Dambulla

  places to visit- dambulla 

Dambulla Cave Complex  

                 Dambulla cave complex is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka which has highlighted Dambulla on the world tourist map. Besides the unbelievable craftsmanship, the temple has so much serenity, calmness and peace. The rock of Dambulla cave complex towers 160m over the surrounding plains and holds more than 80 documented caves. Major tourist attractions are spread over 5 caves, containing paintings and statues related to Lord Buddha and his life. Dambulla cave complex has 153 statues of Buddha, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of deities. A must visit for travellers is the largest cave in Dambulla cave complex that is about 52m from east to west, 23m from its entrance to back and 7m tall at the highest point.

First Cave – Dambulla

                                 

         The first cave of Dambulla cave complex named ‘Devaraja Viharaya’ or ‘Cave of the Divine King’ houses a 14 m long Buddha statue depicting the final extinction. First cave was carved out of solid rock.

Second Cave – Dambulla 

       

                      Second and the largest cave of Dambulla cave complex, called Maharaja Lena or ‘Cave of the Great Kings’, houses largest statues of King Vattagamani and King Nissanka Mala. Among dozens of sitting, standing and lying Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas there are also some Hindu gods, of whom Vishnu can always be identified by his blue color.

These are the finest Buddhist murals in Sri Lanka. Walls of the rock are painted with the glorious historical events of Sri Lanka. The statue of the Buddha hewn out of the rock on the left side of the room is flanked by wooden figures of the Bodhisattvas, Maitreya to the left & Avalokiteshvara or Natha to the right. 

                                                                                                                       

Third Cave – Dambulla

                                                       Third cave of Dambulla Cave complex, Maha Alut Vihara or ‘Great New Monastery’ houses 50 statues of Buddha along with a statue of a king. Paintings on ceiling & walls of the cave are in Kandyan style which were made during the rule of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782), the famous Buddhist revivalist.

Fourth and Fifth Caves – Dambulla

                                

                            The fourth & fifth caves of Dambulla cave complex are smaller than the other caves. The fourth cave, dating from the first century BC, is the most beautiful.

Iron Wood Forest – Dambulla

                                                       The Iron Wood Forest in Dambulla was said to be a sanctuary for humans, supposed to be created by the 10th Century AD ruler, King Dappula. Also known as the Jathika Namal Uyana, the Ironwood Forest offers a fascinating trek through a deep jungle comprising of the Sri Lankan national tree, the Naa. The forest is of significant ecological importance and is the focus of studies by ecologists and students of nature.

                             Rose Quartz Mountain 

                                   

          The Rose Quartz Mountain is a mountain range, believed to be approximately 500 million years old. White rose and violet color quartz deposits can be seen here. A trek by travelers to this highest Mountain Range in South Asia offers the satisfaction of a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside for miles around. Although the mountain is made of rose quartz it is not easy to recognize it as such.