Carrying evidence of the ancient glory of Sri Lanka, with its sophisticated culture that was nourished with Buddhism, the city of Dambulla has become one of Sri Lanka’s most frequently visited destinations. The idyllic environment and the soothing climate of the city make it a preferable stay for any tourist. Searching for a hotel in Dambulla, you will come across some good options ranging from village resorts to hotels such as Jetwing Lake. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to visit some famous attractions like the stone caves at Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya, Namal Uyana, and Asia’s largest natural rose quartz mountain range.
One of the fascinating nearby attractions is the Aukana Buddha Statue in Dambulla, located in Kekirawa. Standing tall and gazing at the rippling waves of ‘Kala Weva’ lake reservoir with an eternally peaceful expression, this Buddha statue is an epitome of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. It is carved out of a single large rock with a concentration so deep, and a determination so intense, that the rock has come to life in the hands of this unknown artist. It is seen that the delicate pleats of the robe have been arranged with such care that not even a real robe made of cloth can match its neatness and order. The posture of this standing statue is uniquely different from many of the other Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. The body is straight with the left hand touching the robe at left shoulder, and the right hand held up in Buddha’s ‘Asisa Mudra’ to indicate a blessing to the world. The statue is not entirely separate from the rock, providing a natural support along the back of it. At the bottom is placed a separate pedestal carved out of stone, representing the petals of a lotus flower.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
