Popham's Arboretum Park, Dambulla

A visit to this place will show you a 1600 years old Sigiriya Fortress which was built by King Kasyapa. This massive compound is protected by two moats and three ramparts. It is once known to be the private residence of King Kasyapa. It is 165 km from Sri Lanka. Best time to visit: this area will be early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Highlights: Sigiriya Frescoes are truly beautiful which was hand painted by the king himself depicting celestial nymphs all around the circumference. And on top of these rocks, he built for himself a white palace which stands as an epitome of beauty.Timing: Opens daily from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.Price: Approximate price starts from $15 to $25

Popham's Arboretum Park in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, is a tranquil haven for nature lovers. Founded by Sam Popham in 1963, it showcases over 200 species of Sri Lankan trees. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through lush greenery, spot diverse birdlife, and experience the beauty of sustainable forest restoration.

Dambulla Cave temple is also known as the Golden Rock temple is also one of the world heritage city declared by UNESCO. The cave temple is made with a massive granite outcrop. The word ‘Damba’ means rock and ‘Ulla’ means fountain, hence you can see drip of water from the main house. If you have an eye for paintings then you can also see some of the historic paintings which shows the majestic manifestation of the first sermon of Buddha. Highlights: Don’t forget to visit the Golden temple Buddhist museum which will leave you jaw dropped with its spectacular entrance from the golden mouth of lion like beast.Location: You can come via Ambepussa and Kurunegala which is approximately 4 hours from Colombo.Prices: There are no prices charged for the same, however you have to pay 200 LKR for keeping the luggage.

The Buddhist Museum in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, is a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, located near the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the history and evolution of Buddhism, not only in Sri Lanka but across Asia.The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts, scriptures, and art forms that highlight the rich Buddhist heritage. Its galleries house an impressive collection of Buddha statues, intricate paintings, ancient relics, and models of historic Buddhist structures. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the deep connection between Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture over centuries.One of the museum's standout features is its emphasis on the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, the two major schools of Buddhist thought. Visitors can explore displays that detail the life and teachings of the Buddha, as well as the spread of Buddhism across the region. The museum also includes interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that enhance understanding for all age groups.