Things to see and do Cultural Triangle

The fortress of Sigiriya is registered with the world heritage of UNESCO since 1982. The visit is recommended early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.

History. In the^5th century, Dhatusena ruled over Anuradhapura. He had two sons, Mogallana and Kasyapa. In order to obtain the throne which was to be rightfully his elder brother's, Kasyapa first plotted against his father, murdered him, and then expelled Mogallana. Mogallana found refuge in India after swearing that he would return to avenge his father's death. Tormented by this idea, the regicide king quickly decided to leave Anuradhapura and settle in Sigiriya, where he built an impregnable fortress and lived a reclusive life in fear of his older brother's return. Eighteen years later, Mogallana returned at the head of an army and, despite the magnificent work, Kasyapa and his troops were unable to withstand the siege that was inflicted on them. Starving and exhausted, Kasyapa resigned himself to surrender to his brother who executed him. After having taken back the usurped throne, Mogallana abandoned Sigiriya, ephemeral capital from 477 to 495.

The royal gardens.

The path that leads to the foot of the fortress crosses pleasant gardens (water gardens, stone gardens and terraced gardens). Past the magnificent basins, one discovers fallen rocks as well as several cavities undoubtedly intended formerly to shelter monks. One of the most famous is called "Cobra Hood Cave" because of the shape of the rock that overhangs it. All these caves were recently uncovered by excavations conducted by UNESCO.

The Demoiselles of Sigiriya. These very famous rock frescoes are to be deserved, they are reached by taking an iron spiral staircase in which it is sometimes necessary to wait patiently, because the number of people who can use it simultaneously is limited. Drawn on the wall of an under-rock shelter, they represent those who were called the Damsels of Sigiriya - if it is said that Kasyapa was surrounded by a thousand courtesans, it is probably more a representation of asparas, these celestial nymphs of the Hindu religion known for their great beauty. Originally, there were some five hundred portraits of young women in the gallery halfway up the hill. Only twenty-one remain today, protected from light and weather, of which a dozen are in a remarkable state of preservation.

The mirror wall.

Continuing towards the top, one passes along a "mirror" wall (the stucco that covers it was originally so perfectly polished that one could look into it). This wall is covered with graffiti, some of which are actually prose and poems written between the 7th and 18th centuries by illustrious visitors.

The door of the lion.

We then reach a plateau where the lion's gate is located. Of the giant statue of the lion which stood guard and undoubtedly terrified the visitors, it remains only the imposing legs resting on both sides of a first staircase. It is then necessary to take again the ascent by climbing the steps of a metallic staircase sealed in the rocky wall.

The summit.

By reaching the top of the rock, at a height of 180 m, we notice that there is only little left of the palace: some foundations and a part of the staircase... Only the royal swimming pool is perfectly preserved.

In the heart of the island and a wild nature, this exceptional site, perched on a hill, is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991. This temple-cave has been a high place of pilgrimage and Buddhist meditation for over twenty centuries. Its origin dates back to the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This cave monastery impresses for the way it has been preserved: the state of its murals dating from the 13th century (period of the Kandy kings) and recounting the life of Buddha are a perfect example. These frescoes cover a total of 6,000^m2 of walls. Between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries, the temple was transformed, it has undergone many restorations that have made it a sanctuary of color, gold and silver with a total of 5 caves, housing 157 statues.

The origin of this temple dates back to the 1st century BC, when King Vattagamani Abhaya, who fled Anuradhapura to seek refuge in Dambulla in 104 BC, created the cave complex when his title was restored. A huge golden Buddha, donated by Japanese benefactors in 2000, stands at the base of the site, overlooking the Buddhist Museum. The Golden Temple is actually reached some 150 m higher, by stairs on the left of the Buddhist Museum, carved in the stone and invaded by monkeys. The ascent is neither long nor exhausting, and, when the weather is good, the walk is particularly enjoyable.

The Golden Temple is a modern (and very kitsch) temple located at the base of Rock Temple. Its style is very different from the marvelous caves located higher... In short, its visit is dispensable. It was built in 2001 thanks to donations from Japanese benefactors and houses the Buddhist Museum. There are mainly reproductions of Rock Temple paintings and several statues and images of Buddha from local donations but also from all over Asia. Golden Temple is overlooked by a huge golden Buddha Statue.

Rock Temple

Once past the entrance, one enters a vast and long outside courtyard offering a superb view of the area. On the other side of the courtyard, under the rock, a passageway, whose architecture was reworked in 1938, allows individual access to each of the five rooms. Warning: shoulders and knees must be covered inside.

