Sri Lanka Itineraries · By area
Cultural Triangle routes
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The Cultural Triangle covers Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, with Kandy as its southern gateway. Roads are flat and quick compared with the hills.
How to plan it
Base yourself near Sigiriya or Habarana and visit by day. Allow three to four days for the main sites.
Routes for this trip
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya (170 km, 4 to 4.5 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Dambulla (150 km, 3.5 to 4 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Habarana (190 km, 4 to 4.5 hours)
- Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (60 km, 1.5 hours)
- Sigiriya to Anuradhapura (100 km, 2 hours)
- Sigiriya to Kandy (90 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
- Kandy to Dambulla (72 km, 2 hours)
- Kandy to Polonnaruwa (140 km, 3.5 hours)
Keep reading
- Golden Temple of Dambulla
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Trip cost calculator
- Find a private driver
More itinerary ideas
Hill country · South coast · East coast and north · West coast
By length · By month · By interest
FAQs
What is the Cultural Triangle?
A region in the centre of Sri Lanka with Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kandy.
How long should I stay?
Three to four days covers the highlights.