In the central part of Sri Lanka island along the Mountains of Rose Quartz, Dambulla is located. A cozy town is welcoming tourists in his few hotels. Guests stop in Dambulle usually for one or two days. This time is quite enough to familiarize yourself with all the sights of a small resort.
The popularity of the city acquired thanks to the cave temple complex. Many it is called the Golden Temple. However, according to local monks, these are two different attractions, each of which deserves attention.
Golden Temple
At the foot of the mountain is located the Golden Temple, which is a modern building. He was finally completed only in 2000. The entrance to this temple is absolutely free. The Golden Temple received its name due to the huge statue of the Buddha, made of concrete and brick, gilded over.
Cave complex
The cave temple of Anuradhapura Dambulla is at an altitude of 350 meters. The rise to it in some places is cool enough and takes about 15-20 minutes. Perhaps due to the fact that you can get into the caves only passing through the Golden Temple, these two places are perceived as a whole. Before committing ascent, you must purchase tickets that are sold at the box office at the foot of the mountain on the right of the Golden Temple. For children, a ticket costs $ 10, adults must pay $ 15. The temple is open from 7:30 to 18:00.
A complex consisting of five caves is one of the oldest Buddhist shrines. Each of the caves has its name. Some of them are natural, others were created by monks by excavation and increasing natural grottoes. In the whole complex there are about 150 Buddha statues. The inner surface of one of the five caves is fully covered with sharp painting. Another Maharajalena cave is standing out by one of the miracles of Dambulla - water in it flows upwards.
In order not to be in an awkward situation, it is worth remembering that it is impossible to be photographed back to the statues of the Buddha, sit on the benches in the temple and enter the temple of the shoes. The preservation service is paid, the price of 20 rupees and no more. Even in such a holy place of naive tourists can deceive, overwing a storage board. Do not come to the fishing fraudsters. Shoes can be simply put in a backpack or bag and calmly inspect the caves.
Buddhist Museum
Landmarks Dambulla are not limited to temples. You can visit the Buddhist Museum near the highway 100 meters from the Golden Temple. In a three-story building, copies of the frescoes and paintings found in Sri Lanka are collected, as well as some exhibits from the cave church. Visiting the museum will cost adult tourists in 230 rupees and in 115 rupees to children.
Since in the evening in the city there is nothing special to do, you can visit the wholesale vegetable market. It can be closer to get acquainted with the subtleties of the local business and watch the trade process. You can become a witness to very funny situations.
The neighborhood of Dambulla
Nature lovers can visit Namal Uyana National Park, located in the vicinity of Dambulla. You can move around the park on jeeps or walking with the conductor. The park is located iron forest and the largest ridge of rose quartz.
Inhabitants of the reserve are elephants, turtles, reptiles, rare birds and insects. At the entrance to the forest part of the park you can see the water stream. The conductor assured that the water in it is absolutely clean and suitable for drinking.
Visiting the park will enjoy all tourists, especially children. A tent town is located on the park. A ticket to the park is worth $ 30, a walk on a jeep $ 40. You can inspect the beauty of this place to dark.