Dambulla Hotels

Dramatic Dambulla

Dambulla is an ancient city with a modern pulse. Situated in the middle of the island of Sri Lanka, it is a little hard to get to – but the nearby attractions make it equally hard to leave. The Tea Museum for example provides more than light refreshment, giving you an interesting glimpse into the thriving Sri Lankan tea industry. ... Read more »

The bounty of Sri Lanka in general and Dambulla in particular is nature itself. Makassar plays host to two of Sri Lanka’s greatest natural treasures – the Iron Wood Forest, situated deep in the jungle, and the 500-million-year-old Rose Quartz Mountain Range, which shimmers bright-red and purple in the sun. When the sun sets, though, everyone goes to sleep. Dambulla may have a pulse, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find it after dark. So it’s a good job the days are so fulfilling.

DAMBULLA’S TOP 10

10. Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Indulge in the Sri Lankan passion for cricket.	5. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden Dating back to the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, it is regarded as the most beautiful garden in Sri Lanka.
9. Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary Monkeys call this patch of rainforest and wetland home; visitors call it a marvellous hiking ground.	4. The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage The sanctuary houses over 70 elephants. Watch and say ‘Aaah’ as they feed, bathe and wander around.
8. Nuwara Eliya Its cooler climate and colonial architecture have earned this city the nickname ‘Little England’.	3. The Temple of the Tooth Housing one of the teeth of Buddha, this is one of the most visually stunning and historically important temples in Sri Lanka.
7. Knuckles Mountain Range The forest and mountain trails provide some of the best trekking Sri Lanka has to offer.	2. Sigiriya Known as the Lion’s Rock, this ancient rock fortress and palace has been listed as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
6. Minneriya National Park Most famous for being a feeding ground for elephants and home to an impressive array of native birds.	1. Golden Cave Temple This intricate complex of caves and carvings is well deserving of its World Heritage status.

DAMBULLA EVENTS

It’s been over 2,500 years since Buddha visited Sri Lanka, but they still celebrate it every year in January at Duruthu Perahera.

February’s Independence Day is filled with all the pomp and grandeur you would expect from patriotic Sri Lankans.

Sri Lankan Buddhists and Hindus both celebrate their new year in April. Also coinciding with the annual harvest, it’s safe to say the feasts of Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival are quite the party.

Floating lanterns mark May’s Vesak Festival, the most vibrant Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka.

Vel Festival sees an enormous procession marching through the Sri Lankan capital in may, complete with multicoloured umbrellas, dancers, snakes and elephants.

WHEN TO GO

December to March is the dry season, bringing a heap of tourists as European visitors seek to escape winter.
The Buddhist festivals of July and August make these months exciting times to visit.
Avoid the wet season when unreliable electricity and dilapidated roads make travelling a little uncomfortable.

GETTING AROUND

Tuk-tuks are a great way to get around – as long as you’re travelling light.
Driving is quite difficult due to rugged terrain and unreliable roads. If renting a vehicle, make sure it is suited to the roads.
If you split the cost with others, hiring a driver is a good option. They know the best routes and are renowned for being courteous.

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