Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Cultural Triangle and Kandy

Four of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage sites lie in or near the island's centre: the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Sacred City of Kandy. Most cultural trips connect them.

Colombo, the commercial capital, is the usual arrival point. Wildlife and river sports can be added in the same trip, including the elephant gathering at Minneriya and rafting on the Kelani Ganga.

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Colombo

Sri Lanka Tourism describes Colombo as a port city on the western coast with a rich colonial heritage. It lists Pettah market, Galle Face, the Colombo National Museum and the Gangarama Vihara temple among its sights. It also mentions an open-deck double-decker city tour.

Kandy

UNESCO describes the Sacred City of Kandy as the last capital of the Sinhala kings, a sacred Buddhist site that is also home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a famous pilgrimage site. It was inscribed in 1988. Sri Lanka Tourism says the Kandy Esala Perahera takes place every year in the full-moon month of Esala, coinciding with July or August.

Sigiriya and Dambulla

UNESCO describes Sigiriya as the ruins of a capital built by King Kassapa I on the slopes and summit of a granite peak about 180 m high, reached by galleries and staircases. The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a cave monastery with five sanctuaries and a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, according to UNESCO.

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993, UNESCO says. Sri Lanka Tourism lists Minneriya National Park, in the North Central Province, as the place for the Elephant Gathering, which it places between May and October.

Kitulgala

Sri Lanka Tourism says the Kelani Ganga near Kitulgala has fast headwaters and rapids suited to white-water rafting, from November to April only. It names rapids such as Virgin's Breast, Head Chopper and Killer Fall.

Getting to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism names Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake as the main international airport. It says the airport lies 30 kilometres north of Colombo. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, near Hambantota in the south, is described as the second international airport.

Getting around

Sri Lanka Tourism says trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, and that there is an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy. Long-distance buses leave Colombo from the Pettah Central Bus Depot, run by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and by private companies.

Trishaws are described as suited to short journeys in towns, and taxis in Colombo are metered. Traffic drives on the left.

When to go to Sri Lanka

First inter-monsoon (March to April)

Sri Lanka Tourism describes a transitional period with afternoon thunderstorms, warm and humid, and suggests it for visiting the cultural triangle and hill country.

Southwest monsoon (May to September)

The site describes heavy rainfall on the southwest coast and hills, and suggests the dry zone, including Trincomalee, Arugam Bay and Jaffna, for this period.

Second inter-monsoon (October to November)

It describes occasional heavy showers across the island, with rough seas but lush interior highlands.

Northeast monsoon (December to February)

The site describes clear skies and calm seas on the southwest coast, with beaches, whale watching and watersports, and calls it peak tourist season there.

What to book ahead

• The Kandy Esala Perahera falls in the full-moon month of Esala, in July or August, according to Sri Lanka Tourism. If your dates match, plan your Kandy stay early.
• The Minneriya elephant gathering is placed between May and October, and Kitulgala rafting runs from November to April, so match these to your dates.
• Guided day trips to Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa run on fixed days. Check dates before you fix your route.
• Temples and sacred sites expect covered shoulders and knees. Pack for religious sites.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Sri Lanka ETA online visa application (Department of Immigration and Emigration).

Frequently asked questions

Which UNESCO sites are in the Sri Lankan cultural triangle?

UNESCO lists the Ancient City of Sigiriya (1982), the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (1982) and the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (1991). The Sacred City of Kandy (1988) is also on the list.

When can I see the elephant gathering at Minneriya?

Sri Lanka Tourism places the gathering between May and October, when the reservoir recedes and grass is exposed on the banks. It adds that elephants remain a major attraction all year.

When can I raft at Kitulgala?

Sri Lanka Tourism says white-water rafting on the Kelani Ganga near Kitulgala runs from November to April only.

Which airport do I fly into?

Sri Lanka Tourism names Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake, 30 kilometres north of Colombo, as the main international airport.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Sri Lanka ETA website for the current requirements before you book.