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Dambulla
Things to Do in Dambulla

Top Things to Do in Dambulla

Things to Do in Dambulla

Ways to tour Dambulla

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Top Attractions in Dambulla

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Day Trips

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What travelers are saying

  • Pedro L Reyes
    Miami Beach, FL333 contributions
    Review of: Golden Temple of Dambulla
    You must visit. Unique.
    Huge, beautiful and unique. You must visit. Very imposing Buddha on the top this statue is really impressive and magnificent.
    Written 2 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Lorenz Gabriel B
    10 contributions
    Review of: Popham's Arboretum
    Jungle and Architecture
    A friend recommended this beautiful hidden jungle-garden. We walked there for more than an hour and saw so many different trees and bird. For architects it‘s very nice to see the main building by the famous Geoffrey Bawa.
    Written 12 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • cutelady Baluch
    Muscat Governorate, Oman1,637 contributions
    Review of: Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
    Dambulla Road
    We stopped in our way to have rest and take some pictures in a forest road ... with bit warm weather
    Written 27 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Aaron_117
    Adelaide, Australia9 contributions
    Review of: Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
    Not in the same location as the map
    I'm mainly writing this review to mention that this site is not in the same location as on TripAdvisor. Its about 5km down the road. Take a tuk-Tuk from the main road and show them a picture of the site, they'll know where to take you
    Written 21 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Grace K
    3 contributions
    Review of: Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
    An Interesting Experience
    If you're into temples and history, I would recommend checking this place out. Be prepared though, you need to be covered (at least a t-shirt and long skirt/shorts - past the knees). There's also lots of walking up stairs to reach the temple. Once at the top, you need to remove your shoes while walking through the temple grounds , so wear sneakers or have socks prepared. My sister and I luckily both had a cover up on hand and were wearing sneakers. They do sell cover ups, shirts and souvenirs on the way up. Our driver was our tour guide and explained everything. It isn't necessary but it adds to the experience. Oh and beware of the monkeys. Wild monkeys roam about and if you're holding flowers or food in your hand, or even on your backpack, they will try to snatch it from you. Don't forget to look back as you are walking up the stairs to the temple as the views are gorgeous.
    Written 29 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • SevenoaksSinjun
    Sevenoaks, UK1,523 contributions
    Review of: Rangiri Dambullu Maha Viharaya
    Giant Buddha statue
    You'll see this giant Buddha statue from the main road in Dambulla. The building by the road with the giant Buddha on top is mainly a Bhuddism museum, but serves as a good landmark for the start of the steps that will take you up to the cave temple at the top of the hill which is what most people are looking for.
    Written 9 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Kai Wah
    Malaysia2,782 contributions
    Review of: Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple
    Short visit prior climbing up to the top of Pidurangala Rock
    A small cave temple worth 10-15 mins short visit prior climbing up to the top of Pidurangala Rock. The entrance of the temple was built in 1931, but the cave temple was back then since more than thousand years ago where the temple was built by the King resided at nearby Sigiriya Rock, as meditation place for the monks. Appropriate attire is required and no shoes are allowed. LKR500 entrance fee included to climb up to the top of Pidurangala Rock.
    Written 15 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • profjoypc
    Alnwick, UK4,395 contributions
    Review of: Ederagala Wana Senasuna
    Wonderful cave Temple with amazing views
    This is a really wonderful small Buddhist Cave Temple which seems to be away from main tourist destinations. It is a short tuk tuk ride outside Dambulla on the A6 highway and is most definitely worth seeing. The small Temple is set in a cave and has beautiful decorative features and art work plus a huge statue of the Lord Buddha. One can climb higher up a flight of steps to the Stupa at the summit from where on a clear day you get absolutely stunning views over the countryside nearby including the Sigiriya Lion Rock. We were there alone and loved the place as it is so incredibly peaceful.
    Written 2 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • SEs
    London, UK25,867 contributions
    Review of: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
    Cricket
    This is an international Cricket grounds. On the main road to Trincomalee by the road side. You can stop if you like Cricket.
    Written 1 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • olivehoover
    Treviso, Italy1,424 contributions
    Review of: Sath Paththini Devalaya
    Gold Buddha
    Sath Paththini Devalaya is a temple with a big gold Buddha.
    It is located on the main road into Dambulla and it is worthy of a quick visit.
    Written 5 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • SR148
    Kandy, Sri Lanka267 contributions
    Review of: Menikdena Archaeological Reserve and Arboretum
    Off the beaten trail.
    This site has ruins of an ancient Buddhist Monastery and Shrine, with an unusual combination of an arboretum around it. Very scenic and located on the banks of a peaceful lake it is unfortunately in a neglected state with very little information other than that contained on the site. There is a hike to the Menikdena peak for the intrepid traveller, but be prepared for taxing conditions. There are no facilities such as restrooms or restaurants so be prepared to go on to Dambulla or Matale.
    Written 13 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Daniel19721972
    Leuven, Belgium794 contributions
    Review of: Painting Conservation & Research Center, Painting Museum
    tiny museum with paintings
    This place contain some paintings, often replica's from wall and mural paintings from else in the country.
    Downstears beside the ticket counter you will also see a room with pots, ceramics and artefacts. They are putting together some findings of an ancient neoliticum site (which can be visit) at the other site of Dambulla, in the direction of Kurengala/colombo
    Written 10 August 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Smail M
    3 contributions
    Review of: Ravi Taxi Service
    Perfect
    The driver is incredibly polite and honest. Everything was smooth and easy. He made our trip in Dambulla much easier and cheaper. He tooks ust o Sigiriya, Herbal garden (you are not obliged to buy anything), to the cave temple, to a restaurant because we were hungry etc.

    He even arranged a taxi to Kendy for a great price.

    Highly recommend.
    Written 3 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Shauna D
    7 contributions
    Review of: Sun Rise Ballooning
    Magical experience
    It was a magical to quietly float into the air and see the sun rise over the mountains. The organisation was very slick and we were surprised to have a glass of bubbily waiting for us at the end.
    Written 27 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Hasara
    Frankfurt, Germany5 contributions
    Review of: Lanka Ballooning Pvt Ltd
    A Memorable Experience
    We truly enjoyed the every moment of that ride and It was such a wonderful experience being able to enjoy that beautiful scenery in Kandalama area from the sky with a magical sunrise over the mountains. A must do in Sri Lanka and highly recommend Lanka Ballooning for their professional and friendly service.
    Written 19 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dambulla
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