Dambulla, situated in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is an ancient city renowned for its remarkable cave temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is steeped in spiritual and historical significance, featuring centuries-old Buddhist murals and statues within its cave sanctuaries. Beyond its religious landmarks, Dambulla is surrounded by vibrant markets, fertile agricultural zones, and scenic landscapes that blend rocky outcrops with lush greenery. Its central location and excellent road connectivity make it a strategic base for exploring nearby attractions such as Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, and rural village experiences.
Total Population
66,716
GN Divisions
59
Where Ancient Heritage Meets Natural Wonder
Dambulla – A Cultural and Spiritual Landmark in Sri Lanka
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is famed for its UNESCO-listed cave temple complex, featuring centuries-old murals and Buddha statues nestled in rock caves. This historic town blends sacred tradition with scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to iconic sites like Sigiriya and Minneriya.
With its thriving local markets, agricultural landscapes, and spiritual significance, Dambulla invites visitors to explore both the serenity of its temples and the richness of rural life. Its strategic location and strong road connections make it a central stop for culture, nature, and heritage seekers.
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Siyambalawewa |
| 010 | Avudangawa |
| 015 | Gedigaswalana |
| 020 | Pidurangala |
| 025 | Thalkote |
| 030 | Digampathaha |
| 035 | Inamaluwa |
| 040 | Nagalawewa |
| 045 | Pothana |
| 050 | Kimbissa |
| 055 | Egodawewa |
| 060 | Palutawa |
| 065 | Sigiriya |
| 070 | Mailattawa |
| 075 | Polattawa |
| 080 | Nikawatawana |
| 085 | Kumbukkandanwala |
| 090 | Bellanneoya |
| 095 | Rathmalkatuwa |
| 100 | Welihena |
| 105 | Etawarahena |
| 110 | Pallegama |
| 115 | Bulagala |
| 120 | Pelwehera |
| 125 | Kandalama |
| 130 | Pahala Erevula |
| 135 | Ihala Erevula |
| 140 | Welangolla |
| 145 | Wewalawewa |
| 150 | Yakkuragala North |
| 155 | Vilhatha |
| 160 | Athuparayaya |
| 165 | Pahalawewa |
| 170 | Dambulla Town |
| 175 | Dambulugama |
| 180 | Haluapullanawewa |
| 185 | Pohoranwewa |
| 190 | Yapagama |
| 195 | Rathmalgaha-Ela |
| 200 | Yakkuragala South |
| 205 | Kalundewa Aluthgama |
| 210 | Angunawelpelessa |
| 215 | Kalogaha-Ela |
| 220 | Thittawelgolla |
| 225 | Moragollewa |
| 230 | Kapuwatta |
| 235 | Kiralagolla |
| 240 | Wavulambe |
| 245 | Embulambe |
| 250 | Puwakattawala |
| 255 | Kalundewa Paranagama |
| 260 | Walgamwewa |
| 265 | Kiralessa |
| 270 | Pannampitiya |
| 275 | Welamitiyawa |
| 280 | Ethabandiwewa |
| 285 | Lenadora North |
| 290 | Lenadora South |
| 295 | Nayakumbura |
📞 Public Services – Dambulla
| Service | Contact Number | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| 🚓 Dambulla Police Station | +94 66 22 870 26 | Covers Dambulla town and nearby areas |
| 🏥 Dambulla Base Hospital | +94 66 22 830 33 | Main public hospital for the region |
| 🏥 Private Clinics (Dambulla Town) | +94 66 22 840 55 | Private healthcare and specialist services |
| 🏛️ Dambulla Divisional Secretariat | +94 66 22 832 01 | Handles administration, civil services, and public records |
| ℹ️ Dambulla Municipal Council | +94 66 22 830 12 | Responsible for urban planning, waste management, and local governance |
How to Reach Dambulla
Dambulla, located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is a well-connected heritage town situated within the Cultural Triangle. Famous for its ancient cave temples, the town offers easy access by road and moderate rail proximity, making it a central transit point to major destinations like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura.
| 📍 City | 📏 Distance | ⏱️ Time | 🗺️ Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galewela | 25 km | 40 min | |
| Matale | 43 km | 1 hr 10 min | |
| Kandy | 72 km | 1 hr 40 min | |
| Colombo | 150 km | 4 hrs 30 min |
🌍 Interactive Google Map
🌍 Geographical Overview – Dambulla
Dambulla is a historically significant town located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, within the Matale District. Nestled in the heart of the island’s Cultural Triangle, it is surrounded by dry zone forests, rock outcrops, and fertile plains nourished by irrigation tanks like Kandalama Wewa. Dambulla is well-positioned on major travel routes connecting Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa, making it a strategic location for both cultural tourism and trade. As of 2025, it is home to an estimated population of approximately 66,700 residents.
🏛️ Administrative Information
- Province: Central Province
- District: Matale District
- Divisional Secretariat: Dambulla Divisional Secretariat
- Neighbouring Areas: Galewela, Sigiriya, Inamaluwa, Habarana, Naula
💼 Local Economy and Services – Dambulla
Dambulla serves as a major economic hub in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, with agriculture and tourism forming the twin pillars of its economy. The town is home to one of the country’s largest dedicated wholesale vegetable markets, supplying produce to markets islandwide. Paddy cultivation, fruit farming, and floriculture are also prominent in the surrounding rural areas.
