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Things to Do in Dambulla

The city of Dambulla in Sri Lanka is only 5 hours from the clamoring Colombo. Situated in the Matale District, Central Province, Dambulla is popular in light of the fact that it houses the Dambulla Cave Temple ' the biggest, best-saved, cave temple complex in the nation. Dambulla has over 80 caves in the surrounding and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla. With the best things to do in Dambulla, it remains an important tourist attraction inciting historical and cultural interest in the imagination of every traveler with its serene beauty and tranquil ambience.

Otherwise called Golden Rock Temple, this World Heritage Site includes a cave monastery and five sanctuaries. Along with these caves there are other lovely sights around the city like the Rose Quartz Mountain, Iron Wood Forest and the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium which was worked in only 167 days. Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountain was declared as a human sanctuary by King Dappula in 10 century AD and today geologically important because of the Rose Quartz mountain range in the garden, which is believed to be over 500 million years old. Most travellers combine a visit to Dambulla with a visit to Sigiriya' s ancient rock fortress. This 660-foot column of rock is in the middle of a thick green tropical forest and is called the ' Eighth Wonder of the World'. Looking how to plan your tour itinerary to Dambulla? View our carefully curated list of best things to do in Dambulla.

Dambulla Cave Temple

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.

Sigiriya

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