The Dambulla rock towers 600 feet above Kandy-Dambulla Road in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The Temple’s beauty is augmented by the sacred Bo Tree, lotus-filled pond and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape including a distant view of the famous Sigiriya Rock.
Background info
The Dambulla Temple has a rich history and is considered the country’s biggest and best-preserved cave temple. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.
Getting there
You can see this beautiful royal temple above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. The road leading to the temple is somewhat of a hike. This can be easily accessible from hotels in the region like Water Garden Sigiriya, which is a centrally located Sigiriya hotellocated approximately half an hour away from the temple.
Discovering the cave monastery
As you walk down to the foot of the hill that faces the highway, you can see a unique structure. On top of this building, which is shaped like a cube, you can see a 30m high Buddha image in the Dhammachakra Mudra (wheel-turning pose).
Dress code
One of the main aspects to remember when visiting this sacred site is to dress modestly and show respect. Ensure your attire covers thighs and shoulders and refrain from wearing hats/ caps once inside.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
