Dambulla, Sri Lanka

A brief look

Dambulla, surrounded by hills, lakes, and valleys, brilliantly mixes spiritual and natural attractiveness with its towering golden Buddha statue. This farming hamlet is steeped in history, with millennia-old cave temples. During his 14-year exile from the Anuradhapura realm, King Valagamba sought sanctuary on this massive granite outcrop. Dambulla temple cave complex, which dates back to the first century BC, is Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved. Buddhist monks have resided in the caverns since the third century BC.Archaeological evidence reveals a 2700-year-old ancient civilisation in the region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located near the well-known Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Popular Tourist spots

Dambulla Cave Temple

The underground temple's five sanctuaries have 157 sculptures as well as exquisite paintings and murals from various times. Climb to the rock's summit for panoramic views.

Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

This one is for all you cricket fans out there. This 30,000-seat stadium spans 60 acres near Dambulla Reservoir. It is Sri Lanka's first international cricket venue with a dry zone.

The Rose Quartz Mountain

The Jathika Namal Uyana Nature Reserve has the largest rose quartz mountain in South Asia as well as Sri Lanka's largest ironwood forest. There are also old ruins in the park.

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs

The Iron Age relics, which are less well-known, date from 700 to 400 BC. The burial site comprises terra-cotta urns and cists, as well as priceless artifacts surrounded by stone slabs.

Kaludiya Pokuna

In ancient times, this pond was known to contain black water. It is located in a biodiverse woodland with the ruins of a monastery and a high density of langurs and macaques.

Popham Arboretum

It is Sri Lanka's unique dry zone arboretum and was designed by Englishman Sam Popham. Walking routes, streams, wooden bridges, and interesting animals abound.

To Do List

Pidurangala Rock offers views of Sigiriya and consists of a 5th century monastery.
Dambulla Economic Centre is the largest farmer’s market in Sri Lanka.
Menikdena Archeological Reserve and Arboretum has ruins of an old monastic complex.
Ederagala Wana Senasuna is a smaller less-known cave temple with a stupa on a rock.