The oldest natural park in Sri Lanka, Yala, has a second name - Ruhuna. Once there was the Kingdom of Ruhun, the ruins of ancient …
Sri Lanka has been known for spices since time immemorial. That's one of the island's revenue items. Flavored trees and grasses ar …
Udavalawe is the most beautiful savannah. It was declared a national park in 1972. The park is unusual and very picturesque. Sa …
Dambulla is a unique corner of Sri Lanka with a deep history and a special atmosphere of antiquity and nature. The city is known primarily for its cave temples, which have existed here since the first century BC, and is located about 148 kilometers from Colombo, making it an accessible and vibrant stop on any route around the island. Narrow streets, smells of spices and views of the hills create a sense of time travel, and the warm hospitality of the locals gives each visit sincerity and comfort.
Among the man-made attractions are the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla and other cave shrines with ancient frescoes and Buddha statues, the statue of Aukana Buddha – an impressive 13-meter sculpture carved from solid rock, as well as the spice garden in Matala and the colonial atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya with Victoria Park and Lake Gregory. These sites represent a combination of religious, cultural and architectural history of the region and answer the question of what to see for those interested in heritage and art.
The natural attractions around Dambulla are no less expressive: the Yala and Udavalawe national parks offer encounters with wildlife and savannas, the Ritigala mountain with jungles and trails attracts lovers of hiking, and numerous waterfalls - Fata Bride, Bambarakanda, Kurundu - amaze with scale and beauty. The highlands of Nuwara Eliya and the tea plantations around it create picturesque panoramas, and the lakes and parks serve as great places for leisurely walks and picnics.
On our site you can see all these attractions on an interactive map, get acquainted with brief descriptions and history of each place and build a convenient route for visiting. Marking points of interest and being able to plot the best route can help you plan your trip quickly, whether it’s a day trip from Colombo or a long route through the central and southern parts of the island.
You are free to explore Dambulla on your own, following a pre-arranged route and enjoying the freedom of walking, or book guided tours with local guides who will tell little-known stories, reveal hidden corners and help you better understand culture and religious traditions. Guides make travel rich and informative, and excursions are convenient for those who want to see the maximum in a short time.
Come to Dambulla to see with your own eyes the combination of ancient temples and pristine nature, discover new routes and be inspired by the local atmosphere. Discover what to see in this corner of Sri Lanka and let each walk be the start of a new adventure.
