Dambulla: Best things to Do

Purna
09/09/2022

Intro

Located in the dry zone in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is a city with an ancient history that dates back to the 1st century B.C.

Here are the 10 of numerous other things to Do in Dambulla which the Dambulla visitors have favourited all-time exploring Dambulla city and its surroundings.

Apart from this UNESCO-inscribed cave temple complex that belongs to Rangiri Dambulla Temple, there are a few attractions to visit if you are in and about Dambulla Town such as Dambulla Spice Garden, Museum, Popham’s Arboretum and ibbankatuwa megalithic tombs etc.

If you are a fan of Cricket, feel free to visit Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium to enjoy a game of Cricket!

Not well a well-known fact that Dambulla has the largest produce market in Sri Lanka which largely contributed to the economy of the city. This has been a prime dedicated economic centre for both traders and consumers in the country.

This 24-hour vegetable and fruit market is open for those who want to do business wholesale basis.

Bit of History

Dambulla is undoubtedly famous because of its famous Rock Cave temple.

This ancient cave temple is said to be one of King “Valagamba”’s refuges during his reign from 89 to 77 BC when he overthrew his crown himself in 103 BC due to the South Indian invasion.

Statistics

Population: 72,000 Approx.
Area: 444km2
Province: Central
District: Matale

Top 10 things to Do in Dambulla

1. Visit Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple

The royal temple and the cave complex where the 1st-century Sinhalese king Valagamba(103 BC and 89-77 BC) was hiding after overthrowing his crown after the invasion had taken place from south India.

Later after regaining the crown back, he converted these caves into an extraordinary cave temple complex which is known as Rangiri Dambulla Royal Cave Temple which is also considered as one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple is located at the bottom part of the cave temple premises. This temple got its name as “Golden Temple” because of the 30m tall giant gold-plated Buddha’s structure with the sitting posture.

2. Cricket game at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

To commemorate its historical ancient name, this cricket ground is named “Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium”.

This cricket stadium has commenced its international presence since 2001. Located in the dry zone, the weather conditions are perfectly fit for playing Cricket matches without any disturbances of tropical monsoon conditions of the country.

This cricket stadium is close to Dambulla town and has an area of 60 acres that can fill up to 16,800 Cricket fans.

3. Visit Dambulla Museum

If you are fond of seeing wall paintings and learn about the history that belongs to pre-historic times and 2 or 3 centuries BC, Dambulla museum is a must visit place.

The museum is located about 2 kilometers from the Dambulla main town center.

4. Nature conservation at NIFS-Popham’s Arboretum

This arboretum was established by the British Navy soldier Sam Popham in 1963.

He acquired the 7.5 acres of abandoned ‘chena’ land in the dry zone of Dambulla and developed it to the point of making it into an Arboretum till he left Sri Lanka in 1999.

You can find not only lush green nature here but also different species of Birds, Spiders, Butterflies and other mammals etc.

5. Visit to see Ibbankatuwa megalithic tombs

Ibbankatuwa is a rural village close to Dambulla town. Ibbankatuwa megalithic toms are a few kilometres from Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

6. Dambulla Economic Center: Fruits and Veg Tour

This is not a fancy tourist attraction but if you’d like to buy fruits or vegetables wholesale when you are in Dambulla this is the place to go!

This large fare goes live and is busy during the evening as it is when all the processing starts by workers and traders. Beware that this bustling and hustling economic centre is well packed with a lot of fruit and vegetable palates, Lorries, and the workers who are running around with boxes on their shoulders.

If you bring any belongings such as Cameras are recommended to keep them safe.

7. UNESCO World heritage Tour

7.1 Sigiriya

Distance between Kandy and Sigiriya is about 18km, Sigiriya is located on the route from Kandy to Dambulla. makes most visitors who visit Dambulla take advantage of visiting Sigiriya as the Sigiriya to Dambulla journey takes less than an hour.

So called the ‘Lion’s Rock’, this giant monolithic rock pillar was built by King Kashyapa who was the King of the Anuradhapura era and used Sigiriya rock fortress to build his royal palace to safeguard from his enemies.

Built in the 5th century BC, it later became a pilgrimage site that was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. Now it serves as one of the rare wonders that is popular among local and foreign visitors worldwide.

Read the Mysterious story of Sigiriya Here.

7.2 Kandy

According to the cultural map of Sri Lanka, both Dambulla and Kandy are pinned within the cultural triangle.

This scenic town with historical importance has been popular among visitors over the years. Kandy is the last Sri Lankan Kingdom that existed in Sri Lanka’s history till the British took over it in 1815.

7.3 Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the first Kingdom and the ancient capital of Sri Lanka ever since its ancient civilisation was initiated.

This city was first made a kingdom by the ruler King Pandukabhaya who ruled the country in the 4th century BC. Over 2500 years old monuments, pillars, ponds, Buddhist temples, the oldest living tree and some ancient wonders are found in the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

The only place where Theravada Buddhism was brought and established in the 3rd Century BC and the place where the thousands of great arahants believed to have lived, believers believe that this town has enormous healing powers that spread across the island.

Read the full Story of Anuradhapura here.

Reaching there

Transportation

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