Joanna James
Just over 72 kilometres north of the gateway to the hill country—the city of Kandy—Dambulla is a small city chock full of history, culture, and heritage. Tourists to the laid-back town are welcomed to a host of wonderful sites and activities that treat you to the best of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
The crown jewel of the island nation of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, 17 kilometres outside the city of Dambulla is easily the biggest draw in the area. The massive granite rock boasting mind-blowing architectural magnificence is truly a sight that is unmissable on your trip to Sri Lanka and will have you bewitched to your very soul. Getting to the top of the 180-metre-high rock involves a good heart-pumping 1,200 steps, where those courageous enough to make it to the top are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
While Sigiriya and its 1,200 steps certainly make for an enchanting experience, it is not exactly an adventure in the classic sense. For those truly adventurous, an exciting trek awaits you just a few kilometres away from Sigiriya, sure to give your fill of adventure and exploration. Pidurangala Rock is Sigiriya's underrated neighbour with so much beauty to add to your experience in Dambulla, but unfortunately is often overlooked by tourists. Trek your way up to the top of the rock where you'll be afforded stunning views of Sigiriya Rock, certainly much more scenic than admiring it up close.
Heading into the city of Dambulla, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple would never fail to capture your attention. Set right beside the main road from Kandy to Dambulla, the striking temple draws almost every tourist thanks to the giant, majestic golden Buddha that sits atop the temple. If you find the Buddha statue is mind-blowing, take the long flight of stairs to the top of the temple, where a clutch of ornate caves awaits brimming with colourful wall paintings and scores of intricately carved Buddha statues.
No Sri Lanka experience would be complete without experiencing the island's fascinating tropical fauna. For those vacationing in the city of Dambulla, Minneriya National Park, which is only a 30-kilometre drive away, is the perfect sanctuary to embark on an exciting wildlife adventure. Hop on a safari jeep and head into the dense wilderness to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful wildlife of the island country.
Amidst all your sightseeing and adventuring, don't miss the opportunity to get a taste of the country's authentic local cuisine. Treat yourself to an assortment of mouth-watering traditional dishes at a fine Dambulla hotel, including the likes of Heritance Kandalama, and let your taste buds revel in the authentic blend of tastes.
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.
