Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Ancient Cities
Why Go?
Crumbling temples, lost cities and sacred sites are reason enough to head up country to the
cultural heartland of Sri Lanka. It was here on the hot central plains that ancient Sinhalese
dynasties set up their capitals and supported massive artistic and architectural endeavours.
Eventually these kingdoms fell, giving nature a chance to reclaim the land.
For more than a century archaeologists have been slowly shedding the many layers of
history from this overgrown landscape. The rock fortress at Sigiriya, the monumental
dagobas of Anuradhapura and refined carvings of Polonnaruwa are but a few of the sites
now considered national treasures.
This region is commonly called the 'Cultural Triangle'. Besides the amazing ruins, save
time for the national parks, which teem with elephants and outstanding birdlife. Plan on
spending several days here making new discoveries daily.