The finely executed frescoes that you are about to discover were renovated in the 13th century. They cover a total of 6,000 square meters of walls and are one of the richest examples of cave art in the world. They are completed by 157 statues (mainly of Buddha) of all sizes. The largest of the rooms measures 52 m by 23 m and 7 m high. The caves now transformed into sanctuaries are only a few of the 80 or so in the vast complex dug out over 22 centuries. The entrances to these "forgotten" caves were walled up as the history of the site progressed. The earliest records of the site date back to the first century AD, when King Vattagamani Abhaya, who had fled Anuradhapura in the face of Indian invaders, took refuge in these caves, which were already occupied by monks.

First hall (Dev Raja Viharaya - Temple of the King of Gods). It owes its name to the god Vishnu whose statue can be found inside. There is a large fresco representing the parinivana, i.e. the end of Buddha's earthly existence and his entry into nirvana, as well as a superb 15 m long statue of a reclining Buddha, and others represented sitting

Second hall (Maha Raja Viharaya - Temple of the Great King). This is the largest hall. It is said to be named after its investigator, who is believed to be King Vattagamani Abhaya. Two statues of kings are placed inside, one of Valagamba, the other of Nissanka Malla, as well as several Hindu deities such as Kataragama, Ganesh, Vishnu and Wat Sama, no less than fifty-three statues of Buddha in various positions and a stupa surrounded by statues of seated Buddhas. The walls are entirely covered with frescoes representing the life of Gautama and the spread of Buddhism on the island.

Third hall (Maha Alut Viharaya - New Great Temple). It is the most recent one. It was built by order of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha whose statue can be seen near the entrance of the hall. There are two large statues of Buddha, one seated under an arch dominated by dragons, and one lying down reminiscent of the statue in Hall 1. One can also appreciate a collection of Buddhas carved in the rock of the hall, and many colorful frescoes representing many seated Buddhas

Fourth hall (Pascima Viharaya - Western Temple). One can contemplate about fifty statues of Buddha seated in meditation performing the dhyana mudra with his hands. The central statue is dominated by a magnificent torana painted in bright colors. Bring a lamp to admire the ceiling which is completely covered with paintings.

Fifth Hall (Devana Alut Viharaya - Second New Temple). This is the newest of the halls. Here too, there is a reclining Buddha, surrounded by numerous statues of reclining and standing Buddhas. Above two of them, one can notice Muchalinda in the form of a cobra, which protected Buddha during his meditation.

Pidurangala is a rocky promontory, about 1 kilometre as the crow flies north of the Sigiriya fortress (3 kilometres by road). It houses an ancient Buddhist monastic complex, Pidurangala Cave Temple. This monastery was developed in the^5th century by King Kashyapa. Access is via the Pidurangala Vihara, a more recent temple, and then up some steep stairs to the ancient temple and its large reclining Buddha statue, then a bit of climbing to reach the top. From the top of the rock, the view on Sigiriya and the surroundings is fantastic.

The four main buildings in the holy city are Thuparama Dagoba, Ruvanveliseya Stupa, Abhayagiri Dagoba and Jetawanarama Dagoba. Access and ticketing is located near the archaeological museum. There are several other ticket booths located at the various intersections around the city, and if you need a guide, please contact the museum. The distancesare relatively large between the northern part, located in Mahamevuna Park, and the central and southern part of the sacred city. It is worth considering renting a bicycle.

It is the major set of Polonnaruwa: a group of 4 Buddhas of the XIIth century, carved on the side of the cliff. The rock has been hollowed out to a depth of nearly 4 meters to create the necessary relief for the statues. The first seated Buddha is in meditation on a throne decorated with lions. The second is surrounded by the two Hindu deities, Brahma and Vishnu. The third is standing and rises to 7 m. The fourth Buddha is lying down (14 m length). The whole complex is under renovation and has been covered with a corrugated iron roof to protect it.

Mihintale, "Mahinda's Mountain", is a sacred mountain. It was here, in 247 BC, that King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura came across Mahinda, son of the Indian emperor Asoka, and converted to Buddhism. He thus allowed the religion to establish itself on the island. A sacred city was founded here, of which some beautiful ruins remain. You have to walk around them and climb 1,840 steps to reach the third level, and a few more to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Pilgrims make this ascent at the time of the Poson full moon, in May or June. The visit takes between an hour and a half and two hours. The order shown below is that of the most common progression.

At the foot of the hill

The hospital. Mihintale was for many years an important health center. The ruins of what was once a hospital can still be seen at the foot of the mountain, with stone sarcophagi in which patients lay and were cared for.

Staircase. For those frightened by the announced 1,840 steps, Old Road, accessible to both pedestrians and cars, allows you to avoid them by emerging at the second landing.

