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Dambulla

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.
The shortest way, from Colombo to Dambulla lies via Kurunegala, one of the capitals of the medieval Sinhalese kings. The other rock temple of equal fame, Aluvihare, where, according to tradition, the Buddhist scriptures were first committed to writing about The first century B.C., list about twenty-six miles to the south on the Kandy Dambulla road. And the famous fortress of Sigiriya with its beautiful frescoes rises aloft like a gigantic cylinder at a distance of about twelve miles to the north-east of Dambulla.

Colombo to Dambulla distance 159.8km

Jathika Namal Uyana

One of the biggest pink quartz mountain ranges and also the largest ironwood forest in South East Asia, Jathika Namal Uyana is set amidst the ironwood trees, about 25 mins from Dambulla. According to popular research, the Pink Quartz in Jathika Namal Uyana carries with it more than 550 years of history. With the planting of a rare Ironwood trees forest in 8th century AD, serving as a sanctuary for Buddhist Monks and then as a prison camp, where the prisoners had to plant trees. Namal Uyana is a dry zone and has over 102 species of exotic plants, 82 of them being herbs. It protects small medicinal plants from the harsh sunlight by giving them shade and creating an illusion of being a cool place to visitors

Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a 16,800 seat cricket stadium in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Central Province, close to Dambulla on a 60-acre site leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple, is the first and only International cricket ground in dry zone of Sri Lanka. The stadium is built overlooking the Dambulla Tank and the Dambulla Rock.

Pophams Arboretum

Located on Sri Lanka’s only arid zone, at the Dambulla - Kandalama Road is Sam Popham’s Arboretum with a gorgeous ensemble of birds, trees, dragonflies, butterflies and animals, resting comfortably in their natural dwelling. Established by Sam Popham who was exceptionally fond of trees, the Arboretum was set up in 1963 on a 7½ acres of scrubland. After Sam gave it away to the Fundamental Studies Institute for research, conservation & education purposes, they developed the place with an additional 27 acres of vegetation as an extension of the Arboretum. One of the best things about visiting the Arboretum is the Night Safari, which takes you on a wilderness trail of an uncommon slender Loris.

Buddhist Museum

Just before the famous Dambulla caves can catch your eye, there is a huge golden statue of Buddha, which welcomes you to this wonder. In fact, this statue is considered to be Asia's largest Buddha statue in Dhyan Chakra pose. This is the entrance to the Dambulla Museum. The small wall art museum within that is something you have to see, to know the rich culture of the country. This also houses a terrace, from where the view is great and is absolutely peaceful.

St. Anthonys Church

The St. Anthony's Church or St. Anthony's Shrine is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy in Wahacotte. The church is located in Wahacotte, in the north of Matale District, about 32 km from Matale and is dedicated to Saint Anthony. The church is one of the most sacred pilgrim places for Catholics in Sri Lanka and a national shrine. The Benedictine mission is attached to the church.

Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya

The Turm “Rangiri’ came after gold coating done by King Nissankamalla(1187-1196). Still can observe the remains of the gold coat in some statues. King Maha Vijayaba(1056-1114),King Wikrama Bhahu(1360-1374) 5th Buwaneka Bhahu(1374-1408),King 1st Vimala Dharma Sooriya(1592-1604),King Senarath (1604-1635),King 2nd Vimala Dharma Sooriya(1687-1707),King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe(1747-1782)and King Rajadhi

Kaludiya Pokuna

An archeological forest site, the Kaludiya Pokuna got its name from an ancient pond that carried dark water. Rich with flora and fauna, the forest inhabits a diverse variety of both wide-spread and endangered species of greenery and wildlife. Kaludiya Pokuna has a few ancient ruins including a stupa which is called the 'forgotten temple'. Encompassed by farmlands and human colonies from the North, East and West sides. The site’s free of unruly & illegal practices of timber extractions, hunting or woodcutting.

Kandalama Reservoir

The Kandalama Reservoir is a reservoir in Kandalama, Sri Lanka. The reservoir is created by the 21 m high and 1,600 m wide Kandalama Dam. Water from the dam is used for irrigation purposes in the region, extending up to Kekirawa. The tank was created by constructing a dam across one of the main tributaries of Kala Wewa - the Mirisgoniya River. During 1952 to 1957, the tank was rehabilitated by Department of Irrigation of Sri Lanka. The reservoir and hotel is situated with the Kaludiya Pokuna Forest archeological site. The reservoir measures 4.8 km and 2.3 km at its longest length and width respectively, with a catchment area of 102 km² and a volume of 33,300,000 m³. Due to its scenic surroundings, and year-round water availability, the reservoir is a very popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs

The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs is an ancient burial site located near Ibbankatuwa Wewa in Galewela DS, Sri Lanka. The site is thought to belong to the megalithic prehistoric and protohistoric periods of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the several ancient burial sites that have been found in the country. The site is situated on the Kurunegala - Dambulla road approximately five kilometers southwest of Dambulla town. Currently, the tomb site has been designated an archaeological protected site in Sri Lanka.

Pidurangala

Tourist, from all over the world, visit Sigiriya Rock for its uniqueness and the historical factor. Pidurangala Rock is right adjacent to the Sigiriya and is worth the climb. It is slightly lower than Sigiriya and so you get a breathtaking view of Sigiriya from Pidurangala and it is also a famous spot to view the sunrise from.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres east of Colombo, 72 kilometres north of Kandy and 43 km north of Matale Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

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