Centred around the heartlands of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisations, the Cultural Triangle stretches between the highland cultural stronghold of Kandy and the two old capitals of Polonnaruwa and Anuraphapura. As the lush highlands melt into the hot, dry plains, there is no better place to truly soak up Sri Lanka’s rich and unique history – five of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in this area – visiting ancient civilisations, magnificent frescoes and sacred Buddhist sites. No wonder these historical plains are also known as ‘The King’s Land’!

Polonnaruwa
Established in 993 AD the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa reached its peak in an age of magnificence in the 12th century when it was a thriving garden city. It was a grand statement soon abandoned and left to the jungle after successive rulers bankrupted themselves with excess and the threat of invasion from southern India. Today the ruins are wonderfully well-preserved, an extensive archaeological park packed with hundreds of ancient structures with the royal palace at its heart – the Quadrangle just north of the centre, a cluster of religious buildings, is worth the visit alone, giving an intriguing peek at a medieval Sri Lankan kingdom.

Anuraphapura
An expansive complex of architectural and archaeological treasures, Anuradhapura has a magic all of its own. The city prospered for over 1,300 years and was the hub of the golden age of Sinhalese culture – at its peak it was one of the world’s greatest monastic cities with thousands of Buddhist monks living and worshipping here. Abandoned in 993, the ruins aren’t as well preserved as Polonnaruwa but there is an added vibrancy in the fact that some structures are still used for worship and pilgrimage.

Kandy
Set tranquilly amongst the forests and plantations at the heart of the island, Kandy is far and away Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. With its cool climate and relaxed air, the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The city has its own unique music, dress and architecture, a legacy of years resisting the colony rule of the Portuguese and Dutch and is home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred place of worship – the Temple of the Tooth.