First landing

Kanta Chetya. This 12-metre-high dagoba dates back to the ^2nd or ^1st century BC. A little further on, an engraved inscription is believed to be the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Second level

Refectory. Measures approximately 20 m by 8 m. Two nearby hollow stones were probably used to store food.

Relics room. This room contains the two steles on which are engraved the rules governing the life of the monks.

Meeting room. This is a square stone building, about 20 m square, where the monks used to meet.

Sinha Pokuna. A small basin decorated with friezes, overlooked by a stone lion almost 2 m tall.

Third level

Ambasthale Dagoba. This is said to have been built where Mahinda stood when he converted the king. A statue of the king stands here, facing a superb white seated Buddha.

Selta Chetiya. A Buddha footprint highlighted by a balustrade and prayer flags.

Mahaseya Dagoba. Believed to contain the relics of Mahinda. A Bo tree stands a few metres away.

Mahinda Cave. This is the rock shelter where Mahinda used to rest. A large, flat stone could have served as a bed.

The palace of Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) is located within the Citadel enclosure, in the centre of a complex of several buildings once reserved for the king and his relatives:

The royal palace (Vejayanta Pasada) , dedicated to the Hindu god of rain Indra, was 31 meters long and 13 meters wide and would have had 7 floors.

The Council Hall was the official seat of the king's government.

The royal baths (Kumara Pokuna) , entirely carved out of granite.

Eco Park is located in Hurulu Forest, which covers 25,000 hectares north of Habarana. Opened in 2007, Eco Park covers only 1,000 hectares of land. Smaller and less expensive than other sites (notably the nearby Minneriya National Park), Eco Park will allow you to observe many groups of elephants in the wild. The route is pleasant but there are far too many vehicles on the same observation point at the same time. Hurulu Wewa, a very modestly sized reservoir, is the main waterhole in the area.

This quatrilateral (quadrangle

in English) is the ancient heart of the fallen capital. It is located to the left of the main entrance to the site, within the fortress enclosure, past Shiva Devalaya 1. This terrace is home to one of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites.

Vatadage (Stupa-house).

This magnificent circular pavilion is located to the left of the entrance to the quadrangle. These four entrances lead to four finely carved Buddha statues facing the four cardinal points. At the northern entrance, you can admire the most beautiful moonstone on the site, representing the signs of the Sinhalese zodiac.

Hatadage or Temple of the Tooth.

Located on the right as you enter. It was built during the reign of Nissanka Malla in the 12th century and is said to have housed the tooth of Buddha. In the entrance are represented musicians and dancers. The murals depict the exploits of the king.

Chapter Hall.

It occupies a small area adjacent to the Hatadage. Only the base of the building and some pillars remain.

Gal Potha (Stone Book). This stone book is a piece of rock 9 m long, 1.50 m wide and 60 cm thick. Its weight is estimated at 25 tons. The text is engraved in three columns and contains more than 4,300 characters.

It chronicles the exploits of King Nissanka Malla in the face of Indian invasions, as well as his pioneering concerns about the coexistence of human and animal life.

Sat Mahal Prasada is a pyramidal building of seven levels (sat

means 'seven'). Archaeologists have yet to define its purpose.

Atadage Dalada Maligaya. Going around the Hatadage, you will come across the Atadage (ata

means 8), which dates back to the reign of Vijayabahu I. Like its illustrious neighbour, it contained a wooden roof designed to protect the tooth of Buddha. Continuing to the western corner of the quadrangle, you can see what remains of a platform for a reclining Buddha.

Latha Mandapaya

dates from the 12th century. It is a superb pavilion, whose pillars represent lotus stems. The king often came there to listen to Buddhist chants. You will then pass by a statue of Bodhisattva and the remains of a temple dedicated to the Bo tree.

Thuparama. This is the best preserved building in Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its vaulted brick walls. It is the only monument on the site that still has its roof. The shrine used to house a large statue of a seated Buddha in a meditative position

A nature reserve since 1938, Wasgamuwa became a national park in 1984 to protect species displaced by the region's massive Mahaweli Development Project. It covers an area of 37 hectares and is home to many wild animals. It is one of the national parks where the visitor has the opportunity to observe herds of elephants in large numbers, and depending on the season, they move to the nearby Minneriya National Park along the Mahaweli River. More than 140 varieties of birds are also found in the park

This national park covering almost 7,000 hectares is a little brother to Minneriya National Park, to which it is linked by a corridor to encourage the movement of animals between the two parks. At its heart is the imposing Kaudulla Wewa reservoir, built in the 12th century. It attracts elephants who come to drink from it. Other animals that inhabit the reserve include bears, leopards, deer, wild boar, turtles and a multitude of bird species. The best time to visit the park is from August to December.