Joanna James
Dambulla is an ancient city that lies in the Central Province and is at the heart of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Here, you can expect to find ancient monuments, temples, wildlife, and so much more!
Dambulla Rock Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic and revered attractions. The temple complex is nestled within a massive granite outcropping that towers 160 metres above the surrounding landscape. The site boasts five separate caves that have been transformed into magnificent Buddhist temples, adorned with intricate murals and statues that have been carved out of the rock. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cave paintings and sculptures date back more than 2,000 years. A visit to Dambulla Rock Temple is a spiritual journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Typically the visit would take around 2-3 hours, depending on interest. A Dambulla hotel won't be too difficult to find; the likes of Heritance Kandalama are among the best options available.
Just 25 minutes from Dambulla is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Start as early as possible, as it gets unbearably hot with the heat reflecting off the massive monolith. The site is open from 7 am to 5 pm, so you have all day to discover the place. This stupendous rock fortress dates back millions of years and was made into a defensive palace by the parricide King Kashyapa between 447-495 CE. To elude the impending advances of the rightful heir, his half-brother Prince Mugalan, King Kashyapa moved the Kingdom's capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya. At the summit of the Rock Fortress, you can encounter palace ruins, including the throne and a large pool. Archaeological evidence suggests the existence of a number of rock and water parks at the summit and on the palace grounds. After you have finished the climb, spend time exploring its environs, which is something people rarely do!
If you are up for more rock climbing, head to Pidurangala, which is close to Sigiriya. It provides magnificent vistas of Lion Rock and the surrounding wilderness. The entrance to the rock is via an ancient temple, with several high-cut rocky steps to reach the temple, which has several rock-hewn sculptures of the Buddha. It is suggested that King Kashyapa came to this site to worship the Buddha and the monks living here. The climb up the rock is more strenuous, unlike Sigiriya, as there are no metal stairwells to lead one up to the summit. However, a rough path has opened up due to the continuous trips made by visitors. Make sure to wear good shoes and go early in the morning. The sunrise and sunsets are the most spectacular! A good photo session is worthwhile celebrating this adventurous climb.
If you want to travel off the beaten path, Namal Uyana Park is a great choice and will be around a 25-minute drive from Dambulla. Here, you will encounter the largest ironwood forest in Sri Lanka, which is home to the biggest Rose Quartz Mountain in Asia! There are over 102 species of tropical plants and 260 acres of woodland forest to explore. It has over 18 species of birds and wild animals, including elephants, leopards, deer, and monkeys living within the park. The Rose Quartz Mountain is the highlight of the park and is estimated to have a history of 550 million years behind it. A row of seven mountains encircles the quartz mountain, giving you fantastic and contrasting sights of this beautiful pink mountain.
If you are a sports enthusiast or would like to see what a cricket stadium looks like, a trip to the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is ideal. It is located in a beautiful area surrounding the natural wilderness, with views of the Ibbangamuwa reservoir and hills surrounding the stadium.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
