Top Things to Do in Dambulla
Things to Do in Dambulla
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dambulla.
- Historical Toursfromper group (up to 3)₱4,928
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)₱8,710
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱4,011
- Bus Toursfromper adult₱2,178
- Transportation Servicesfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱2,808
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)₱10,601
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱4,776
- Historical Toursfromper group (up to 3)₱2,865
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱2,951
- Bus Toursfromper adult₱39,540
Other Top Attractions around Dambulla
What travelers are saying
- Akshay SharmaNew Delhi, India10,630 contributionsThis temple is a live one with many active devotees visiting this place to offer prayers. It takes about 400 steps to climb to the top. In side there are beautiful painting and Buddha in a sleeping pose. The atmosphere inside is very pleasant and one can offer lotus flowers being sold outside. During day time the floor can get pretty hot to walk barefoot. Authorities must lay a jute carpet as is being done in other parts of the world.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sophia K2 contributionsThis is an excellent government-run small reserve with local guides, one of whom had worked on the project since inception in the 80s. Our homestay host found it for us as a MUCH cheaper and more ethical alternative to the hotel-run loris night trails, and it was well worth the time.
We arrived later than the 6:30om start, so they charged us only 2500 rupees each compared to $40 at the hotel. Normally we were told it costs 4000 rupees each and lasts for a few hours. We saw many slow lorises, bats and mouse deer and normally they are able to see pangolins too.
The money is reinvested in the conservation project and this felt so much more worthwhile than a weirdly inflated hotel tour.
And if you see no wildlife, which is basically impossible, the walk round the reserve by torchlight is extremely beautiful and calming, with some lovely star-gazing and wildlife sounds. Highly recommend.Written September 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Gaya M14 contributionsNice climb and at the top you’d see cave paintings and Buddha statues built inside the cave. You can buy flowers in the middle of the climb for offering. Unlike other world heritage site you can take photos inside. Mind you , they close the door for 15mins between 10.30-10.45 for daily offerings.Written December 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AruniColombo, Sri Lanka17 contributionsNamal Uyana, is the largest ironwood forest in Sri Lanka.Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain is also situated in there. It has more than 100 species of tropical plants including herbal plants. Rahula thero has worked hard to educate the public and government to protect this forest and rose quartz mountain. in 2001, declared Namal Uyana an archaeological reserve.
According to legend, Emperor Shah Jehan had used pink quartz from this mountain for the Taj Mahal.
you need to gear up for mountain hiking and take all kind of camera and equipment because it is great place to capture memorable pictures.Written July 9, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TDNew Jersey99 contributionsIt was so unique to walk around the market and see all the local fruits and vegetables. The fish selection was abundant. There were also street vendors selling the most delicious fried doughnuts filled with a spicy spread!Written February 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aaron_117Adelaide, Australia9 contributionsI'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 youWritten February 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Léna D1 contributionHad a great time doing a safari and a half day of differents activities with Sanju. As a woman solo traveler I felt safe and in a good hands to discover the place. I recommend you to spend time with Sanju to visit Dapbulla and around, he arrange everything for you ☺️Written February 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kai WahMalaysia2,803 contributionsA 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 March 15, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SEsLondon, UK25,876 contributionsThis is an international Cricket grounds. On the main road to Trincomalee by the road side. You can stop if you like Cricket.Written December 1, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- profjoypcAlnwick, UK4,674 contributionsThis 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 February 2, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Patton34Huddersfield, UK20 contributionsOrganised a taxi with Ravi from Dambulla to Sigiriya, Pollunwaru and then onto Kandy. Price quoted was good, two options on size of car, and Ravi was friendly and punctual when responding to arrangements. He double checked the night bfore and showed up on time. The car was nice and the driver who took us was fine too. I would recommend this service. Whatsapp +94766466734Written February 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanjayaDambulla, Sri Lanka2 contributionsIt was quite the experience. The only problwm we had was that there wasn't many informatioj given about the place. Other than that it was really great. The scenery was awsome, and we also met new companions along the way ! 9/10Written May 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dambulla
- The top attractions to visit in Dambulla are:
- Golden Temple of Dambulla
- Popham's Arboretum
- Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- The best outdoor activities in Dambulla according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Dambulla on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Dambulla according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Full Day Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla from Colombo
- Day tour to Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy by Aaliya Tours
- Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)
- Full-Day Private Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Full-Day Private Sigiriya and Dambulla from Kandy
- The most popular things to do in Dambulla with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Golden Temple of Dambulla
- Ravi Taxi Service
- Sri Lanka Tour by Asanka
- Dambulla Taxis
- Sanju Jeep Safari & Taxis