Dambulla Attractions
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's highlands are situated in the south-central part of the island. The property comprises the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. These montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home ...
Sri Lanka's highlands are situated in the south-central part of the island. The property comprises the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. These montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. The region is considered a super biodiversity hotspot.
Travel to Sri Lanka
Traveling down the mountain slopes one comes to Ratnapura - the City of Gems - known from ancient times and mentioned in the tales of the Sheherazade or Arabian Nights. It was to Ratnapura in Sri Lanka that Sinbad came to obtain sapphires, rubies, cat's eyes and other gems of priceless value. I...
Traveling down the mountain slopes one comes to Ratnapura - the City of Gems - known from ancient times and mentioned in the tales of the Sheherazade or Arabian Nights. It was to Ratnapura in Sri Lanka that Sinbad came to obtain sapphires, rubies, cat's eyes and other gems of priceless value. It was from Sri Lanka and Ratnapura that King Solomon obtained the gems and other gifts such as peacocks and elephants to woo the Queen of Sheba. Ratnapura and its surrounds still abound in gems, much sought after by the world. Tradition has it, that the gems that are found in the riverbeds around Ratnapura, are in fact the crystallized tears of Adam & Eve as they wept after being banished from the real Eden to this other Eden.
Always a few hours driving distance away is the wildlife of Sri Lanka, given sanctuary in many national parks, and strict nature reserves. Here one can see the elephant and leopard roam in freedom, as do the sloth bear, the spotted deer and Sambhur. There are peacocks aplenty displaying the vibrant colours of their tails to attract mates, as well as many species of parrot, stork, swift, the Brahiminy Kite, the Fishing Eagle, the colourful Kingfishers and Woodpeckers, and the unique tailor birds and weavers to name only a few. The inviting warm tropical climate of Sri Lanka also brings in a large number of winged visitors from as far away as Siberia to escape the cold of the winter, the most colourful of these being the Siberian Flamingo. There are also plenty of tern and wild duck that come here during the winter adding to the island's own 150 plus species of indigenous birds.
By far the biggest attraction of Sri Lanka is its people. The Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims are all friendly by nature and the country has an unsullied record of hospitality over the centuries. It is a land of smiles and a warm welcome, observed by Anton Chekov, Bernard Shaw and Sir Arthur C. Clarke who has made Sri Lanka his home, and the inspiration for at least two of his books. It is known as a land of tolerance that has been tempered over the years by the teachings of the Buddha. Its overall Buddhist culture, with a lasting blend of Hindu influence has been the source of an ancient civilization, with masterpieces of sculpture, construction, and irrigation that have lasted to this day in the several ancient and medieval cities that bear testimony to Sri Lanka's historic splendour. The huge irrigation tanks that dammed rivers and also harnessed the rain from the 1st Century BC are known as marvels of a unique hydraulic civilization and still provide the water for the rice field of today. At the beginning of a new millennium, Sri Lanka that has known much of history, still beckons as a land of splendour far beyond the limits of a tropical isle.
Geography
Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of india in the Indian Ocean. From North to South - 432 km From East to West - 224 km Total area - 65, 525 sq. km
Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of india in the Indian Ocean. From North to South - 432 km From East to West - 224 km Total area - 65, 525 sq. km
Population
The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of european descent). Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the island.
The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of european descent). Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the island.
Time
Sri Lanka is +5 ½ Greenwich Mean Time.
Sri Lanka is +5 ½ Greenwich Mean Time.
Climate
The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the south-west from October to March. The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures fall rapidly with altitude. In Kandy the temperature on average is around 20 degrees Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 degrees Celsius.
The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the south-west from October to March. The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures fall rapidly with altitude. In Kandy the temperature on average is around 20 degrees Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 degrees Celsius.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.
Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.
Telephones
Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest grocery shop or kiosk. Mobile telephone rentals are also freely available.
Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest grocery shop or kiosk. Mobile telephone rentals are also freely available.
Health
It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water, bottled water and water and ice at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.
It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water, bottled water and water and ice at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.
Electricity
210-240 volts, 50Hz, Alternating Current / Plug sockets take round pins.
210-240 volts, 50Hz, Alternating Current / Plug sockets take round pins.
Currency
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.
Visas
Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
Shopping
Sri Lanka offers good bargains in ceramics, garments, leather goods, gems etc.
Sri Lanka offers good bargains in ceramics, garments, leather goods, gems etc.
Communications
The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have central post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.
The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have central post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.
Dambulla Articles
Nature & Wildlife Tour
Nature & Wildlife Tour
10 Nights 11 Days
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 – Wilpattu
Pick from meeting point & drive to Wilpattu check in to the hotel in Wilpattu.
Nature & Wildlife Tour
10 Nights 11 Days
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 – Wilpattu
Pick from meeting point & drive to Wilpattu check in to the hotel in Wilpattu.
