The infamous Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of royal cities, ancient monuments and Buddhist Temples that once served as the significant landmarks of early Sinhalese civilization. The cultural triangle is marked by the island`s three historic capitals- hill capital of Kandy, the first Sinhalese capital Anuradhapura and the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
Within this area lies the spectacular rock of Sigiriya, the Buddhist center of Mihintale. Apart from these popular sites, there are also less popular yet significant spaces like the mysterious forest monastery of Ritigala, abandoned citadel of Yapahuwa, the rock-carved standing Buddha at Aukana, and the colourful cave temple of Aluvihara.
So if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka, the Cultural Triangle is the best place to absorb the island`s incredible history and cultural heritage. But first apply for Sri Lanka`s ETA by completing Sri Lanka visa application form. Go through the brief description of the Cultural Triangle to know more about the places:
ANURADHAPURA
Established as the first capital of Sri Lanka in 377 BC, by the King Pandukabhaya, this ancient city enjoyed the capital status until 12th century AD. When the city was at its peak, it was dotted with dozens of monasteries spread across the large expanse of the island`s Northern plains. In the present time, the city is the best way to get an insight into the country`s illustrious history. Although there are many monuments across the city but Anuradhapura's main sites are located within the complexes of the three great monasteries of Jetavana , Mahavihara, and Abhayagiri. The sacred Bo tree of Sri Maha Bodhi which is believed to be the oldest documented living tree in the world is located at the heart of Anuradhapura. It is the site where Buddha received Enlightenment.
POLONNARUWA
Want to know about the medieval period of Sri Lanka? Polonnaruwa represents the country at its best. The city of Polonnaruwa took over the status of capital from Anuradhapura to become the capital of the country between 11th and 13th century after the destruction of Anuradhapura. The city is built in a more compact area beside the shallow reservoir of Parakrama Samudra. One can get a clear idea about the city and the culture of medieval time, as it has been well preserved. So fill your Sri Lanka visa application form to make sure that you travel this ancient city of island country.
KANDY
Nestled amidst the verdant highlands of Sri Lanka is located island`s second city with a rich country – Kandy. Situated beside the man made Kiri Muhuda Lake, the city offers great views. After resisting colonial forces for a long period of time, the city was captured by Portugal and Dutch. Kandy was the last citadel of Buddhist political power and regained its distinct culture, customs and artistic traditions. The city is a home to many Buddhist temples, shrines and also hosts impressive annual festivals annually. Don`t forget to visit temple of tooth relic which has a tooth of Lord Buddha enshrined in a golden casket.
SIGIRIYA
Rising from Sri Lanka`s dry zone, the fabulous fortress of Sigiriya sits atop a large gigantic rock measuring 200 meters in height. Also known as the Lion Rock, the royal palace occupies three acres on the peak with cave temples and beautiful water gardens.
DAMBULLA
The golden Temple of Dambulla is a cave monastery which lies on the way to Kandy. The site is considered pilgrimage with five caves adorned with beautiful Buddhist mural paintings and 157 statues, mostly of Buddha.
The caves were established in the 3rd century and were refurbished again in the 18th century. The largest of these caves is Maharaja Vihara Lena. Because the cave belonged to great Sri Lankan kings, Valagambahu and Nissankamalla, it is also known as cave of the Great Kings.
Incorporate Cultural Triangle into your travel itinerary if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka. Download Sri Lanka visa application form from our website www.sri-lankaeta.com.
Within this area lies the spectacular rock of Sigiriya, the Buddhist center of Mihintale. Apart from these popular sites, there are also less popular yet significant spaces like the mysterious forest monastery of Ritigala, abandoned citadel of Yapahuwa, the rock-carved standing Buddha at Aukana, and the colourful cave temple of Aluvihara.
So if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka, the Cultural Triangle is the best place to absorb the island`s incredible history and cultural heritage. But first apply for Sri Lanka`s ETA by completing Sri Lanka visa application form. Go through the brief description of the Cultural Triangle to know more about the places:
ANURADHAPURA
Established as the first capital of Sri Lanka in 377 BC, by the King Pandukabhaya, this ancient city enjoyed the capital status until 12th century AD. When the city was at its peak, it was dotted with dozens of monasteries spread across the large expanse of the island`s Northern plains. In the present time, the city is the best way to get an insight into the country`s illustrious history. Although there are many monuments across the city but Anuradhapura's main sites are located within the complexes of the three great monasteries of Jetavana , Mahavihara, and Abhayagiri. The sacred Bo tree of Sri Maha Bodhi which is believed to be the oldest documented living tree in the world is located at the heart of Anuradhapura. It is the site where Buddha received Enlightenment.
POLONNARUWA
Want to know about the medieval period of Sri Lanka? Polonnaruwa represents the country at its best. The city of Polonnaruwa took over the status of capital from Anuradhapura to become the capital of the country between 11th and 13th century after the destruction of Anuradhapura. The city is built in a more compact area beside the shallow reservoir of Parakrama Samudra. One can get a clear idea about the city and the culture of medieval time, as it has been well preserved. So fill your Sri Lanka visa application form to make sure that you travel this ancient city of island country.
KANDY
Nestled amidst the verdant highlands of Sri Lanka is located island`s second city with a rich country – Kandy. Situated beside the man made Kiri Muhuda Lake, the city offers great views. After resisting colonial forces for a long period of time, the city was captured by Portugal and Dutch. Kandy was the last citadel of Buddhist political power and regained its distinct culture, customs and artistic traditions. The city is a home to many Buddhist temples, shrines and also hosts impressive annual festivals annually. Don`t forget to visit temple of tooth relic which has a tooth of Lord Buddha enshrined in a golden casket.
SIGIRIYA
Rising from Sri Lanka`s dry zone, the fabulous fortress of Sigiriya sits atop a large gigantic rock measuring 200 meters in height. Also known as the Lion Rock, the royal palace occupies three acres on the peak with cave temples and beautiful water gardens.
DAMBULLA
The golden Temple of Dambulla is a cave monastery which lies on the way to Kandy. The site is considered pilgrimage with five caves adorned with beautiful Buddhist mural paintings and 157 statues, mostly of Buddha.
The caves were established in the 3rd century and were refurbished again in the 18th century. The largest of these caves is Maharaja Vihara Lena. Because the cave belonged to great Sri Lankan kings, Valagambahu and Nissankamalla, it is also known as cave of the Great Kings.
Incorporate Cultural Triangle into your travel itinerary if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka. Download Sri Lanka visa application form from our website www.sri-lankaeta.com.
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