Things to do in Dambulla

Top Things to Do in Dambulla

Things to Do in Dambulla


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dambulla.


Top Attractions in Dambulla

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Akshay Sharma
    New Delhi, India10,630 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This temple is a live one with many active devotees visiting this place to offer prayers. It takes about 400 steps to climb to the top. In side there are beautiful painting and Buddha in a sleeping pose. The atmosphere inside is very pleasant and one can offer lotus flowers being sold outside. During day time the floor can get pretty hot to walk barefoot. Authorities must lay a jute carpet as is being done in other parts of the world.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sophia K
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an excellent government-run small reserve with local guides, one of whom had worked on the project since inception in the 80s. Our homestay host found it for us as a MUCH cheaper and more ethical alternative to the hotel-run loris night trails, and it was well worth the time.
    We arrived later than the 6:30om start, so they charged us only 2500 rupees each compared to $40 at the hotel. Normally we were told it costs 4000 rupees each and lasts for a few hours. We saw many slow lorises, bats and mouse deer and normally they are able to see pangolins too.
    The money is reinvested in the conservation project and this felt so much more worthwhile than a weirdly inflated hotel tour.
    And if you see no wildlife, which is basically impossible, the walk round the reserve by torchlight is extremely beautiful and calming, with some lovely star-gazing and wildlife sounds. Highly recommend.
    Written 16 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gaya M
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice climb and at the top you’d see cave paintings and Buddha statues built inside the cave. You can buy flowers in the middle of the climb for offering. Unlike other world heritage site you can take photos inside. Mind you , they close the door for 15mins between 10.30-10.45 for daily offerings.
    Written 19 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aruni
    Colombo, Sri Lanka17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Namal Uyana, is the largest ironwood forest in Sri Lanka.Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain is also situated in there. It has more than 100 species of tropical plants including herbal plants. Rahula thero has worked hard to educate the public and government to protect this forest and rose quartz mountain. in 2001, declared Namal Uyana an archaeological reserve.
    According to legend, Emperor Shah Jehan had used pink quartz from this mountain for the Taj Mahal.
    you need to gear up for mountain hiking and take all kind of camera and equipment because it is great place to capture memorable pictures.
    Written 9 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TD
    New Jersey99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was so unique to walk around the market and see all the local fruits and vegetables. The fish selection was abundant. There were also street vendors selling the most delicious fried doughnuts filled with a spicy spread!
    Written 20 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aaron_117
    Adelaide, Australia9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm mainly writing this review to mention that this site is not in the same location as on TripAdvisor. Its about 5km down the road. Take a tuk-Tuk from the main road and show them a picture of the site, they'll know where to take you
    Written 21 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Léna D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a great time doing a safari and a half day of differents activities with Sanju. As a woman solo traveler I felt safe and in a good hands to discover the place. I recommend you to spend time with Sanju to visit Dapbulla and around, he arrange everything for you ☺️
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kai Wah
    Malaysia2,803 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small cave temple worth 10-15 mins short visit prior climbing up to the top of Pidurangala Rock. The entrance of the temple was built in 1931, but the cave temple was back then since more than thousand years ago where the temple was built by the King resided at nearby Sigiriya Rock, as meditation place for the monks. Appropriate attire is required and no shoes are allowed. LKR500 entrance fee included to climb up to the top of Pidurangala Rock.
    Written 15 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SEs
    London, UK25,876 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an international Cricket grounds. On the main road to Trincomalee by the road side. You can stop if you like Cricket.
    Written 1 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • profjoypc
    Alnwick, UK4,674 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a really wonderful small Buddhist Cave Temple which seems to be away from main tourist destinations. It is a short tuk tuk ride outside Dambulla on the A6 highway and is most definitely worth seeing. The small Temple is set in a cave and has beautiful decorative features and art work plus a huge statue of the Lord Buddha. One can climb higher up a flight of steps to the Stupa at the summit from where on a clear day you get absolutely stunning views over the countryside nearby including the Sigiriya Lion Rock. We were there alone and loved the place as it is so incredibly peaceful.
    Written 2 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patton34
    Huddersfield, UK20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Organised a taxi with Ravi from Dambulla to Sigiriya, Pollunwaru and then onto Kandy. Price quoted was good, two options on size of car, and Ravi was friendly and punctual when responding to arrangements. He double checked the night bfore and showed up on time. The car was nice and the driver who took us was fine too. I would recommend this service. Whatsapp +94766466734
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sanjaya
    Dambulla, Sri Lanka2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was quite the experience. The only problwm we had was that there wasn't many informatioj given about the place. Other than that it was really great. The scenery was awsome, and we also met new companions along the way ! 9/10
    Written 8 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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