Joanna James
A city that's snuggled off the beaten path and an unforgettable station in the Sri Lankan cultural triangle, the historic town of Dambulla is chock full of authentic experiences. Come, let the small laid-back town give you a taste of true Sri Lanka in the best and most exciting ways it knows.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Rangiri Dambulla cave temple or Golden Temple of Dambulla is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Sitting in the heart of the Dambulla city, alongside the Kandy - Jaffna highway, the temple is unmissable, thanks to the imposing golden Buddha statue. Make your way up the flight of stairs beneath the giant Buddha to the ornate cave temples, where colourful wall paintings and statues await.
An imposing 100-metre high rock stands in the backdrop, Yapahuwa invites you to its majestic rock fortress, where the late 13th century still lives like in its heyday. Nestled a 2-hour drive away from Dambulla, Yapahuwa is a rock fortress, belonging to the ancient kingdom of Yapahuwa, carved out of one massive rock. Feast your eyes on the striking historic work of architecture while enjoying the seclusion from thronging crowds seen at other popular tourist attractions in the city.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the world-renowned Lion Rock is one of the most visited tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site in the tiny island nation of Sri Lanka. Dating back to the golden days of the early 5th century, Sigiriya is a site of great historical and archaeological significance. The 1000-step trek up to the 200 metres high rock will surely put you through a great workout, but it'll all be worth it once you get to take in breathtaking panoramic views at the top. Aside from climbing the rock, there are many other things to do in Sigiriya as well. Vacationing tourists could also find a clutch of top-notch hotels in the vicinity to relax and unwind after a day of exploration, such as Amaya Lake.
Lion Rock is a wonder that needs to be seen both on-site and from afar. Sitting just a hop, skip and a jump away is the Pidurangala Rock, where the absolute best views of Sigiriya are afforded. If you think the trek up Sigiriya is challenging, wait until you embark on the Pidurangala climb.
Taking only a 30-minute drive from Dambulla is the Minneriya National Park, a haven for a diverse species of tropical fauna. Hop on a sick safari jeep and go in search of your favourite wild animals, exploring the dense wilderness. In a city that's full of historical and cultural attractions, Minneriya National Park makes for a different experience.
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