Situated 148 km (92 mi) north-east of Colombo, Dambulla is a large town, situated in the Matale District, Central Province of Sri Lanka. The main attraction of this city is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka.
The Dambulla rock is 160m tall placed in the middle of surrounding plains. It is documented that more than 80 caves are in the vicinity. The area is thought to be inhabited from as early as the 7th to 3rd century BC. Statues and paintings in these caves date back to the 1st century BC. But the paintings and statues were repaired and repainted in the 11th, 12th, and 18th century AD. The paintings and statues are related to the life of Lord Buddha housed in 5 caves. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of god and goddess. The painting cover an area of 2,100 square meter, depicting Lord Buddha’s temptation by demon Mara and Lord Buddha’s first sermon.
Actions: Enjoy a full day visit to Dambulla Caves and admire the murals and statues. If you are taking lotus flowers, the monkeys will try to grab them. Don’t try to feed the monkeys as they live in gang and attack sometimes. Also visit the Iron wood forest, or Na Uyana Aranya, which is located very close. The other attractions include a visit to the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Hot air Balloon ride and Dambulla vegetable market.
