Anastasia Smith
Renowned for its rich history and cultural legacy, Dambulla is home to several archaeological sites and a few UNESCO World Heritage sites. Whether you love the outdoors, are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or are looking for a peaceful getaway, Dambulla has something to offer
A proud UNESCO World Heritage site that rises majestically above the plains of Dambulla, the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temple is known to be the biggest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This temple is another top tourist attraction because of its beauty, serene atmosphere that is uplifting, religious practices, cave paintings, murals and the hundreds of Buddha statues scattered throughout the five main caves. Known to be an active place of worship, visitors can observe Buddhist monks and followers engaging in religious rituals and acts.
A 50-minute drive from Dambulla city, the Minneriya National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. If you love nature and wild animals, this park is a must-visit. If you are a nature photographer and would love to capture images and witness beautiful birds and herds of wild elephants, signing up for a jeep safari would be the ideal thing to do. The park's picturesque landscape makes for an amazing backdrop for viewing wildlife.
Located on top of a 200-meter-tall rock, Sigiriya is one of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, you must allow yourself plenty of time to explore the history and the beauty of this ancient rock fortress. The magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an exhilarating climb for all history enthusiasts given the frescoes, mirror wall and ancient water gardens that still exist. The climb to the top is exciting and worth the effort given the breathtaking views. After absorbing all of the beauty and history of the rock fortress, you must visit any one of the Sigiriya hotels for a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. One of the best in town is the Aliya Resort and Spa just a 20-minute drive from the Sigiriya rock.
The Buddhist Museum is one of the most sought-after museums in the country for all religious believers both locals and foreigners because of the extensive collection of statues, scrolls, artefacts, texts, carvings, inscriptions and so many more Buddhist historic treasures. The Buddhist Museum is the place to visit if you wish to learn about the history of Buddhism and the development of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as important historical details are revealed through the the exhibits.
For anyone who is looking for an alternative to climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you must be sure to visit the less crowded and more daring Pidurangala Rock. The climb includes a moderate trek through rocky terrain leading to the breathtaking views of the stunning vegetation and landscape as well as glorious sunrises and sunsets that can be experienced from the top of this rock.
