The cultural triangle is the most remarkable travel area in Sri Lanka, where its corners include the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the hill capital of Kandy. Most of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the country concentrate around these cities. Dambulla locates at the heart of this area, hence it is an unmissable travel destination in the country. There are several important things to do in Dambulla city. Among those important travel destinations, the world-famous Sigiriya and ancient Dambulla cave temple are the favorites among most Sri Lankan travelers.
Dambulla belongs to the dry zone of Sri Lanka and has a hot climate with an average temperature that fluctuates around 30 °C. The landscape is totally different from the hill country, with large plains dominating this area. Since there are several national parks around the Dambulla area, Dambulla is ideal to witness amazing wildlife, including majestic Sri Lankan elephants.
Here we are going to show you the most important places to visit in Dambulla. Hope our guide will help you explore all the corners of this historical city in Sri Lanka.
Access to Dambulla
Dambulla can be reached within 2 hours from Colombo, by car, bus or taxi. Here you can find all the best methods to reach Dambulla from Colombo.
1. Sigiriya
Most importantly, Sigiriya tops the list of places to visit in Dambulla city. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations and a major historical place in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa. Sigiriya or Lion Rock is a magnificent 200 m high rock with the ruins of a royal palace on top of it. Due to the excellent ancient architectural skills used to build this fortress, it calls as the eighth wonder of the world.
The main entrance goes through a huge lion’s paws, which are carved out on the rock. The pathway to the top through this majestic entrance will bring you to the marvels of ancient Sri Lanka. There are ruins of King’s palace, terraced gardens, and water ponds on the top of the rock.
As well as, remember to visit beautiful frescoes call as Sigiriya damsels during your visit. These beautiful paintings of Sigiriya damsels believe to be the concubines of King Kashyapa.
Sigiriya is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden which is among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. It has many distinct features such as water gardens, boulder gardens, and terraced gardens. Furthermore, the park contains water retaining structures, including a sophisticated hydraulic system. The grand architecture of Sigiriya astonishes visitors with its unique and creative ancient technical skills and technologies.
2. Dambulla Cave Temple
Certainly, this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the epic cultural landmarks in Dambulla. This ancient rock temple was built by King Valagamba in the first century BC. Dambulla cave temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. The entrance to the cave temple is adorned by a huge 30m high, real gold-painted, incredible statue of Lord Buddha.
The height of the majestic Dambulla rock is around 160 m. The rock caves were created by building partition walls into space beneath this huge rock overhang. There are five major caves with more than 150 stunning Buddha statues and paintings. This ancient temple is an important pilgrimage site deeply revered by Buddhists.
The beautiful cave paintings & murals make this is one of the must-visit destinations in Dambulla. Above all, the intricate cave paintings, serene statues of Buddha, and the sacred vibes make these caves a spiritual sanctuary.
In addition to enjoying historical artworks, the rock ascend landscape enables you to reach the top of Dambulla Rock. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding flatlands, including the rock fortress in Sigiriya, 20 km away.
3. Pidurangala Rock
Moreover, towering beside the giant Sigiriya, you’ll find 160 m high Pidurangala rock. These two huge rocks dominate the plains of the Dambulla area. Pidurangala rock locates in an ancient Buddhist monastery. You’ll find ruins of a large sleeping Buddha statue in the temple. You need to go through this ancient temple before beginning the ascent to Pidurangala rock.
Many visitors prefer to climb Pidurangala rock since it gives a clear view of Sigiriya. A sunrise or sunset hike is recommended for the breathtaking views in the tranquil setting. Certainly, climbing to the top of Pidurangala rock is a wonderful trip for those looking for a taste of adventure.
Pidurangala Rock is one of the epic photogenic spots in the country. Hiking Pidurangala rock rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Above all, the mesmerizing views from the top will make your journey worth all the effort.
4. Wasgamuwa National Park
A day trip to this sprawling Wasgamuwa national park is just about one hour’s drive away from Dambulla town. If you are a wildlife lover, this park is completely worthy to add your itinerary. This beautiful park is a nature lovers delight to see the wild elephants. Jeep safaris through the dense forest will bring you to the Wasgamuwa tank, where you can witness herds of wild elephants.
