Occupying the outskirts of the Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is a tourist hotspot laden with heritage sites and iconic temples. From touring its sacred shrines to enjoying safaris in the area’s finest wildlife reserves, here are 7 activities tourists can’t afford to miss during a vacation in Dambulla.
1. Pay Homage to the Dambulla Cave Temple
As the most famous landmark in all of Dambulla, the Dambulla Cave Temple also holds the distinct honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site of truly epic proportions. Vaulted 160m above the surrounding plains and tucked away in a series of natural caves, this ancient shrine is an architectural marvel for the ages. Divided into 5 caves and containing countless Buddha sculptures and exquisite murals, the temple dates back to the 1st century and is an active place of worship to this day.
2. Sign Up for an Elephant Safari
Located within easy driving distance of not one but three national parks, Dambulla is also a safari-goers ‘ dream destination. This means tourists based at Amaya Lake Dambulla and other centrally situated Dambulla hotels in Sri Lanka can not only enjoy an elephant safari in Minneriya National Park but also witness the majestic beast occupying nearby Kaudulla National Park.
3. Uncover the Beauty of Popham’s Arboretum
Spread out across 30 acres, Popham’s Arboretum is the only dry zone arboretum in Sri Lanka and is a must-experience point of interest for avid hikers and nature lovers. Lined with babbling brooks and small streams, the park is also home to spotted deer and countless winged beauties, including an array of colourful butterflies. As one of Dambulla’s leafiest corners, it is inconceivable that such an expansive natural wonderland is located within minutes of the city centre.
4. Trek Up to the Summit of a Rose Quartz Mountain
As the largest rose quartz mountain in South Asia, Jathika Namal Uyana Nature Reserve is another must-visit activity hub located less than 30 minutes away from the heart of Dambulla. The ironwood forest, which is among the most expansive of its kind on the island, is a hiker’s paradise where one can spend hours navigating the tree-lined paths that lead up to its highest point.
5. Enjoy a Game of Cricket
Tourists who are fortunate enough to be vacationing in Sri Lanka during a local or international cricket championship can also witness the “gentleman’s game” live from the city’s own Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. As one of the newer cricketing arenas in the Central Province, the mammoth stadium has hosted countless test and one-day cricket matches in its illustrious history and is a prime location for witnessing cricket matches between local clubs.
6. Take in the Views from Sigiriya Rock
As another UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s located less than 30 minutes away from Dambulla, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is perhaps the Cultural Triangle’s most popular landmark. Dating back to the 5th century, the palace, which was constructed by an exiled prince, offers spectacular views from its 349m high summit. Visitors can also marvel at the Mirror Wall and the Sigiriya frescoes that have made the “Palace in the Sky” one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist attractions.
7. Take to the Skies on a Hot Air Balloon
Those who wish to enjoy bird’s-eye views of Dambulla’s resplendent temples and the wildlife parks occupying its periphery must sign up for a hot-air balloon ride with a local tour operator. Although travellers on a budget might not be able to splurge on such a costly airborne adventure, the activity is among the most romantic ways to discover the lay of the land during a getaway to Dambulla.
