Dambulla | Things to Do

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, reflect to history and see breathtaking landscapes of the island around.
Witness beautiful frescoes that were painted during the 5th century, and still in remarkable condition today.
A lion carved into a rock, known as the ‘Lion Gate’ was once the guarded entrance to the palace.
See amazing terraced gardens as you climb to the summit which proves the engineering feat of ancient times.
See ancient ruins of King Kassapa’s palace and imagine the life of a king high on a rock.
The entire visit of Sigiriya rock would be about 2 hours including visits to the gardens and water canals. It would be approximately 40 minutes to climb to the top, 1 hour at the top and 20 minutes get back to the ground. The duration mentioned includes ample time for little relaxation especially after the climb, seeing the ruins, taking photographs and absorbing all the views around you.
Opening times:7.00a.m-7.00pm
Best times to visit: December to April , July to October.

Experience magic in the air – view gorgeous landscapes and jungles; daybreaks beneath you giving life; gorgeous sunrises over the lake with roving elephants, water buffaloes munching their way through the paddy fields, mischievous monkeys swinging playfully from tree to tree, bright and colourful birds flying under you as you float swiftly from up above.
Hot Air Ballooning has become the most exciting and thrilling experience in Sri Lanka – for the young and the old. Take flight from Kandalama at Dambulla and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings as you soar and see from a bird’s eye view.
Drift slowly with the wind over the ageless ruins of the Cultural Triangle or animals at a wildlife park, incredible folds of mountains and green forests – you are sure to be spellbound with an unforgettable feeling.
Best times for this activity: November to April

See the world’s greatest wildlife phenomenon – the Elephant Gathering of hundreds of Asian Elephants together.
Indulge in a safari experience to see leopards, deer and many other species of wildlife.
A great destination for bird watching with over 160 species of birds.
Minneriya National Park has various topographical landscapes of forests, scrublands, grasslands, rocky outcrops and wetlands.
Opening times: 6.00 am-6:30 pm