Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya

A fifth-century palace on top of a rock, and the best base for the Cultural Triangle.

Sigiriya is the image most people carry of Sri Lanka before they arrive: a sheer granite plug rising two hundred metres out of flat jungle, with a ruined royal citadel on top and frescoes half way up. Climb it early — the stairs are exposed and the heat arrives fast. Pidurangala, the rock opposite, gives you the view of Sigiriya itself and is where we usually take people for sunset. Dambulla's cave temples and the ruined city of Polonnaruwa are both an easy morning away.

Things to do

Experiences in Sigiriya

Culture

Ancient cities and temples

Two thousand years of capitals, in the dry zone triangle.

Culture

Food and village life

Rice and curry cooked in a village kitchen, short eats at a roadside stall.

Slow travel

Hot air ballooning

Dawn flights over the Cultural Triangle, November to April.

Active

Rafting and adventure

Grade 2 and 3 water on the Kelani, canyoning and abseiling in the wet zone.

Journeys

Trips that include Sigiriya

12 days / 11 nightsClassic

The Essential Sri Lanka

Negombo to Colombo, the long way round

14 days / 13 nightsClassic

Essence of Sri Lanka

The island's headline places without the rush

11 days / 10 nightsClassic

Experience the Magic of Sri Lanka

Eleven days from the Cultural Triangle to the south coast

14 days / 13 nightsWildlife

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks — Summer

Wildlife and nature, timed for the summer months

14 days / 13 nightsClassic

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks — Winter

The full island, timed for the northern winter

10 days / 9 nightsWildlife

Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour

Four parks, private jeeps, and the trackers we trust