Dambulla: A Hidden Gem on Your Sri Lankan Holiday

Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush green landscapes and ancient cities. But nestled in between the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots lies one of the country’s hidden gems – the ancient city of Dambulla.

Dambulla is a small city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, just 160 km away from the capital, Colombo. The city is home to a number of ancient Buddhist cave temples, dating back to the 1st century BC. The five main temples that make up the complex are the Golden Temple, the Cave of the Divine King, the Great New Monastery, the Cave of the Great Kings and the Great Cave.

The Golden Temple was built in the 1st century BC and is the main attraction of the complex. It is home to a number of statues and paintings of the Buddha, as well as other deities such as Vishnu and Ganesha. The temple is also home to a number of ancient inscriptions, making it a great place for history buffs to explore.

statue in dambulla — Photo by Agnieszka Kowalczyk on Unsplash

The Cave of the Divine King is the second temple in the complex and is home to a number of statues of the Buddha and other Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. This cave also has a number of ancient inscriptions and paintings.

The Great New Monastery is the third temple in the complex and is home to a number of Buddhist relics, including a large reclining Buddha statue. This temple also houses a number of ancient inscriptions and paintings.

The fourth temple, the Cave of the Great Kings, is home to a number of ancient inscriptions and paintings. This temple is also home to a number of statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as a number of ancient inscriptions.

The fifth and final temple, the Great Cave, is the most impressive of the five. It houses a number of statues of the Buddha, as well as a large reclining Buddha statue. This temple also has a number of ancient inscriptions and paintings.

buddha statue in dambulla — Photo by Agnieszka Kowalczyk on Unsplash

Dambulla is also home to a number of other attractions, including the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the magnificent Pidurangala Rock and the scenic Minneriya National Park.

If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-track experience on your Sri Lankan holiday, then Dambulla is definitely worth a visit. With its spectacular ancient temples, lush green landscapes and wildlife, it is a hidden gem that is sure to be an unforgettable experience.