Discovering Dambulla

Buzz

Content

Sacred Caves of Dambulla:

Sky Fortress:

Exciting Safari Experience

And the Wood Carving Artisans

The name Sri Lanka is no stranger to travelers seeking unspoiled beauty, wishing to explore Buddhism, and embark on pilgrimages, visiting ancient landmarks. Dambulla city is my destination on this journey to Sri Lanka.

Situated at the heart of Sri Lanka's ancient ruins, easily accessible to everywhere, and notably nestled within Dambulla Lake area, where many tourists opt for its pristine beauty, Dambulla welcomes me with the sound of traditional drums beaten by Sri Lankan women and friendly smiles. Let's explore the remarkable beauty of this memorable city together!

Sacred Caves of Dambulla:

In Sri Lanka, there are caves carved by ancient monks, reaching depths of tens of meters to worship the Buddha. These caves almost always house the reclining Buddha statue, and most of the Buddha statues, large and small, are carved from natural stone. The Dambulla caves are the oldest rock temple complex in Sri Lanka, situated nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The entire temple complex spans across 5 different caves, each cave honoring various Buddhas or kings who once ruled Sri Lanka.

Sky Fortress:

Exploring Sigiriya Fortress

Exciting Safari Experience

I've dedicated quite some time to exploring ancient ruins, yet there's still one place calling out to me. That's the Safari Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 20 km from Dambulla city is the Minneriya National Park, an enticing destination in my itinerary. It's the largest natural wilderness park in Sri Lanka with over 100 elephants residing here.

And the Wood Carving Artisans

Passionate about wooden artworks, I couldn't miss this spot. Here, your own eyes witness the process of crafting artworks from the skilled hands of artisans. Initially, the artisans sketch the image they're going to carve on a certain-sized block of wood, then they use a special tool – akin to small knives – to sculpt the wood block according to the pre-drawn shape, followed by carving intricate details and then painting... I particularly delighted in the wooden chess set with meticulously carved faces or the colorful masks... I left with immense joy for having chosen such unique and characteristic souvenirs of this place.

Additional Information:

Preparation before Departure:

The most helpful source of information at that time is Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa .

How to Get There?

From Vietnam, you can fly with Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, with layovers in Bangkok or Singapore to connect flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Visa for Sri Lanka : Apply directly on the website http://www.eta.gov.lk for online visa, fee $30

Where to Stay?

Which Places to Explore?

+ Dambulla Cave Temple – the temple within Dambulla Cave (also known as Dambulla Golden Temple), surrounded by statues and paintings depicting various aspects of life.

+ Sri Mahabodhiya featuring a Bodhi tree over 2,200 years old, propagated from the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya – the site of Buddha's enlightenment.

+ Spice Garden showcasing many famous spices of Sri Lanka such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, and pepper.

+ A small tip when visiting the Dambulla caves is to first explore caves 5 to 1 in descending order. This way, you can notice the gradual increase in grandeur within the caves, with the pinnacle being the magnificent cave 2.

Important Note:

+ Exchange currency immediately upon arrival at the airport

+ When entering temple areas, it's advisable to carry a shawl to cover your shoulders and arms. Absolutely no noise or photography when locals are performing rituals. Leave shoes outside the door before entering temples.

+ When climbing Sigiriya Rock, be sure to wear appropriate footwear as you'll have to climb nearly 2,500 steps.

Souvenirs from Sri Lanka:

+ Sculptures and carved wooden items from woodworking workshops

+ Leather goods

+ Dilmah Tea, Macwood Tea

Article and Photos by: Thu Giang

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide

MytourJune 18, 2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit attractions in Dambulla, Sri Lanka?

In Dambulla, visitors should explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to impressive Buddha statues and ancient paintings. Other attractions include the Sri Mahabodhiya tree and nearby spice gardens showcasing Sri Lanka's famous spices.

How can travelers reach Dambulla from Vietnam?

Travelers from Vietnam can fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka, with airlines like Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, usually requiring a layover in Bangkok or Singapore. Once in Colombo, they can travel to Dambulla by road.

What should tourists know before visiting Dambulla's sacred caves?

Visitors to Dambulla's sacred caves should dress appropriately, covering shoulders and arms. Photography is prohibited during local rituals, and it's recommended to explore the caves in descending order from 5 to 1 for the best experience.

What unique souvenirs can be purchased in Dambulla, Sri Lanka?

Dambulla offers unique souvenirs like intricately carved wooden items, sculptures, and leather goods. Don't forget to buy Dilmah Tea or Macwood Tea as memorable gifts representing Sri Lanka's rich culture and heritage.

What should visitors be aware of regarding currency exchange in Sri Lanka?

Tourists should exchange currency immediately upon arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka to ensure they have local currency for expenses. It's advisable to check the current exchange rates to avoid unfavorable conversions.