The Cultural Triangle is the land which lies within the three ancient cities of Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which bear testament to the great civilisation that existed here dating back to 4 BC. On seeing the extensive ruins here, and with a little imagination it is possible to re-create the life of the proud people that once lived here and developed this region into the masterpiece of creation that it once was. The numerous irrigation tanks covering hundreds of acres, with their waters held back with manually constructed packed earth bunds are proof that the ancient Kings were exceptionally advanced for their time. The Cultural Triangle holds the distinction of housing three of the seven World Heritage Sites in the country which are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.