Joanna James
For those with a thirst for beautiful scenery and historic sites to capture on camera, Dambulla is a location you should consider visiting if you travel to Sri Lanka. With ancient architectural wonder, absolutely lush nature and plenty of serene temples, this destination is a photographers dream!
These two temples are two of the most important temples in Sri Lanka and were built in the time of the ancient inhabitants of the area. It is actuallt a monastry for Buddhist monks. There are said to be over 80 caves out of which 5 cave temples can be visited with a total of 157 statues of Lord Buddha. The ceilings of this ancient temple is paited in a unique style and depicts the stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha. This amazing piece of history is 22 centuries old and is certainly worth photographing both inside and out.
If you are a hiker who also loves to capture the beauty of nature through the lense, take the short hike up to Pidurangala Rock. This natural wonder is located a few kilometers away from Sigiriya, whats more, Sigiriya is also visibkle from the peak of Pidurangala. You can climb the rock to view the sunrise or sunset...either one of the scenes are stunning and perfect for photography enthusiats to capture.
A short drive from Dambulla, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that offers not only historical significance but also breathtaking panoramic views. The steep climb to the top leads to the remnants of an ancient palace, and along the way, you'll encounter striking frescoes and a massive stone lion's paw. The vista from the summit provides a stunning perspective of the surrounding jungle and countryside, making it an ideal spot for landscape photography.
For some exotic wildlife photography in Dambulla, the Minneriya National Park is certainly a must-visit place. Many Dambulla hotels recommend this experience to their guests and perhaps even offer to direc you to safari services. This national park is famous for the largest elephant gathering in the whole of Asia which occurs from May to October. Apart from elephants, you can also keep your eyes peeled for the Sambar deer and the purple faced langur. Keep an eye out for bird species like the Sri Lankan jungle fowl and the black breasted bulbul.
For those fascinated by archaeology and ancient history, the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs are a must-visit. These prehistoric burial sites date back over 2,700 years and are an intriguing subject for photography. The enigmatic stone structures against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan countryside create a sense of mystery that's perfect for capturing unique shots.
Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to capture the essence of rural Sri Lankan life. Dambulla's surrounding villages offer a glimpse into the daily routines of locals. Photograph farmers tending to their rice fields, fishermen casting their nets in serene lakes, and vibrant markets bustling with activity. These authentic scenes showcase the charm of everyday life in Dambulla. Don't forget to click a few pictures duing your stay at scenic hotels like Amaya Lake Dambulla.
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