After Kandy, we caught a bus to Dambulla. We spend the first day visiting Golden Temple and Rock Cave Temple, before hitting the pool.
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| Golden Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka |
These World Heritage Sites has been sacred pilgrimages for 22 centuries.
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| View from the climb to Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka |
The Rock Cave Temple covers and area of 2,100 m2 and hosts Buddhist mural painting and 157 statues.
For me, the Golden Temple was the most stunning view from the outside. But the hike to see the Rock Cave Temple was probably the best thing about the whole experience.
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| One of the many statues at Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka |
On our second day in Dambulla we decided to climb the famous Sigiriya (also known as Lion Rock). An ancient rock fortress was built on top of the 200 meters high rock. According to ancient Sri Lankan chronicles this site was chosen by King Kasyapa (477 - 495 CE) for his new capital.
The climb itself is not exhausting, but the small steps and stairs makes it a 2 hour hike up and down. The entry fee to visit this amazing place is 4,500 LKR.
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| Sirigiya or Lions Rock near Dambulla, Sri Lanka |
Next to Sirigiya you'll find another climb named Pidurangala Rock. From Sirigiya you can spot Pidurangala and vise virsa. The climb to the Pidurangala summit is a mere 500 LKR in entrance fee. But climbing the Sirigiya is a must if you visit Sri Lanka.
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| View towards Pidurangala from Sirigiya near Dambulla, Sri Lanka |
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