Dambulla

At first glance

Surrounded by hills, lakes, and valleys, Dambulla, with its towering golden Buddha statue, perfectly combines spiritual and natural charm. Home to millennia-old cave temples, this agricultural town is shrouded in history. This giant rocky outcrop served as a refuge for King Valagamba in his 14-year exile from the Anuradhapura kingdom. Dambulla temple cave complex, which dates back to the 1^st century BC, is the largest and the best-preserved in Sri Lanka. The caves themselves were lived-in by Buddhist monks since the 3^rd century BC. Archaeological evidence suggests a prehistoric civilization in the area 2700 years old. This UNESCO World Heritage Site neighbours the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Things to See and Do in Dambulla

Dambulla Economic Centre is the largest farmer’s market in Sri Lanka.
Pidurangala Rock offers views of Sigiriya and consists of a 5^th century monastery.
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

Where to Shop in Dambulla

Dambulla is a great place to buy fresh fruit and veggies, but you are not going to find swanky spots to do other shopping.

Where to Eat in Dambulla

Amaya Lake, Jetwing Lake, and Heritance Kandalama have in-hotel high-end dining options, while the Orchid, Rithu, Sakura, Caf – Kanchan, Mango Mango, Athula, and Tree House at Kalundewa Retreat serve up delicious food.

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Best Times to Visit Dambulla – Dambulla is a year-round destination

Top Attractions

Dambulla Cave Temple The five sanctuaries of the cave temple contain 157 statues and intricate paintings and murals belonging to different periods. Climb to the top of the rock for sweeping views.

The Rose Quartz Mountain Jathika Namal Uyana Nature Reserve has South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain and consists of Sri Lanka’s largest ironwood forest. The park also features ancient ruins.

Kaludiya Pokuna This pond was known to have had dark water in ancient times. It is in a biodiversity-rich forest which has remains of a monastery and a high density of langurs and macaques.

Dambulla International Cricket Stadium This one is for the cricket fanatics. This 30,000 seat stadium sprawls across 60 acres near Dambulla Reservoir. It is the only dry zone international cricket ground in Sri Lanka.

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs The less-known Iron Age remains date back to 700-400 BC. The burial site contains terra-cotta urns and cists and precious items which were enclosed by stone slabs.

Popham Arboretum It is Sri Lanka’s only dry zone arboretum and is a creation by Sam Popham, an Englishman. There are walking trails, streams, wooden bridges, and exciting wildlife.