Joanna James
Forming an essential part of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, the town of Dambulla in the Matale District is a treasure-trove of unimaginable wonder waiting to be unearthed by the curious vacationer.
Undoubtedly, the prime reason for vacationing in Dambulla is the opportunity to explore the magnificently appointed and historic structure of the Dambulla Cave Temple. Constructed 160 meters above the surrounding plains and dating back to the 1st century BC, the Temple is one of the town's unmistakable sites and a history lesson worth paying attention to. Consisting of 5 caves that house beautifully crafted murals and statues of Lord Buddha and other deities, the Dambulla Cave Temple ought to be clearly marked out on one's itinerary no sooner you have decided to head over.
Located some 4km from the town center is the charming escape of Popham's Arboretum which is rated as Sri Lanka's only arboretum overflowing with rugged landscapes and natural habitats worth exploring. The attraction covers a total of 30 acres and is made up of a fine blend of wooden bridges, streams, and numerous paths where if lucky, you will be thrilled to stumble upon sightings of the spotted deer and countless species of birds that seek refuge at the Arboretum. Notably, an entry fee of Rs. 1,500/- will be charged from every person.
When in Dambulla, one will be presented with a chance to delight in some of Sri Lanka's most visited national parks. Amongst these, the Minneriya National Park retains pride of place owing to the fact that for the ultimate elephant safari, few can rival the experience and exposure that Minneriya provides. Though showcasing a vast array of floral and faunal species coupled with the impressive Minneriya Tank that is credited to the reign of King Mahasen, these will surely pale in comparison to the sheer spectacle that is the 'Elephant Gathering.' The Gathering is considered the largest grouping of elephants and can be seen during the months of July and October. For those wanting a good place to be based from where such expeditions can be carefully planned out, do take note of Dambulla hotels the likes of Amaya Lake.
Although considered a tricky find, the ancient ruins of Ritigala afford a memorable journey through dense jungle and to an abandoned monastery, believed to have taken 20 years to construct with a labour force numbering a staggering 30,000. Should you be a traveller keen on wandering off the beaten path, then a trek to Ritigala will be the perfect tonic for you. Upon arrival, one will be greeted by remnants of a civilization long forgotten and elements including houses, stone toilets, and manmade pools strewn throughout its entirety.
Perhaps, a fitting finale to your travels in the culture-rich town of Dambulla is the remarkable Jathika Namal Uyana Nature Reserve. Depicted in complete contrast to the nearby plains and hills, the Reserve allows for time to be spent engrossed by Sri Lanka's biggest ironwood forest and importantly, South Asia's largest rose quartz mountain. When you do reach the top of the mountain, moving scenes of a lovely layer of pink will meet your eye. Thus, be sure to carry with you your trusty camera or binoculars as their environs will coax you into remaining for that much longer.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
