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Dambulla

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Dambulla is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka with the largest deposits of rose-quartz in South Asia. The name Dambulla derives from Damba – Rock and Ulla – fountain. One sees the incessant drip of water from the fountain within the main image house.

 

Rajamaha Temple of Rangiri Dambulla (Also known as the Golden Rock Temple or Dambulla Cave Temple) is located north of Kandy and considered by most to be the center point of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is a town built around a vast isolated rock mass and a World Heritage City, declared by UNESCO. Dambulla Rock Temple has been a pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries, which is a masterpiece of ancient engineering combined with modern conservation techniques.

 

The Dambulla Cave Temple is traced to the 1st century BC, and is the most treasured cave temple in Asia. It has five caves under a vast rock that overhangs the temple. On the underbelly of the Rock is carved a drip line that keeps the interiors dry.  

 

Inside the caves, the ceilings are adorned with intricate patterns of religious images meticulously painted following the natural contours of the rock. Images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas and gods and goddesses are to be seen inside.  

 

The cave monastery remains the best-preserved historical structure in Sri Lanka that dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. It remains to this day a living Shrine that draws thousands of devotees and curious visitors.

 

For the nature lover, National Parks in Dambulla, Minneriya and Kaudulla are some of the best places in the island to spot elephants. To explore the wildlife that's close at hand, the area is specialised in Safari rides and hot air ballooning for a more appealing approach.

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