Day 02 – Wilpattu / Anuradhapura
Do Morning safari in Wilpattu. Drive to Anuradhapura check in to the hotel.
Day 03 – Anuradhapura / Sigiriya
After breakfast visit to Anuradhapura sacred city drive to Sigiriya. On the way visit to Mihintale Check in to the Hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 04 –Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa
In the Morning visit to Sigiriya Lion rock do the hiking after drive to Polonnaruwa sacred city Check in to the Hotel.
Day 05 – Dambulla / Kandy
After breakfast visit to Kandy On the way visit to Cave Temple Dambulla/Spice garden Matale Hindu temple Check in to the Hotel in Kandy.
Day 06 – Kandy
After breakfast visit to Kandy botanical garden after visit to the Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy Down town market and do the cultural drum show in Kandy Check in to the Hotel in Kandy.
Day 07 – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast drive to Nuwara Eliya on the way visit to Tea plantation and Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya in the evening visit to Gregory Lake park Check in to the Hotel.
Day 08 – Ella
After breakfast catch the train to Ella in the evening visit nine arach bridge little Adam perk Check in to the Hotel.
Day 09 – Thissamarama
After breakfast drive to Thissamarama on the way visit to Rawana water fall in the evening do the Yala safari.
Day 10 – Galle
After breakfast drive to Galle relax in beach.
Day 11 – Airport
After breakfast drive to Airport.
— TOUR ENDS —
Top Dambulla Tours
$50 Per Day
Dambulla Caves SRI LANKA
Day 01
Start form kandy early morning and heading to Hindu temple in Mathae area and visit Aluvihara temple also head to Dambulla.Once go to Dambulla you first see is GOLDEN BUDDHA STATUE dambulla.then visit caves temple by walkig to the rock about 20mts one way.
...Read moreDay 01
Start form kandy early morning and heading to Hindu temple in Mathae area and visit Aluvihara temple also head to Dambulla.Once go to Dambulla you first see is GOLDEN BUDDHA STATUE dambulla.then visit caves temple by walkig to the rock about 20mts one way.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Sri Lanka's Largest Rock Cave Temple built on a 600 feet high Rock
Located at an elevation of 1118 feet from the sea level rises a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 600 feet high and over 2000 feet in length. It is home to the Worlds most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colours and shapes constructed and painted from around 2nd Century BC (Anuradhapura era ) and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century. Sinhalese people call it as ' Dambulu Gala' ( Dambulla Rock) and the Temple is called as the ' Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya' (Golden Rock Dambulla Temple).
Dambulla Rock Temple History
The Dambulla Rock Temple had first been constructed during the rein of King Vattagamini Abhaya ( 103 BC and 89-77 BC ). The Sinhalese often call him as King Valagamba. During a South Indian invasion the king had to abandon his Anuradhapura Kingdom . For 12 years, King Valagamba was in hiding and had frequented these caves for his safety. After regaining the kingdom of Anuradhapura and becoming the King, to show his gratefulness for his safe place, he converted those caves into Buddhist Temples by constructing walled partitions under the rock overhang which spans the entire area as a single large cave. He got drip ledges made along this large cave and made it suitable to withstand rainy weather and avoided water seeping inside the caved areas. The three cave temples named as Devarajalena, Maharajalena and the Paccimalena were constructed by him.
After King Vattagamini Abaya's rein, for several centuries this cave temple had not come under the patronage of any other Kings until Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 AD ), who made Polonnaruwa his kingdom. He had done renovations to the Cave temples and it is believed that there were Buddhist monks dwelling in this and nearby caves at that times. King Keerthi Sri Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD ) was much involved in uplifting the place with many additional Buddha images being constructed and gold plating some seventy three Buddha images in the cave temple.
King Buwanekabahu (1372-1408 AD), King Vickramabahu III (1360-1374 AD), King Rajasinha I (1581-1591 AD) and King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1604 AD ) are the other Kings merited with the uplifting of the status of the Temple at various times of the years gone by.
Another interesting fact is that the Archeologists state that this cave and other numerous caves around the main rock had been in use for dwelling in pre historic times too from the evidence found so far.
Reaching Dambulla Temple
Located in the centre of the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple can be reached by coming from Kandy along A9 road which runs up through Dambulla and Anuradhapura. Situated by the main road, it is 68 km from Kandy and from the entrance to the Rock Temple by the main road, it is 2 km to the Dambulla town.
After the caves temple we came back to Kandy via Mathale and visit spice Garden also on the way if you are interested.
Drop you to the hotel.
Please contact for more details or organize a tour.
$725 Per Day
Discover Asia
Sri Lanka Tour itinerary
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo international Airport Katunayake - Colombo...Read more
Sri Lanka Tour itinerary
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo international Airport Katunayake - Colombo
Meet & Greet Airport Arrival service by our Ceylon Paradise travels & Travels Staff.
