Dambulla Cave Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple is situated in Sri Lanka's Matale District. It is renowned for its stunning cave temples, which are home to a variety of Buddha sculptures, murals, and other religious items. It is one of the most well-liked tourist spots in Sri Lanka.
Beginning in the first century BC, the construction of the cave temples took place over time. The most spectacular cave is Cave 1, which has a big Buddha statue along with several other sculptures and murals. Numerous Buddha murals and statues, including one that is reclining, may be seen in Cave 2. The smallest of the cave temples, Cave 3, is where several Buddha sculptures and murals can be found.
A wonderful destination to visit and a fantastic way to learn about Sri Lankan history and culture is the Dambulla Cave Temple. In addition to being a terrific spot to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is also a well-liked location for meditation and prayer.
Things to see and do: There are a number of things to see and do at the Dambulla Cave Temple, including:
- Visiting the cave temples: The cave temples are the main attraction at the Dambulla Cave Temple. Visitors can walk through the caves and see the Buddha statues, paintings, and other religious artifacts.
- Taking a guided tour: There are a number of guided tours available at the Dambulla Cave Temple. These tours can help visitors learn more about the history and significance of the temple.
- Visiting the museum: The Dambulla Cave Temple has a museum that houses a collection of artifacts related to the temple. Visitors can learn more about the history and significance of the temple by visiting the museum.
- Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the area around the Dambulla Cave Temple. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock where the cave temples are located, or they can hike to other nearby temples and attractions.
- Relaxing: The Dambulla Cave Temple is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can sit in the gardens, enjoy the views, and meditate.
Here are some tips for visiting Dambulla Cave Temple:
- The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from November to April.
- The temple is open from 6am to 6pm.
- There is an entrance fee of 1,500 LKR for adults and 500 LKR for children for foreigners.
- You can hire a guide at the entrance to the temple.
- There are a number of hotels and restaurants located near the temple.
- You can get the entrance ticket at the ticket counter located at the entrance of the temple. The ticket counter is open from 6am to 6pm.
Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple:
- Dress respectfully.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Be quiet and respectful while inside the temple.
- Do not touch any of the statues or paintings.
- Do not take photos with flash.
- Do not smoke or eat inside the temple.
Accommodations:
There are many various types of lodging options close to Dambulla Cave Temple, from affordable guesthouses to opulent resorts. Here are some of the most well-liked choices:
- Jetwing Lake: This 5-star resort is located on a lake, just a short drive from the cave temple. It features luxurious rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a number of restaurants.
- Amaya Lake Dambulla: This 4-star resort is also located on a lake, and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Jetwing Lake. It features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
- Heritance Kandalama: This award-winning resort is located in a cave, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It features luxurious rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a number of restaurants.
- Liya Water Villas: These luxury villas are located on a lake, and offer a unique and peaceful experience. They feature private pools, sundecks, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
There are several guesthouses and low-cost accommodations close to the cave temple if money is tight. These alternatives provide straightforward lodging, but they are also spotless and cozy.
There is lodging available close to Dambulla Cave Temple that is ideal for you, regardless of your spending limit or personal preference.
Here are a few low-budget accommodations near Dambulla Cave Temple:
- Evergreen Hotel Dambulla: This guesthouse is located just a short walk from the cave temple. It offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Rooms start at $7 per night.
- Blue Sky Guest House: This guesthouse is also located just a short walk from the cave temple. It offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Rooms start at $5 per night.
- Lotus Tourist Inn: This guesthouse is located a short drive from the cave temple. It offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Rooms start at $6 per night.
- Tammenna Eco Cabins: This property offers simple, eco-friendly cabins with free Wi-Fi and balconies overlooking the surrounding countryside. It’s located a 10-minute drive from Dambulla Cave Temple.
These accommodations are clean and comfortable, and they offer great value for budget travelers.
How to Reach Dambulla Cave Temple:
There are many ways to reach Dambulla Cave Temple. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- By air: The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which is situated in Colombo, is the nearest airport to Dambulla. You may take a cab or a bus to Dambulla from BIA. By cab, it takes around 3 hours, while by bus it takes about 4 hours.
- By train: The main train station in Dambulla is the Dambulla Railway Station. There are trains from Colombo and Kandy that stop at Dambulla Railway Station. The journey from Colombo takes around 4 hours and the journey from Kandy takes around 2 hours.
- By bus: There are buses from Colombo, Kandy, and other major cities in Sri Lanka that stop at the Dambulla Bus Stand. The journey from Colombo takes around 4 hours and the journey from Kandy takes around 2 hours.
Once you arrive in Dambulla, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the Dambulla Cave Temple. The temple is located on a hill, so you will need to walk up a few steps to reach the entrance.