About Dambulla
Dambulla is a town in Central Province, Sri Lanka, known for its large, well-preserved cave temple complex, the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town itself is located about 148 km northeast of Colombo and serves as a central point for exploring nearby attractions like Sigiriya and Minneriya National Park.
Featured Activities
Evening catamaran sail around natural harbor with swimming opportunity and refreshments.
Guided Temple Tour
Expert-led tour of all five cave temples with detailed explanations of Buddhist art, history, and religious significance.
Sunrise Temple Visit
A visit to Dambulla's Sunrise Temple refers to experiencing the stunning sunrise over the Dambulla Golden Temple, also known as the Dambulla Cave Temple.
pidurangala Temple Tour
Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala.
Art & Architecture Tour
Specialized tour focusing on artistic techniques, restoration work, and architectural features with art historian.
Dambulla at a Glance
Peak
June to September
Weather
Early morning or late afternoon
Duration
2-3 hours recommended
full experience
Timing
Early morning or late afternoon visits
Dambulla Location
Historic crossroads city in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Location
Dambulla, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Region
Central Province, Cultural Triangle
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Dambulla Cave Temple)
Distance from Major Cities
- Colombo: 150km (3.5-4hr drive)
- Kandy: 70km (2hr drive)
- Sigiriya: 20km (30min drive)
- Anuradhapura: 100km (2.5hr drive)
Transport Links
- Dambulla Bus Station: Central transport hub
- Kandy-Jaffna Highway (A9): Main road access
- Sigiriya Airport: 30km (domestic flights)
Key Attractions
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Golden Temple complex
- Dambulla International Stadium
- Rose Quartz Mountain Range
- Dambulla Market: Vibrant local market
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs