- Duration
- 14 days / 13 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $13,100
Dambulla
Situated directly in the middle of Sri Lanka, a few hours' drive from either coast, Dambulla was the cultural and spiritual heart of a flourishing kingdom that pre-dated the height of the Roman Empire. Today, it is a hub for visiting some of Sri Lanka's most ancient ruins and superb national parks. Highlights in the area include the most well-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the largest rose quarts mountain range in South Asia, a huge Ironwood forest, a host of rock temples and the modern Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, built in 2010.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Combined Trip Dambulla and Sigiriya
Dambulla and Sigiriya are two areas that are often combined into a one day trip. It’s possible to combine various experiences from Dambulla and Sigiriya in the same day, just mix and match whatever suits your interests.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Explore the Dambulla cave temple, the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Built into a rock towering hundreds of feet over the surrounding plain, five caves contain ancient frescoes and sculptures of the Buddha and his life, including several massive reclining Buddhas, as well as works depicting Sri Lankan kings and various Hindu deities.
Namal Uyana Ironwood Forest
Visit Namal Uyana, the largest Ironwood forest in Sri Lanka. Ironwood trees are the national trees of Sri Lanka and in this area the beautiful rainforest trees, endemic to Sri Lanka, cover an area of over 260 acres. Namal Uyana has a history going back to the 8th Century AD when the trees were replanted in the area and is also a well-known local sanctuary for practicing Buddhist monks, the original inhibitors of this area since its origination at the time of King Devanampiyathissa. The forest was also once the location of a prison camp, where prisoners were forced to plant trees as a form of punishment. Biologists have also registered over 102 species of tropical herbs and plants within the forest and surrounding gardens, as well as 18 species of birds and numerous other animals including elephants, leopards, monkeys and deer.
Rose Quartz Mountains
Visit South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain range located close to Dambulla and Sigiriya. The national heritage site is protected by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and constitutes a row of seven peaks, nearly 500 feet above sea level. Archeologists have found that the pink quartz composed from silicon di-oxide found inside the mountains dates back over 550 million years. It is believed the Mogul Emperor Shah Jehan imported the rose colored stone for decorating the Taj Mahal.
Sri Lanka Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Central
Southern
Eastern
Western
Dambulla Itineraries
- Duration
- 17 days / 16 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $15,900
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $15,200
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $10,200
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $10,800
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $5,800
Heritance Kandalama
Designed by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the unique Heritance Kandalama hotel is set into a cliff face among dense tropical forests, flanked by the Dambulla rock temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The hotel’s buildings were planned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment and are covered with hanging vines and flowering plants. Each of the 152 rooms faces either Kandalama Lake or the forest – even the bathrooms were planned to showcase the view – and is decorated...
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Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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Malik Fernando Speaks to Remote Lands on Reopening Sri Lanka
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A Luxurious Comeback for Sri Lanka
- Author
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The tiny island of Sri Lanka has endured a lot, both in the past and in recent memory. Torn apart by civil war and a devastating tsunami, this strong and determined little country has fought its way through the hard times and come out on the other side not only with its beauty and culture intact, but also with its eyes on bigger rewards.
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