Joanna James
Planning to visit Sri Lanka in 2025? Then you should not miss Dambulla. This little town offers adventure, peace, and serenity. These are the best things to do there for unlimited fun.
If you’ve been looking up things to do in Sri Lanka, you must have seen pictures of Buddha statues inside caves – that’s the Dambulla Cave Temple. It’s not just one cave, by the way; it’s a set of caves. You need at least a couple of hours to explore them. There are over 150 statues here, not only of Buddha but also of various deities. The walls and ceiling of the caves are all covered in murals, which makes walking through them a delight. You can visit from 7 AM to 7 PM, but the ticket counter closes at 5 PM. There’s a set of stairs leading to the caves. If you’re coming from Kandy, plenty of buses run to Dambulla.
Dambulla and Sigiriya go together like a perfect pair. Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent spot for taking amazing pictures. Just 17 kilometres from Dambulla, it’s one of the most important historical places in Sri Lanka. It’s a huge rock fortress that sits atop an old volcano, and it truly is a wonder. In fact, many locals call it the eighth wonder of the world. When you visit, you’ll see a grand entrance shaped like two giant lion paws. The rock itself is a brilliant sight, and the area around it, with gardens, ponds, and old ruins, is so beautiful. Inside the rock, you’ll find a mirror wall and ancient wall paintings called frescoes. Those visiting Kandalama visit Sigiriya Rock too, as it’s one of the best things to do in Kandalama. Speak to your hotel to arrange a tour – it should be easy if you’re staying at a place like Heritance Kandalama.
While you’re in Dambulla, a visit to Minneriya National Park is a must. It’s only about 50 minutes from Dambulla – a journey that’s totally worthwhile. You can go on a jeep safari through the park and see the many wild animals that live there. If you’re lucky, you might come across the largest group of wild Asian elephants in the world. Minneriya Tank is the main highlight – a large man-made lake built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. During the dry season, from June to September, this lake becomes a gathering spot for elephants. You might see up to 300 of them at once, gathered around the lake – an amazing sight you should not miss.
Another must-do thing in Dambulla is visiting the arboretum. It’s the only dry zone arboretum in Sri Lanka. As you walk through this place full of natural beauty, you’ll come across many kinds of trees, with birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and even small mammals living among them. With walking paths, small streams, and wooden bridges, it feels like a little green paradise. As you explore, you’ll hear birds singing – keep an eye out for species like the Jungle Magpie Robin and the Crimson-backed Woodpecker.
Nature lovers, here’s another thing you can do. The name Kalu Diya Pokuna means ‘pond with black water’ – it’s a natural black water pool. Getting to the pond involves a bit of a hike, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views that await you at the top. Quiet, peaceful, and full of natural beauty, it’s one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems.
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.
