Category: Travel

The North Central Plains of Sri Lanka which belongs to the dry zone of the island is mainly covered in thick shrubbery forests and isolated mountainous outcrops that are surrounded by flat land. These north-central plains which are known as “Rajarata” (Translation: King’s Land) along with the Kandyan Kingdom are popularly known as the Cultural Triangle of the island nation of Sri Lanka. A tour within the Cultural Triangle will help you understand the ancient Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka and the intense devoutness the natives demonstrate. The Cultural Triangle is concentrated with many Buddhist Temples, Sculptures, Ancient Monasteries and Stupas while some of them date back to over 2000 years. The area also covers some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. There are a number of monolithic rock formations that are have been ideally transformed into places of worship.   Popular Destinations with the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka Mihintale This is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura which is also the site where the presence of Buddhism was inaugurated in Sri Lanka. Mihintale is currently a much-visited pilgrimage site where several religious monuments and abandoned structures are available for the public to venerate. Mihintale consists of a number of characteristics depicting a monastery of that particular period. The foot of Mount Mihintale consists of the ruins of a hospital, medical bath and stone inscriptions. Between the hospital and the steps that lead to the rock are the ruins of a huge monastery. The stairway consists of 1840 steps that have been carved in granite leading to the summit. The Kantaka Cetiya is located at the summit while the Refectory is situated at the end of the third flight of steps. Other locations in Mihintale include the Ambasthala Dagaba,

The North Central Plains of Sri Lanka which belongs to the dry zone of the island is mainly covered in thick shrubbery forests and isolated mountainous outcrops that are surrounded by flat land. These north-central plains which are known as “Rajarata” (Translation: King’s Land) along with the Kandyan Kingdom are popularly known as the Cultural Triangle of the island nation of Sri Lanka. A tour within the Cultural Triangle will help you understand the ancient Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka and the intense devoutness the natives demonstrate. The Cultural Triangle is concentrated with many Buddhist Temples, Sculptures, Ancient Monasteries and Stupas while some of them date back to over 2000 years. The area also covers some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. There are a number of monolithic rock formations that are have been ideally transformed into places of worship.   Popular Destinations with the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura Renowned as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world, Anuradhapura was founded in the year 380 BC and was the island’s first ancient capital. The ancient Sinhala civilization’s irrigation and architectural expertise was the reason behind the thriving history of this kingdom while it was one of the foremost sacred cities of Buddhism making it an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for the “Atamasthana” which is venerated by many devotees throughout the year. The Eight Great Places of Veneration in Anuradhapura include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. There are many more structures such as the Queen’s Palace, Isurumuniya, Kuttam Pokuna, etc which depict the greatness of the ancient Kingdom and its honour for Buddhism. Polonnaruwa This city is the second most ancient