Things to enjoy in Dambulla with your family – Much needed family time

The first and closest option would be to visit the Dambulla cave temple. You're likely to have seen numerous pictures of this iconic spot, which holds a lot of religious and cultural value. The complex is full of caves, which will take you a couple of hours to explore and take in. The caves brim with Buddha statues, over 150 of them. The walls of the caves are also filled with murals and colourful paintings that are centuries old, which makes it feel as if you've stepped into a bygone era. This is also a great way to teach the history of Sri Lanka and Buddhism to young kids!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you don't want to miss out on visiting the Sigiriya rock. Located 17 kilometres from Dambulla and 45 minutes from Heritance Kandalama, this rock fortress holds extreme value in Sri Lanka and continues to be a world-famous historical spot. The rock holds a lot oh interesting history and the frescoes that line the walls speak great volumes. The landscaped gardens, ponds and ruins of the fortress add to the beauty of this spot. After the long climb and descend, you can stop by a sigiriya restaurant for a quick snack and drink.

Looking to spot some wild elephants in their natural habitat? The Minneriya Park is located just 50 minutes from Dambulla and is one of the country's best kept secrets! You can go on a thrilling jeep safari with your family and spot herds of elephants out and about. You can see up to 300 elephants at a time and has proven to be a wildly memorable experience!

If you and your family are up for a hike, Pidurangala rock is ideal and worth the climb. In fact, this rock is right opposite Sigiriya Rock, giving you a breath-taking view of Sigiriya from the top of Pidurangala. The sunrise is also one to cherish!

When translated, these words mean "Pond with Black Water" and the spot is exactly that, a natural black water pool. The tranquillity and peace you will experience here is unlike any other, as you are surrounded by Mother Nature, birds and butterflies!

When in Dambulla, it is a must to experiment with and try local flavours and cuisine. Every part of Sri Lanka has its unique take on how local dishes are cooked and made, which makes your food experience a fun and exciting one, especially if you are a foodie. You can also interact with local people and strike a conversation on how their food is made and what makes it so special.