Tourism plays a vital role due to Dambulla’s proximity to iconic heritage sites like the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Guesthouses, boutique hotels, handicraft stores, and tour services provide employment while showcasing local arts and traditions to visitors from around the world.
Dambulla also offers comprehensive public services, including hospitals, schools, transport hubs, and government institutions. The town’s central location along the A9 highway ensures excellent connectivity to Matale, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and beyond, supporting both economic activity and quality of life.
🤝 Community and Culture – Dambulla
Dambulla is a culturally rich town where religious harmony and heritage thrive side by side. The community is predominantly Sinhala Buddhist, complemented by Tamil and Muslim minorities, creating a multicultural atmosphere marked by tolerance and cooperation. This cultural blend is reflected in daily life and communal festivities.
The iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a spiritual landmark, drawing both devotees and tourists. Around town, Hindu kovils, mosques, and churches contribute to the region’s religious diversity. Festivals such as Vesak, Poson, Deepavali, and Eid are observed with joy and mutual respect, often involving community-wide participation.
Cultural life in Dambulla is also enriched through traditional dance, local music, and folk storytelling. Schools and community groups actively preserve these practices, while local fairs and exhibitions provide opportunities for cultural expression and unity, reinforcing Dambulla’s identity as a center of tradition and inclusivity.
🎉 Festivals & Culture – Dambulla
Dambulla’s festival calendar reflects its deep spiritual heritage and multicultural identity. Throughout the year, the town comes alive with vibrant religious and cultural events that celebrate unity, tradition, and community pride.
The town’s Buddhist majority celebrates key Poya days—especially Vesak and Poson—with illuminated lanterns, devotional songs, almsgiving, and temple-based rituals centered around the Dambulla Cave Temple. These observances attract visitors and devotees from across the island.
Tamil Hindu festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Deepavali are observed at local kovils with traditional offerings, colorful decorations, and community feasts. The Muslim community marks Ramadan and Eid with prayers, charitable acts, and joyful gatherings that promote interfaith harmony.
In addition, local fairs and seasonal harvest festivals reflect Dambulla’s strong ties to agriculture and rural life. These events offer lively showcases of folk dance, traditional crafts, and regional cuisine, enriching Dambulla’s reputation as a cultural and spiritual heartland within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Dambulla
Dambulla enjoys excellent connectivity due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Sri Lanka’s major highways, including the A9 (Kandy–Jaffna road) and the A6 (Ambepussa–Trincomalee road). This makes it a central transit point within the Cultural Triangle, linking it efficiently to Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Colombo.
The town is served by regular SLTB and private bus services that provide frequent and affordable transportation to surrounding districts. For local travel, tuk-tuks and private taxis are widely available, offering flexible options for tourists and residents.
While Dambulla does not have a train station of its own, the nearby Habarana and Kekirawa stations offer access to Sri Lanka’s main rail lines. Combined with its well-maintained road network, this multimodal connectivity ensures Dambulla remains easily accessible to both local and international travelers.
🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Dambulla
Dambulla is situated in Sri Lanka’s dry zone and features diverse natural landscapes including dry forests, rock formations, and irrigation tanks such as the historic Kandalama Reservoir. These ecosystems provide important habitats for native wildlife and contribute to regional biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable water management and conservation of ancient irrigation systems are central to supporting local agriculture and maintaining environmental balance. Efforts to promote organic farming, minimize chemical inputs, and protect natural areas help sustain soil health and water quality.
The community and local authorities actively participate in environmental awareness campaigns, reforestation projects, and waste reduction programs. These initiatives aim to preserve Dambulla’s natural heritage while fostering eco-friendly tourism and sustainable development for future generations.
🌄 Tourism and Attractions – Dambulla
Dambulla is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting tourists from around the globe. The centerpiece is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its ancient murals and Buddha statues.
Beyond the cave temples, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ritigala Forest Reserve, and the serene Kandalama Lake. Cultural festivals and vibrant local markets provide additional layers of experience that showcase the region’s traditions and crafts.
Dambulla’s accessibility via major highways and its range of accommodation options—from guesthouses to boutique hotels—make it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
With a balance of historical significance, natural wonders, and vibrant community life, Dambulla offers a memorable travel experience steeped in heritage and hospitality.
🎓 Education and Institutions – Dambulla
Dambulla is home to a variety of well-established educational institutions offering comprehensive programs from primary to secondary education. Schools such as Dambulla Maha Vidyalaya and Hiripitiya Tamil Vidyalaya are known for academic excellence and fostering extracurricular engagement.
Beyond formal schooling, vocational training centers provide skill development in agriculture, tourism, and trades, helping to meet the evolving employment needs of the community and regional economy.
Educational programs often include cultural activities, sports, and leadership initiatives, promoting well-rounded growth and community involvement among youth in Dambulla.
With strong institutional support and community participation, Dambulla continues to advance educational opportunities and empower future generations within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Dambulla
Dambulla is served by the Dambulla Base Hospital, a key government healthcare facility providing comprehensive medical services including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, maternal and child health, and various specialized clinics.
In addition to public healthcare, the town has numerous private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that cater to general and specialized medical needs, ensuring accessible healthcare for both residents and tourists.
Public health campaigns, vaccination programs, and community wellness initiatives are regularly conducted by health authorities to promote preventive care and improve overall community health in Dambulla and its surrounding areas.