Excursion Rangiri temple cave of dambulla - unesco world heritage site tour at Trincomalee

Scenic Drive to Dambulla, Golden Temple of Dambulla

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Dambulla. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the ancient Golden Temple of Dambulla, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buddhist cave shrine temple complex of Dambulla, with its compelling and inspirational tranquillity, has touched the spirit of millions of visitors who have passed through its sacred spaces down the centuries.

Statuary of Lord Buddha and Boddhisattva, Wall and Ceiling Murals

A refuge once for the fugitive King Valagamba, driven from Anuradhapura, these rock shelters have been continuously inhabited over millennia. When King Valagamba returned victorious to his kingdom, out of gratitude to the monks he had the site transformed into a temple complex, with five cave shrines dedicated to the Buddha. Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and filled with over 150 statuary of the Lord Buddha and Boddhisatva, rock-cut carvings of events from Buddha's life, and exquisite murals on walls and ceilings in the style of the 18th-century Painting School of Kandy.

Temple Walking Tour, Habarana Village Hotel, Lunch, Return Drive

A guided walking tour and ascent of over 400 steps rewards you with an opportunity to view the ancient and revered Buddhist treasures of this 1st-century B.C. icon, with its five magnificent caves surrounding the Golden Temple. Following your visit, exit the Golden Temple of Dambulla and walk back down the steps, then re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the Habarana Village Hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Golden Temple of Dambulla, Lord Buddha and Boddhisattva Statuary, Wall and Ceiling Murals, Temple Walking Tour, Habarana Village Hotel, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 577 yards (about 527 metres), at times over uneven, stone, sandy, and grassy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 6 steps at the Habarana Village Hotel and over 400 steps at Dambulla. The ascent to the cave temple takes approximately 30 minutes. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable  for guests with limited mobility and who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection from the ship. As a rule, proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted, female guests must cover their shoulders, please bring a scarf from the ship. Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Infrastructure in Trincomalee is basic, and local conditions may be challenging: coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions as vehicles and guides are brought in from Colombo. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours and we thank you for your understanding. Some sites may be crowded, and depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. Flash photography is prohibited inside the temple and caves. Guests should not pose besides/ in front of the statues of Buddha. The tour sequence may vary.