3. Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Why visit: temples, palaces, elephants and festivals
Temperature: 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C)
Average daily budget: $80-$150
Sitting in a shoulder season, visiting Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle in August means you’ll get to soak up incredible ancient sites and wildlife in the company of fewer tourists.
While you might experience some rain in Sri Lanka in August, this area is drier than most, and it’s a top time to visit for an unforgettable festival — more on that below.
The first stop on many tours of the triangle tends to be Dambulla, gateway to Sigiriya. Otherwise known as Lion Rock, this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress was built by King Kashyapa back in the 1st-century AD.
If the 1200-step climb to the summit sounds too much like hard work, wandering the gorgeous water gardens, and marveling at the frescoes and majestic lion sculpture is rewarding enough.
More cultural treasures can be enjoyed at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom.
While in the area, take time to visit Minneriya National Park. Located between Polonnaruwa and Habarana, you might just get to see up to 300 elephants gathered around the ancient Minneriya water tank.
Finally, no Sri Lanka itinerary would be complete without spending time in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city, and capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom.
Backed by lush hills and set around a lake, it’s home to the famed Temple of the Tooth, so named because it’s believed to contain the Buddha’s tooth.
On that subject, come August (or July — check dates before traveling), Kandy plays host to the spectacular festival of Esala Perahera that’s held in honour of the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.
Editor’s tip: our customisable Sri Lanka’s Cultural and Natural Beauty itinerary includes Cultural Triangle highlights.
Where to stay: surrounded by mountains and lakes, Dambulla's Kalundewa Retreat is a delight for nature lovers.
Meanwhile, Kandy's Grand Kandyan has a lofty location and top service for a pocket-pleasing price