Joanna James
Truth be told, there are not a million different things to try out in the Kandalama area itself. Adventures listed in this article are spread outward from the city and we believe that is what makes the exploratory adventure all the more exciting. Here is a list of attractions around Kandalama.
Located within more-or-less the central most part of the island, the Dambulla region plays an integral role for the farmers and vegetable wholesale market. Farmers from all over the island bring their produce down to this market and are sold at this point to buyers to be distributed across Sri Lanka. An early morning visit to the market is advised as it could get a little out of control as the hours grow.
This is Sri Lanka’s only dry zone Arboretum, which grows trees for study and display. It is located roughly 3km away from the Dambulla cave Temple on Kandalama Road. It is easily accessible with the help of an infamous tuk-tuk and its ever-smiling trusty driver. If you feel like switching it up a little, maybe catch a bus or perhaps even walk to the location; whichever way you decide to show up, the experience of one of the night safaris along one of its coloured paths with red light head torches pay for themselves! If you would like to know more information on this regard, do not hold back and do talk to one of your Sigiriya hotels staff members and they would love to help you out.
Only a few hundred meters away from the Golden Temple, the Dambulla Museum could be identified as one of the most underrated tourist attractions among both the locals as well as the foreigners. Although the reason why remains unclear, we do know for certain that it will enlighten you with very much detailed information about the Mural arts of Sri Lanka and also features some replicas of the Sigiriya rock frescoes as well. You could even circle down to the gift shop to treat yourself to some mementoes to remember beautiful Sri Lanka and its rock fortress city by!
In addition to the marvellous rock-based attractions that are clearly the rage in the city of Dambulla, you would surely fall in love with its stunning landscapes that feature multiple man-made lakes in and around the city. The Kandalama lake and Ibbankatuwa lake are popular among most visitors for a brisk swim and picnic at. The Kandalama lake is beautifully located betwixt some Sri Lankan lush greenery and is the perfect place to have a glance at the Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks from a distance (the distance makes the hike up to either one of these rocks seem effortless, of course!). On the other side of the Kandalama Lake you can spot the infamous rock-hotel of Dambulla; Heritance Kandalama. On the other hand, the Ibbankatuwa lake backdrop makes for an exceptional sundowner. Period!
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