The park is inhabited by around 150 Sri Lankan elephants. It is home to 23 species of mammals and also one of the important bird areas in Sri Lanka. Early morning safaris are great for bird viewings, while late afternoon ones are best for elephant sightings.
5. Hurulu Eco Park
Hurulu Eco Park in Habarana is a national park in close proximity to Dambulla. It is immensely popular among locals and foreigners to watch large herds of elephants. The Hurulu Forest Reserve built to protect the wild elephants living around Hurulu Wewa. The Park is a biosphere reserve where you can enjoy a great deal of time enjoying the lovely nature. Hurulu forest reserve is one of the prime locations for enjoying wildlife in Sri Lanka.
6. Kandalama Lake
Kandalama Lake is a huge tank located closer to Sigiriya, around 20 km from Dambulla. It is an ideal choice for couples who look for romantic destinations in Sri Lanka. The surrounding of Kandalama Lake is quite fascinating with lush green surroundings. It is far less crowded, a secluded place away from the touristy bustle so that you can immerse in the lovely nature peacefully.
At Kandalama Lake, you can enjoy one of the marvelous adventures in Sri Lanka. It is hot air ballooning over Kandalama Lake and Sigiriya. What could be a better thing to have a bird’s eye view of the countryside in a hot air balloon? The blue sky dotted with balloons is one of the most prominent reasons for the popularity of this place.
Kandalama has a unique luxury hotel – Kandalama Hotel, one of the best Projects of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Owing to its minimal construction on rocky terrain with the best facilities, it attracts lots of visitors.
The infinity pool of the hotel offers an eye-catching view of the lovely nature around Kandalama Lake, as far as Sigiriya. If you are visiting Dambulla, this is one of the best places to enjoy your holiday with maximum comfort.
7. National Ironwood Garden
Jathika Namal Uyana or National Ironwood Garden is one of the best destinations to visit in Dambulla. It locates around 16 km from Dambulla city center. Ceylon Ironwood or Na flower is the national flower of Sri Lanka. Jathika Namal Uyana is Sri Lanka’s largest Ironwood Forest.
This Park is one of the most unique, historic places in Sri Lanka. It consists of centuries-old archaeological ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery. Namal Uyana had been a sanctuary and meditating area for Buddhist monks during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign in the 8th century.
Ironwood Forest is a world-famous, rare attraction since there is a rare Rose Quartz Mountain. This is the largest pink crystal mountain you’ll find in Asia. This rose quartz mountain doesn’t look deep pink color, it is visible in greyish light pink color.
Although this park isn’t still popular among tourists, it is very popular among locals. This is a lovely place where you can enjoy the calm and serene vibes of beautiful nature. If you like to enjoy a peaceful and quiet environment, this is an ideal place to visit in Dambulla.
8. Statue of Avukana Buddha
One of the major incredible statues of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka is the statue of Avukana Buddha. This majestic statue locates at Kekirawa, around 20 km from Dambulla city. The Avukana Buddha statue is one of the popular local and tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
It considers as the best example of a standing statue of the Buddha from ancient Sri Lanka. This rock-cut image of Lord Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal. It has a height of 42 feet and carved out of a large granite rock face. Avukana Buddha depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra.
The standing Buddha clutches the robe at the left shoulder, while the right hand is raised to the right shoulder. Avukana statue shows the great rock carving skills of ancient craftsmen. Furthermore, the closely worn robe and curls of hair are elaborately carved on the rock. If you visit the Avukana Buddha statue, you’ll experience the serene expression and radiating feelings of peace and tranquility in this awe-inspiring statue.
To sum up, the historical city of Dambulla is an unmissable travel destination in Sri Lanka. The above list shows the top things to do in this old city with many amazing attractions. We hope you’ll enjoy these activities and lovely sceneries while touring the city. Visit Dambulla and witness its historical value, while enjoying the beautiful nature. Welcome guys, Happy traveling to Dambulla city!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Facebook, Twitter, and Economy Tours. All copyrights are reserved by original authors.
Sri Lanka looks like such a beautiful country. I can’t wait to visit here one day!
Thank you very much dear! Welcome to Sri Lanka soon after this pandemic is over. Hopefully soon!