Dambulla is a popular tourist destination known for its historical and cultural sites, particularly the Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning Buddhist murals and over 150 statues within five caves. Other notable attractions include the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, an ancient burial site, and the surrounding Cultural Triangle, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.
NOTE: Dambulla via Chilaw. En route, visit two significant Ramayana sites — the Munishwaram Temple, believed to be visited by Lord Rama after his battle with Ravana, and the Manavari Temple, known as the first place where Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam. After these spiritual stops.
Towering above the plains of Dambulla is this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are dotted with 150 plus stunning Buddha statues (and a few depicting Sri Lankan kings, gods and goddesses) as well as huge cave paintings & murals making this is one of the must-visit Dambula tourist places. The intricate cave paintings, serene statues of Buddha and the sacred vibes makes these caves a beautiful spiritual sanctuary and one of the best temples in Sri Lanka.
This little known yet important pre-historic site is a worthy contender for historical places in Dambulla that you must include in your itinerary. Dating back to the Iron Age, visiting this site would give you as well as your curious school-going kids a glimpse into the life and times of people inhabiting Sri Lanka eons ago. The well-maintained site in a picturesque setting also has a small museum with the findings from burial grounds (clay pots, urns, copper & gold jewellery, gemstones) have been displayed. This ancient burial site belongs to the megalithic prehistoric and proto-historic period of Sri Lanka.
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