Dambulla might just be the hidden gem of Sri Lanka that you never knew you needed! Exploring ancient caves with stories etched in time, climbing up rocks that offer views straight out of a postcard, and discovering spots where you just stand mesmerized.
Dambulla, being one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, lets you feel the beauty and magic of this peaceful escape. In this guide, we’re taking you on a journey through the top places to visit in Dambulla, where you can explore stunning attractions like the Dambulla Cave Temple, Pidurangala Rock, and Minneriya National Park. These destinations offer a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, making Dambulla a must-visit spot!
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to check out the best Sri Lanka travel packages that include this unforgettable town and make your adventure one to remember!
Best Places to Visit in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock
- Minneriya National Park
- Buddhist Museum
- Pidurangala Rock
- Popham’s Arboretum
- Traditional Foods Sales Centre
- Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
- Kalu Diya Pokuna
- Ritigala
- Jathika Namal Uyana
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the main UNESCO Heritage sites in Sri Lanka that you cannot miss. This ancient temple complex comprises five caves featuring stunning Buddhist murals and over 150 statues of the Buddha. It’s like a place where you can literally walk through history while soaking in the best views. As you explore the caves, you will be amazed by the intricate artwork and peaceful vibes, perfect for anyone who wants to explore more of history and explore the major places to go in Dambulla.
Location: Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM-7 PM (ticket counter closes at 5 PM)
Entry fee: INR 600-700
How to reach: You will have to take the stairs up to the temple. You will find multiple buses running between Kandy and Dambulla.
Climbing Sigiriya Rock is like stepping into an ancient adventure! This iconic Sri Lankan wonder is said to be among the fascinating places to visit in Dambulla where you find the royal gardens, mirror walls and colorful frescoes that are beyond beautiful. The amazing views from the top are absolutely worth the climb, offering the glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history.
Location: WQV5+JQM, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
-Timings: 7 AM-7PM
Entry fee: INR 2,400 - 2,600
How to reach:
- Car– Sigiriya is around 180 km from Colombo. Take track A1 or A6
- Tuk Tuk– Available from Dambulla for around LKR 1000-1600
3. Minneriya National Park
Known for its incredible elephant gatherings, one of the famous Dambulla tourist attractions let you witness one of the largest elephant congregations in the world. But that’s not all! Minneriya is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, deer, monkeys and many bird species. Spanning over 8,800 hectares, the park is all about green forests, grasslands and wetlands making it one of the beautiful places in Dambulla!
Location: Sri Lanka
Timings: 6:30 AM-6:30PM
Entry fee: INR 1,500 - 2,000
How to reach: Sigiriya Airport is 24 km away from the national park. Take a private taxi or cab to reach the park.
Just before the famous Dambulla caves you can catch your eye, there is a huge golden statue of Buddha, which welcomes you to this amazing place. 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.
If you're exploring Dambulla, the small wall art museum is one of the must visit places in Dambulla to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage. It also features a peaceful terrace with stunning views, offering a serene spot to relax and take in the surroundings.
Location: Hemamali Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM
Entry fee: INR 350 - 400
How to reach: You will find autos and other modes of public transport that will take you to the temple.
Pidurangala Rock is the ultimate hidden gem for adventure lovers in Sri Lanka! Just a short hike up this massive rock rewards you with the best views of the stunning Sigiriya Rock and surrounding jungle. But, the climb is a bit challenging with steep paths, so if you looking for an exciting crowded alternative to Sigiriya, this is one of the best UNESCO heritage sites in Sri Lanka that you can witness.
Location: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5 AM - 6 PM
Entry fee: INR 180 - 200
How to reach: You will find tuk-tuks from Sigiriya to Pidurangala Vihar. You can also hire bicycles.
Popham’s Arboretum is like nature’s own treasure chest! Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, this botanical heaven is bursting with exotic trees and greenery all around, offering a peaceful escape. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, a photography session, or just soaking in the beauty of nature! So, why not add this to your itinerary while exploring the must visit places in Dambulla? Make sure you come here and experience something magical.
Location: Kandalama Road, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 530 - 600
How to reach: Tuk Tuk in Dambulla will take you to the arboretum.
7. Traditional Foods Sales Centre
Yes foodies, after exploring places to visit in Dambulla here comes the best part for you. You can literally taste the local culture in this place, run by the government. It is an amazing opportunity for the traveller to explore the local traditional food that this historic town has to offer.
They serve delicacies that you might not find anywhere else like the pittu, narang kavum, and belimal flower tea. You will find most of the ladies who run the stalls in the town to earn some bucks, which keeps their homes running.
Location: Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM – 7:30 PM
Price for two: INR 180-250
How to reach: Car or Tuk-Tuk.
8. Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
The Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre is a vibrant market that showcases the best of Sri Lankan local life. Here, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere while shopping for fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods directly from local farmers and vendors. It’s the perfect spot to pick up authentic Sri Lankan items, from fruits and vegetables to textiles and crafts, making it one of the best places in Dambulla for a truly local experience.
Location: Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: NIL
How to reach: Take a tuk-tuk from Sigiriya towards Dambulla
This is one of the best things to do around Dambulla, Sri Lanka, and definitely worth it. This involves hiking as well, but the sight you will be welcomed to, at the other end, makes the hike even more exciting.
Besides other places to visit in Dambulla, it is one of Sri Lanka’s other best-kept secrets and peace that you will find in this place is something which can’t be described in words, but only felt. Once there, you will also be witness to the magical mother nature, with birds and butterflies for company.
Location: VPGP+67F, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 75
How to reach: Dambulla is the nearest city to the reserve. You can either take a tuk-tuk or hitchhike with any vehicle heading towards the village.
Ritigala is a unique and tranquil spot in Sri Lanka known for its ancient ruins and peaceful jungle surroundings. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, which date back over 2,000 years and is believed to have been a center for Buddhist monks. Along the way, you will discover hidden ruins, including bathhouses and meditation chambers giving you a peek into Sri Lanka’s fascinating past.
Location: Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry fee: INR 180
How to reach: Ritigala, one of the best places in Dambulla, is located 49 km from Polonnaruwa and 43 km from Anuradhapura, accessible via the Habarana-Maradankadawela road.
Among the places to visit in Dambulla, Jathika Namal Uyana is a nature reserve home to Sri Lanka’s largest quartz mountain and Ironwood forest. The area also has the remains of a Buddhist monastery, stupa, and other structures. It was initially designated as an archaeological site on 12th November 2001, after the efforts of a Sri Lankan monk named Vanavasi Rahula Thera.
The tree also has considerable significance in Buddhism. The rose quartz mountain has an interesting Indian connection. The area also has diverse flora and fauna which are more than a hundred, ranging from medicinal herbs to elephants and leopards.
Location: Madatugama - Pubbogama - Andiyagala Rd, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 180 - 200
How to reach: Located 49 km from Polonnaruwa and 43 km from Anuradhapura, Ritigala is a rocky trail off Habarana- Maradankadawela – Anuradhapura road. The closest place for accommodation is Habarana, which is 21 km away.
