Dambulla Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and nature bound city, Dambulla, in Sri Lanka. This travel guide covers everything from places to visit, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, accommodations and much more.
- Introduction to Dambulla
- List of Places to Visit in Dambulla
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Dambulla
- Best Things to Do in Dambulla: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Dambulla
- Food and Drink Scene of Dambulla
- Where to Stay in Dambulla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Dambulla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Dambulla
- Best Time to Visit Dambulla
- Do’s and Don’ts of Dambulla
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Dambulla: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Dambulla
- Where to Go Next from Dambulla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Dambulla
Dambulla is the quintessential and most culturally significant city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It lies in the world-famous “Cultural Triangle,” located between the cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy. Dambulla is known for its iconic rock temple complex, which attracts people from all over the world. Besides religious attractions, Dambulla offers an array of nature-bound escapades, including hiking, biking tracks, and adventure activities. In this travel guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in Dambulla, what to eat, where to stay, and much more to make your trip unforgettable.
List of Places to Visit in Dambulla
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)
- Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
- Popham’s Arboretum
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
Natural Attractions of Dambulla: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Sigiriya Rock
- Kandalama Lake
- Knuckles Range
- Pidurangala Rock
Hiking/Biking Routes of Dambulla
- Ritigala Forest Reserve
- Knuckles Mountain Range
Best Things to Do in Dambulla: Activities and Tours
- Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
- Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
- Visiting Sigiriya Fortress
- Exploring the village life of the surrounding countryside
- Visiting the food and veggie markets to buy traditional Sri Lankan spices, curries and unique vegetables.
Week-Long Itinerary for Dambulla
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Dambulla Cave Temple and explore the surrounding area |
| Day 2 | Take a tour of Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
| Day 3 | Hike Ritigala Forest Reserve |
| Day 4 | Hot air balloon ride at sunrise; spend the afternoon relaxing at Kandalama Lake |
| Day 5 | Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park |
| Day 6 | Visit the Pidurangala Rock |
| Day 7 | Visit historical Dambulla market, weavers’ village and the vegetable market |
Food and Drink Scene of Dambulla
Must-Try Dishes
- Dambulla Cave Temples’ Danushka Restaurant for traditional dishes
- Rice and Curry with Fish, Prawn, or Chicken curry in one of the countryside restaurants.
Local Beverages
- Fresh king coconut water
- Tea
Where to Stay in Dambulla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Jetwing Lake - Luxury Stay
- Habarana Village by Cinnamon - Upmarket Stay
- Pelwehera Village Resort - Boutique Stay
- Dambulla Rock Arch - Budget Stay
What to Buy in Dambulla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade rattan baskets
- Handwoven fabrics
- Traditional Sri Lankan spices
Local Culture and Customs of Dambulla
Dambulla is a deeply religious city where religion and culture are central to people’s lives. Modest dressing is essential when visiting religious sites, and it’s customary to remove shoes and headwear before entering temples.
Best Time to Visit Dambulla
The best time to visit Dambulla is during the dry season between January and March or between July and September when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dambulla
Do:
- Remove shoes and headwear before entering temples
- Dress modestly
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Try traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
Don’t:
- Climb over ancient structures or harm living beings
- Display anger or disrespect buddhist symbols, structures, or images
Safety and Health
Safety in Dambulla
Dambulla is generally a safe city to visit. Pickpocketing and petty crimes are seldom reported. It’s best to avoid walking alone at night and travel with registered taxi services or reliable tour guides.
Health in Dambulla
Dambulla is a malaria-free zone. It is also recommended to drink only bottled water and carry mosquito repellent while travelling.
Getting to Dambulla: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Dambulla
Sigiriya Airport is the closest airport to Dambulla, which is located around 14 km away. The major international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, located around 148 km from Dambulla.
Bus Stations Near Dambulla
The Dambulla bus station, situated at the city center, is the main bus terminal connecting the city with other parts of the island.
Other Options
Tuk-tuk services are prevalent, and taxi services or private tour operators are available from your accommodation.
How to Get Around in Dambulla
Tuk-tuks and taxis are the best way to explore Dambulla comfortably. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented and are good options for short trips and exploring nearby areas.
Where to Go Next from Dambulla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kandy, the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, 72km away from Dambulla
- Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 70 km from Dambulla
- Polonnaruwa, 50 km from Dambulla
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dambulla is a remarkable tourist-friendly city one must visit in Sri Lanka. A perfect blend of culture, history, and nature is what makes Dambulla stand out as a unique destination. With this comprehensive guide, travelers can enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling trip to Dambulla.
