Dambulla City is a vibrant commercial town in Sri Lanka, with a reputation as one of the leading produce markets and a centre of iconic cultural sites, such as the cave temples and the renowned Golden Temple. A popular stopover on the way to Sigiriya Rock, the city has a lot to offer to visiting tourists or simply those wishing to learn more about Buddhist culture and the Sri Lankan way of life.
The Dambulla Cave Temple
To the south and west of the Dambulla Rock site, there are several clusters of caves and within, temples to the Buddhist culture, of which the most famous “Dambulla Golden Temple” is signified as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its well-preserved cave network and temple complex are a sight to witness and are part of the “Cultural Triangle” that encompasses Sigiriya and Kandy.
Minneriya National Park
Famous for its migrating herds of elephants the park is 30 minutes away from Sigiriya and is a beautiful place to see the wildlife in these parts of the country. Apart from these creatures, visitors can see several birds, reptiles, and plant species in the park.
Popham’s Arboretum
Founded by Sam Popham in 1963, the Popham Arboretum is a botanical haven full of myriad tree and plant life. Located in Dambulla town, the Arboretum extends to 27 acres, and the night safari is one of the property highlights. Being in the town, it’s within a reasonable range of any Dambulla hotel.
The Dambulla City
The city itself is a sight to behold. As one of the largest produce markets, the city is privy to such establishments as the Dedicated Economic Centre established in 1999, and other recreational stadiums such as the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, and the city is a comfortable distance from luxury properties such as the Heritance Kandalama.
