Cultural Triangle ofSri Lanka is located within the centre of the island. The area encompassesWorld Heritage Sites such as ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa,Sigiriya, Dambulla & Kandy.
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Atamasthana – Anuradhapura
Ata in Sinhala is ‘eight’, stana is place hence the name refers to eight places visited by Lord Buddha during the three trips he made to Sri Lanka. These eight locations throughout the city of Anuradhapura are held in great significance by Buddhist devotees. They are the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanveliseya, Lovamahapaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri Dhagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya Stupa and Lankarama. A definite must visit, each site located within the World Heritage City of Anuradhapura holds a special allure and grandeur all of its own.
Mahamewna Park – Anuradhapura
Also called the Mahamegha Park this was the first of its kind and is located within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The park was built by King Mutasiva 367 – 307 BC. This king is recorded in history as the first to construct a park in Sri Lanka and is the father of King Devanampiyatissa; the first Buddhist King of Sri Lanka. At the time the park was to be opened the land was experiencing heavy showers which in turn influenced the name ‘Maha’ – great and ‘Megha’ – shower. The park at one time was home to many varieties of fruits and flowers; today it is home to the revered Samadhi Buddha Statue, the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Ruvanweli and Thuparama Stupas.
Dambulla Rock Caves
The town ofDambulla is located about 4 hrs from Colombo by car. It is home to the country’sbest preserved rock cave temples which are also the largest. Although the areais tipped to house over 80 odd caves only 5 hold significant relics. Thesecomprise of 153 statues and murals that cover almost 21,000 sqmtrs.
Dalada Maligawa – Kandy
A World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa is a temple built within the ancient royal palace of Sri Lanka’s last Kingdom; it holds the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. High in significance to the politicians of the island – the temple is one of the country’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Catch the famous Wednesday ceremony where the relic is bathed in water; after which the holy water is distributed amongst devotees for its curative properties.
Lion Rock – Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a gorgeous little hamlet located within central Sri Lanka; it is home to World Heritage Site – and 8th wonder of the world – the Lion Rock Fortress. Some of the best luxury resorts in Sri Lanka are located in Sigiriya and offer stunning views of the rock fortress across lush vegetation. The huge rock column is 200m high and was once the stronghold of King Kashyapa – 477 to 495 CE. Halfway up the rock face is a huge gateway in the form of a lion’s head, hence the name. The top is inlaid with beautiful gardens and ponds offering a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. The inner chamber of the rock is decorated with the famous ‘Sigiriya Frescoes’; these depict royal maids or apsaras – heavenly beings. Sigiriya is a tribute to the might and mastery of ancient Lankan Kingdoms. The surrounding compound boasts indigenous drainage systems, meditations caves cooled with overhead lotus ponds and a marvellous museum that houses many treasures. Sigiriya is well known for its elephant population– locally called Aliya - and safaris are definitely on the cards when staying within the town. Located in Sigiriya is the Aliya Resort & Spa part of Theme Resorts & Spas.