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.
At a glance
Top Attractions
Hidden Gems
- Dambulla Economic Centre is the largest farmer’s market in Sri Lanka.
- Pidurangala Rock offers views of Sigiriya and consists of a 5th 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.
Top Accommodations
Jetwing Lake
Jetwing Lake is strategically situated in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, 6 km from the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO Heritage site. ...
Cinnamon Lodge
Cinnamon Lodge in Anuradhapura in the north central of Sri Lanka is located at the heart of the Cultural Triangle. It is a great escape for the travel...
Heritance Kandalama Dambulla
Hesitance Kandalama is set against the backdrop of the Sigiriya Rock fortress in the north central province at the heart of the Cultural Triangle....
Best Times to Visit
Dambulla is a year-round destination