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The history of this cave temple stretches back to the 1 BCE, when King Valagambahu took refuge here whilst escaping his enemies. After reclaiming his kingdom, he built a temple in the caves in gratitude for the shelter. The Kings of Sri Lanka who followed, added and expanded the temple throughout the 5 caves.
Apart from having the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, Dambulla has a few other features too. It is located very conveniently to access other UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is also close to a few National Parks, archeological sites, Megalithic tombs, Pidurangala rock, an arboretum and a couple of modern marvels too.
The temple's history can be traced back across 2,000 years and the five caves are full of magnificent statues, relics, enormous cave paintings and murals. Visitors can also take an easy walk up the rock to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the plains of Dambulla.
Featuring a landscape that changes dramatically due to seasonal flooding, Minneriya is a lovely place for wildlife enthusiasts, especially birders. The Park is most famous for ‘The Gathering’, a seasonally recurring event where hundreds of elephants congregate on a wide open, drying lake bed.
Situated next to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala may be the less illustrious of the two attractions, but is definitely worth the visit. A 30-minute hike up dense forests and rocks will get you to the top, to enjoy expansive panoramas of the surroundings and a unique view of Sigiriya.
Sam Popham came to Sri Lanka as a Tea Planter, fell in love with the flora of the country and embarked on creating an arboretum in 1963. He lovingly turned a 7.5 acre area of scrub jungle into a beautiful botanical garden, which became home to wildlife as well.
Quite surprisingly, these tombs were discovered relatively recently, in 1970. Located just 5 Kilometres from Dambulla, the tombs date to a period between 700 - 400 BCE, which puts them in the pre-Buddhist era. The site is part of the ancient Ibbankatuwa settlement which is located by the Dambulu Oya river.
Rising abruptly from the surrounding landscape, Ritigala has a wonderful mix of forest types, micro climates and wildlife to encounter. The ruins of a monastery, stone bridges, raised platforms and courtyards dating back to the 1st century BCE are found here, along with a mediaeval man-made reservoir called Banda Pokuna.
This National Park was established relatively recently, in 2002. It provides a 6,656 hectare corridor between Somawathiya and Minneriya National Parks for elephants to use during their migrations. Apart from the 250 elephants that call it home, leopards, sambar deer, and sloth bears can also be found here.Kaudulla National Park offers a fantastic chance of getting up close with elephants. In October, there are up to 250 elephants in the park, including herds of juvenile males. There are also leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, endangered rusty spotted cats and sloth bears.
Named a biosphere reserve in 1977, the Hurulu Forest Reserve is yet another location aimed at safeguarding the elephants. This Reserve is also connected to Wasgamuwa National Park, Kahala-Pallekele Sanctuary, Minneriya-Giritale and Mahaweli flood plains Natural Reserves, and Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. The Eco Park is situated within this Reserve.
This holiday will take you on a quick journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting...
This holiday will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...
With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...
This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you...
During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved...
This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...
This Geoffrey Bawa discovery tour will take you on a journey of Bawa’s greatest works, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...
Whether you are newlyweds or a couple rekindling their romance, this honeymoon holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect getaway! Experience breath-taking locations, luxurious...
This photography holiday will take you on a wonderful journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...
With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will cover most of the cultural, historical and entertaining highlights that Sri Lanka has to...
This art discovery tour will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s aesthetic aspects, and along the way you will have...
We have handpicked a variety of hotels with family or interconnected rooms mostly with swimming pools. You will spend minimum time to get to...
With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...
Spend half a day in a Veddah village and discover the indigenous roots of Sri Lanka.
Experience a mesmerising sunrise and view of Sigiriya Rock , at a mountain top peppered with caves and cells used by 3rd-century monks.
Explore the skies of Dambulla heritage city in a hot air balloon, and watch the first rays of the sun gently kiss the misty...
Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Experience the authentic way of life, traditions, and livelihood of a typical Sri Lankan village with this holistic, non-touristic excursion.
Witness the ancient Sri Lankan art of clay pottery-making dating back thousands of years
‘Wasgamuwa’ is derived from ‘Walas Gamuwa’, meaning Bear Woods. So, if you visit the sloth bear woods today, why not enjoy a lakeside picnic...
Uncover hidden villages while cycling around the 8th wonder of the world – Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Situated on a sizable 5-acre property close to the village of Habarana, these chalets are concealed from view, providing seclusion and sanctuary while you...
This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...
Winner of Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Best of the Best Award 2022, Hotel Mapakada Village is situated on the Mahiyanganaya Badulla road on the...
The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...
In front of Jetwing Lake lies the Siyambalawewa Tank in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. The hotel is illuminated by the constant sunshine that permeates...
Tucked away in a lovely 100-acre area, you might want to refer to this Dambulla hotel as your heavenly hideaway.
Experience the wild beauty of Mahiyangana! Discover its stunning waterfalls, meet ancient communities and witness the glorious sunrises by the Sorabora Lake.
Go stay in Ulpotha if you need to restore your emotional, spiritual, or physical state.
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Ayurvie Sigiriya is a Sri Lankan retreat that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings.
Celebrating one of Sri Lanka's most beloved animals, the elephant ('Aliya' in Sinhala), the Aliya Resort & Spa is set in the lush forests...
Overlooking King Parakramabahu I’s artificial lake, emerged in forest that speaks of so much history, Jetwing Vil Uyana sits amidst paddy lands and reed...
The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...