Sri Lanka Itineraries · By interest
Sri Lanka culture trips
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The Cultural Triangle and Kandy hold most of the island's best-known temples and ruins. A driver links the sites and takes you to them at the cooler times of day.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats. Do not pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
How long to allow
Plan at least three days for Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy and one of the ancient cities.
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)
- Sigiriya to Kandy (90 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
- Kandy to Dambulla (72 km, 2 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy (115 km, 3 to 3.5 hours)
- Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (60 km, 1.5 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
Wildlife · Beaches · Hiking · Honeymoon · History
By length · By month · By area
FAQs
What should I wear to temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats.
How many days for the Cultural Triangle?
Three days is the minimum, and four or five is more relaxed.