Dambulla

Central Province, Sri Lanka · Asia

About Dambulla

Dambulla is worth a stop: 30 minutes from Sigiriya, 16km from Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Dambulla is in Central Province, Sri Lanka, with about 67,000 people. The nearest town is Sigiriya, about 15 km away.

Dambulla (Sinhala: දඹුල්ල Dam̆bulla, Tamil: தம்புள்ளை Tampuḷḷai) is a city situated in the north of Matale District, in Sri Lanka's Central Province. It is the second largest populated and urbanised centre after Matale in the Matale District. It is situated 148 km (92 mi) north-east of Colombo, 43 km (27 mi) north of

Matale and 72 km (45 mi) north of Kandy. Due to its location at a major junction, it is the centre of major vegetable distribution in the country. Major attractions of the area include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, sigiriya rock fortress located in the division and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The area also boasts the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Na Uyana Aranya. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 km (1.9 mi) of the cave temples providing evidence of the presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see near Dambulla?

Within an hour or so of Dambulla: Sigiriya Lion Rock (16 km), Pidurangala Rock (17 km), Polonnaruwa Ancient City (39 km).

Where is Dambulla?

Dambulla is in Central Province, Sri Lanka, about 15 km from Sigiriya.

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Quick Information

Population: 66,716
Continent: Asia
Country: Sri Lanka
Region: Central Province
Timezone: Asia/Colombo
Coordinates: 7.8600, 80.6517

Worth the detour from Dambulla

3 notable places within an hour's drive.

ancient ruins

Sigiriya Lion Rock

A 5th-century fortress atop a 200-meter rock column with ancient frescoes, mirror walls, and landscaped gardens below.

16 km · about 20 min drive

photogenic

Pidurangala Rock

A granite outcrop with an ancient cave monastery and reclining Buddha, reached by a short scramble. It gives the one view Sigiriya itself cannot: the Lion Rock standing whole above the plain at sunrise.

17 km · about 20 min drive

ancient ruins