than 7000 years and one of the well planned
cities of Asia. It is dotted with some buildings and gardens with their
trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical
elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning.
This beautiful city of ancient fame is just 3hours drive from Colombo. The
best time to visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya is at 6.30 am
Kandy:
Last but not the least Kandy is another destination of Sri
Lanka’s cultural triangle. Established in the 15th century, Kandy was
the last royal capital where 2500 years of Sri Lanka’s royal rule
ended. Lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, this hill capital of
Sri Lanka is one of the scenic cities of the country. Kandy is also an
administrative and religious city of Sri Lanka and possesses one of the most
sacred temple of Buddhist people. It is the Temple Of Tooth Relic and UNESCO
has declared it as a World Heritage Site.
Kandy is also famous as its bustling market, cultural activities, handy
crafts and adventure sports aong the holidaymakers.
