Dambulla

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 1st century BC, is the largest and the best-preserved in Sri Lanka. The caves themselves were lived-in by Buddhist monks since the 3rd 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.

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.

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.

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.