| The Cultural Triangle |
|
Asia’s Wonder: Medieval lost cities, statues of Buddha, ruined temples, sacred caves and centuries-old murals Sri Lanka's and Asia's richest archaeological heritage sites and the largest and most dramatic are in the Cultural Triangle which is situated in the centre of the island. The area formed by linking the ancient capitals of Ancient City of Anuradhapura, Ancient City of Polonnaruva, and Ancient City of Kandy, with Ancient City of Dambulla and Sigiriya in the center. The Cultural Triangle has brought Sri Lanka’s history alive in the most enthralling manner for millions of travelers. It covers the ancient irrigation civilization of Sri Lanka that flourished 2500 years ago. It is a wonderful region to visit – monuments spanning a period of 1700 years are in abundance and in close proximity. extensive archeological ruins provide a glimpse into the island’s, dating back to the 4th century B.C. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilizations. The extensive archeological ruins of the Cultural Triangle are now protected by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. The central plains have low rainfall and several hotels are sumptuous enough to provide a holiday in their own right. Anuradhapura is the jewel in the crown – one of the worlds’ great cities in its heyday, 2200 years ago. Sigiriya – a pleasure palace built upon a huge rock, is a mind boggling remnant of ancient engineering prowess and has a magnificent view to boot. Polonnaruwa is perhaps the most accessible of the ruins as much is intact and the artistry and skill apparent at sites such as the Gal Vihara Buddhas, is startling. The area remains thinly populated and large areas are given over to national parks. It is a beautiful area in any case and if you are lucky you may see elephants out in the wild. You will certainly see monkeys and birds of all descriptions; snakes, lizards and various other fauna. For a safari trip you can go leopard spotting in Wilpattu or enjoy the richly varied landscapes at Wasgomuwa. For observing elephants in their natural habitat, there are great short safaris to be enjoyed to either Miniriya or Kandulla.The best places to stay are clustered towards the centre of this area. Nearby the cave temples of Dambulla by the Kandalama Tank (ancient reservoir) is the incomparable and beautifully designed The Kandalama. Across the Tank is the spacious and tranquil Amaya Lake. Further north, at Habarana, is the stylish The Lodge, its design based on the ancient monastic complex at Ritigala. At Sigiriya itself, 'Hotel Sigiriya’ offers good value and a lovely view of the rock while the beautifully laid out Sigiriya Village has its own organic farm and is fantastic for families. In 150 acres of its own land near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s first designer hotel, Elephant Corridor offers the ultimate in safari lodge style luxury. The rooms come equipped with night vision goggles and their own pools... Accommodation is sparse at Anuradhapura but the ‘Tissawewa Resthouse’ is a wonderful old colonial building with atmosphere to match. Situated in the Sacred City (ancient Anuradhapura) itself, it is an evocative place to relax after a long days sightseeing. Nearby Polonnaruwa has a range of options. For comfort and an excellent spa, try the upmarket, The Deer Park besides Girtale Tank. There are also a number of value hotels in this area. One of Experience Sri Lanka’s favourite activities in the area is the fantastic Hot Air Ballooning operation run by Asian ballooning specialists, Adventure Asia. There is no better way to see the magnificent Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding wildlife. The special sites of the Cultural Triangle are Jethwana and Abhayagiri monastery complex at Anuradhapura, the Alahana Pirivena monastic university and the royal city and palace and Polonnaruwa, the city, palace and gardens at Sigiriya and the painted cave temple at Dambulla.They have been conserved and presented under the UNESCO- Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Project. Five of Sri Lankas seven UNESCO World heritage sites are contained within the ‘Cultural triangle’ but you could feel ‘ruined-out’ if you attempt to reach them all. A nifty way to exclude Colombo altogether, is to head cross -country from Negombo directly to Dambulla, then explore Kandy on your return. This route enables you to visit majestic 13th C rock fortress of Yapahuwa which soars 90 m heavenwards with a stone stairway ornamented in Chinese lion sculptures and carvings. Nearby at Panduvasnuwara a 12th century palace kept Princess Citra a prisoner. The cave-temples at Dambulla, a veritable store-house of Sinhala art and vibrant murals are best visited before the sun heats up the rock, as you enter minus shoes. Take cotton socks to insulate burn underfoot. Anuradhapura the ancient Capitol to a succession of 113 kings, was begun around 500 BC. This will occupy a whole day, before you include nearby Mihintale (seat of Buddhism since 3rd C) and appeals to scholars of Architecture. Unless you’ve had time to read up on it before or need to immerse yourself in ruins, opt for;Polonnaruwa, the medieval Capitol further east, easier to reach and closer to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, considered 8th Wonder of the World. The Ritigala caves & monastry are within the Ritigala Reserve; Minneria National Park where the Elephant Gathering takes place is also near. The ruins of the city of Polonnaruwa spread over a large area amidst woods but can be explored on bikes and has one of the best Museums in the country which demonstrates how buildings looked in their prime . Return to Kandy via Aluvihare, a monastery where Buddhist doctrines were first committed to paper (Ola leaf). The Temple of the Tooth reflecting its lights in the Kandy lake is a fitting grand finale; best visited just before the 7p.m. pooja when its lit like Harrods, while hypnotic tom-toms and barefoot devotees taking baskets of lotus blossom add to the charge. Museums in the Cultural Triangle |