Overnight stay in Ramada Hotel
Day 02
After Breakfast proceed to Kandy via Pinnawala & Spice Garden
Pinnawala -Pinnawala elephant orphanage, where you can view the feeding of elephants, which takes place daily. The highlight of this event is to observe feeding of baby elephants using milk bottles (all the events can be photographed). After feeding of the elephants they will be taken by foot to nearby river for their daily bath.
Spice Garden During early historical times Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowed for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade.
In the evening you may view the cultural show
Overnight stay in Randhoolee boutique Hotel or Amaya Hill Kandy
Day 03
After breakfast proceed to Kandy city tour including upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Botanical Garden & Temple of tooth relic, Wood carving center and Gem museum
Kandy a lovely exotic city, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala kings is a UNESCO world heritage site which retains an aura of grandeur, time as not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its center it is the sight of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and the royal botanical garden-home to one of the world’s best collections of orchids.A cultural sanctuary where many legends traditions and folk lore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the center of the islands handy craft industry (item of wood brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewelry and precious gems of many varieties including the world’s best blue and star sapphires.
Overnight stay in Randholee boutique Hotel or Amaya Hill Kandy.
Day 04
After Breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls, Tea plantation, Tea factory
Tea production in Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is of high importance to the Sri Lankan economy and the world market. The country is the world's fourth largest producer of tea and the industry is one of the country's main sources of foreign exchange and a significant source of income for laborers, with tea accounting for 12% of the GDP, generating roughly $700 million annually.
Overnight stay in Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Day 05
After breakfast proceed to city tour in Nuwara Eliya including Victoria Park, Gregory’s Lake and Golf course
Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light” is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climateNuwara Eliya, most famous hill resort in Sri Lanka, is located at the altitude of 2000 meters. Land of the renowned Ceylon tea, the waving mountains of Nuwara Eliya is carpeted by green tea plantations, punctuated with bubbling streams and waterfalls. This picturesque town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. It was once favorite hill station of the British in Sri Lanka. Then we can visit Victoria park and Gregory’s lake and also able to see golf course and if you like you can enjoy horse riding,
Overnight stay in Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Day 06
After Breakfast proceed to Colombo via Kithulgala
Kithulgala -Kithulgala was a calm, quite and sleepy village. The morning was beautiful with the mist around. The Kelani River (the broadest river in Sri Lanka) flowing through Kithulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning movie Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. On the hill above this town, a prehistoric cave was recently discovered containing large middens of shells from some unknown civilization.
Colombo- Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is first changing its face. A most over nights, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings ones stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100 year old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar - Where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China.
Overnight stay in Ramada Hotel
Day 07
After breakfast Proceed to Airport
Transfer to the Airport
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The above includes:
Accommodation on BB basis standard double room at the above mentioned hotels or similar.
Transportation by A/C vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur guide.
Does not include:
• Lunch or Dinner on tour.
• Any entrance fees.
• Camera / Video permits. If you need we could arrange this as well.
• Expenses of a personal nature.
• All applicable entrance fees.
$599 Per Day
Around Sri Lanka in 7 days
Day 1 - Airport Pickup / Negombo
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*Welcome at Bandaranayake International Airport
*Drive to Negombo (Relax @ Beach Hotel)
Day 2 - Dambulla
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* Visit to elephant orphanage.
* Dambulla Cave Temple
* Eco resort hotel at Dambulla
Day 1 - Airport Pickup / Negombo
-----------------------------------------------
*Welcome at Bandaranayake International Airport
*Drive to Negombo (Relax @ Beach Hotel)
Day 2 - Dambulla
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* Visit to elephant orphanage.
* Dambulla Cave Temple
* Eco resort hotel at Dambulla
Day 3 - Habarana
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* Visit Sigiriya
* Elephant Ride
* Cultural Show at Habarana village
* Best local resorts at Habarana
Day 4 - Kandy / Nuwaraeliya
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* Proceed to Kandy and visit Temple of tooth relic in early morning
* Kandy Museum
* Proceed to Nuwaraeliya Star Hotel
*Tea Factory Visit
* Gregory Lake adventures (Boat Riding)
*Visit to Botanical Garden
*Horse Ride
Day 5 -Tissa
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* Duwa Rock Temple
* Yala National Park (Safari)
*Stay at Yala Camping site or at Hotel
Day 6 - Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa
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* Mirissa Beach
* Hummane Blow Hole
* Stay at Hikkaduwa Beach Star hotel
* Ayuruvedic Spa
*Sun Bath at amaizing beach front
Day 7 - Colombo
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* Proceed to Colombo
* Madu River Fish therapy or Boat ride
* Colombo city tour (Parliament / Museums / Ganga Ramaya Temple / Galle Face / Independence Square)
* Shopping Arcades at Colombo
* Colombo or to Airport
*** Note - There are many things that can catch-up during the drive. Ex - Water falls / Shopping arcades / Galle fort / Tea and rubber estates / Paddy fields / light houses
***Take moments with you not just memories*** do not miss your camera