Boutique Sri Lanka
Our flagship itinerary for curious first-timers. An alternative perspective on Sri Lanka with characterful boutique hotels.
Dambulla Cave Temples, Dambulla Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle
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Dating back to the 1st century BC, the cave temple at Dambulla is one of the most impressive in Asia. Consisting of five caves overhung by a vast rock towering 160metres over the surrounding plains, the temple was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances in 1938 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Each of the five caves at Dambulla house ancient statues of the Buddha and historic artwork depicting the Buddhas life. The grounds surrounding the cave temple also feature a functioning Buddhist Monastery which dates back to the second and third centuries BC.
Whilst all five of the Dambulla Cave Temples are worth exploring, three really stand out. These are the Cave of the Divine King (home to a carved rock Buddha statue reaching 14 metres high), the Cave of the Great Kings (home to 56 statues of the Buddha), and the Great New Monastery (contains 50 statues of the Buddha as well as a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha, the reigning King at the time of the painting of the walls and ceiling).
Spend a couple of hours wandering around the cave temple immersing yourself in Sri Lankan history.
You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.
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Customer Feedback
This is the third holiday that David has organised for us. We like small boutique hotels, not too many early starts, plenty of free time and new experiences. We also like a variety of transport including boats and trains. These were all included in our package. We have no complaints and in fact, have been singing David's praises to anyone who will listen. We are going to send our itinerary to a couple we met in Sri Lanka who were not having such an interesting holiday and fancy a second go.
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A fascinating place, with the odd Buddha or two (hundred)!
Gary, September 2012