Terraced tea estates covering the hillsides near Nuwara Eliya

Highlights of Sri Lanka

The Cultural Triangle

The ruins of Sri Lanka's first kingdoms, and the living temple city of Kandy. Distances are short, the archaeology is dense, and the early starts are worth it — Sigiriya at dawn belongs to the people who climb it first.

When to go

December to April is the dry window for the ruins. Kandy and Dambulla are comfortable year-round, and the temple city is at its best during the August Esala Perahera — when the streets fill and the hotels with them.

2 destinations we plan around

Dec – Apr

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

We take you up at first light, ahead of the coach groups, with your own guide explaining the frescoes and the hydraulic gardens on the way down.

Best time: December to April
Ideal stay: 2 nights

Include Sigiriya Rock Fortress in your journey Sri Lanka Highlights — 7 Days

The white Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy under a clear blue sky

All year

Kandy & the Temple of the Tooth

Time it for the evening drumming ceremony, then stay in the hills above the lake rather than in the noisy town centre.

Best time: All year
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights

Include Kandy in your journey Sri Lanka Pilgrimage Tour

Journeys that include The Cultural Triangle

Build a journey around The Cultural Triangle

Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. A specialist plans the region around your dates and replies with a written proposal — nothing is charged and there is no obligation.