Tour To Dambulla

Dambulla, a major town in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a key junction and the center of vegetable distribution across the country. The town is widely visited for the largest & most well-preserved cave complex on the island.�

Major Attractions of Dambulla

Dambulla Cave Temple/Golden Temple of Dambulla
One of the iconic attractions in Sri Lanka, the exquisite rock temple of Dambulla dates back to the 1st century BC when the exiled King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the caves with the monks residing here, and later converted the caves into a beautiful temple complex. The devotees climb barefoot up the slope & steps to reach the cave complex which is home to a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in different sizes depicting various poses; the highlight being a 15 meter long reclining Buddha. The murals & frescos adorning the walls & ceilings are considered to be the largest antique painted surface in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this splendid cave temple is sure to leave you spell bound.

Dambulla Museum
The huge golden statue of Buddha in the Dhyan Chakra pose reigns at the top of the building. �As you walk inside, various paintings, all re-created art from the murals & frescos in the cave temple, are displayed. Each painting, exquisitely executed, depicts a minute piece of Sri Lankan history & art. Do climb up the terrace to experience the beauty & serenity of Dambulla.

Kaludiya Pokuna / Dakkinagiriya Vihara
Around 15 kilometers from the Dambulla Rock Temple, this mountain monastery, is certainly off the beaten track. The ruins of rectangular walls & protective moat dominate the site. A barely legible inscription on the Stupa guard stone attributes it to King Sena II, who ruled in the 9th century. The Kaludiya Pokuna or the black pond that lends its name to the forest, still exists, though shallow and still.

Dambulla Produce Market
A flurry of activity defines the produce market at Dambulla where truckloads of fruits & vegetables are constantly on their way to the other parts of the country.

Traditional Food Sales Centre
This center set up by the government offers you the culinary gems of Sri Lanka. Be sure to try Pittu (steamed rice flower patty with savory sauce), Narang Kewum (fried coconut and honey ball), and Belimal Flower Tea for a distinctive taste of Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Visit Dambulla
Travel to Dambulla is best in the months of dry season from June to August and then from December to February.

How to Reach Dambulla
By Air- The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, around 130 kilometers from Dambulla.
By Road- Dambulla is well-connected to all the major Sri Lankan cities via an impressive network of roads. Buses & hired taxis are easily available for travel.
By Rail- There is no train station in Dambulla but it is equidistant (45 km) from the Gal Oya Junction on the Eastern Railway Line and from Matale on the Main Line.