Interesting temple in the Dambulla area. Tickets are 2000 rupees per person. It consists of 5 different caves with different statues of Buddha. To get to the temple you have to get up some stairs, but doable in 10min. Here are also many vendors that try to sell you flower. Don’t just take them, prices for foreigners are quiet high. Part of the area is the golden Buddha temple consisting of a great golden Buddha statue and a museum. Its included in the ticket and can be reached on your way down from the temple. Be careful of the monkies!

It’s a climb up the stairs for a few minutes and we did that comfortably but what made us uncomfortable is that this iconic temple did not have the right upkeep even after it demanding an entry fees from the visitors. When we were back to the main door where our shoes were kept during the entry, the person at entry demanded a donation! I mean, I was appalled. Now what is more disturbing is the caves where the lord is, is not maintained in good shape. There needs to be a mass programme to improve the cleanliness all around the temple. Nevertheless, these things didn’t matter to me as I went to the lord for his blessings.

Very nice old temple located inside a cave. Actually there are five massive cave temples, situated under a huge roof rock. There is an ancient rock inscription at the entrance of the temple, believed to be said, This temple is reserved for Buddhist monks. This may be because as per the history stories, ancient people lived under these caves. This theory was proved by Ibbankatuwa mass cemetery. There are two ways to the top of the mountain, the easiest way is King's Road. There is a big car park at the entrance too.

Our driver took us to the car park which was jam packed and full of people . If you need to go to the toilet before you climb the steps I recommend you go at the car park ones as there are none at the top . We had hiking poles so that helped there are many steps so if you aren’t fit take it easy and wear a hat and bring a water bottle . Make sure you buy a ticket at the ticket office. As it’s a holy site you have to make sure your knees and shoulders are covered and shoes removed . They have wrap overs and shoes can left in a place for a small fee . The temples and carvings of the Buddha’s are incredible and you are taken in by the intense history and work taken to complete this . It’s a working temple and we got to see and hear some monks chanting in one of the temples which was memorable moment . It’s so worth visiting if you have the time .

This is must visit attraction in Sri Lanka. The hike to the caves is exciting and the views from top are mesmerizing. The cave temple is serene and calm offering plethora of Lord Buddha statues in different forms and positions. The golden temple at lower level was equally good. Good luck!

If you are into temples also history, I would recommend checking this place out. Be prepared though, you need to be covered (at least a t-shirt and long skirt/shorts - past the knees). There's also lots of walking up stairs to reach the temple. In addition there are so many fruits shops besides the road those are amazing. Also there is clam and peaceful environment top of the mountain. It really gives you a better feeling 😌

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is a captivating gem in Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. It houses the largest Buddha statue. The five caves adorned with ancient paintings and majestic Buddha statues offer a serene and spiritual experience. The vibrant frescoes and impressive rock-carved sculptures make it a must-visit destination for history and art enthusiasts. The temple's tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views add to its charm, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

It's a modern giant golden Buddha and a museum. It is hard to miss it from the road and you will likely visit it before/after the caves. But beside admiring the magnitude there is really nothing else about it so just a quick visit and a photo on the way to/from the caves

30-minute barefoot hike up granite pathway yields a great view. Got at the top to visit the sacred spring at 5:45pm, was not allowed to buy a ticket - was told by officious official that the ticket office usually closed at 6pm, but had closed early. Locals were let in free. Life lesson learned: Buddha is NOT for me, but the view is beautiful.

To reach the cave temple carved in Dambulla rocks, you'll need to ascend a substantial flight of stairs, which I believe most people can manage. While climbing the stairs, you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery, as depicted in the photos. Along the way, you might come across some monkeys. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to lovely mountain views. Before entering the temple, you'll be asked to remove your shoes, and there's a place available to keep them for a fee of 100 Rupees per pair. Alternatively, you can choose to leave your shoes outside at your own risk. The area is generally clean, so going barefoot inside the temple or outside is okay. If you'd prefer not to, you can wear socks. Please note that appropriate attire is required, which means no shorts even for guys, either full-length pants or skirts that extend below the knee, along with a modest top. Inside the temple, we didn't observe any guides or signs explaining the significance of this place. You'll explore caves filled with numerous Buddha statues and wall paintings, making it a pleasant religious place to admire. However, it would be even better if there were more information provided. After completing the tour, you can retrieve your shoes and descend a different set of stairs. Along the way, you might encounter vendors selling fruits, and you may even come across friendly dogs. At the bottom of the stairs, there's a massive golden Buddha statue, but there isn't much else to do in the vicinity. overall, I would recommend you to visit this place for a 1 or 2 hours stop.

Walking to the top is a very interesting and very enjoyable hike. Very informative and the art inside is out of this world. We arrived at 10H00 when it was time for prayer and the other caves were closing. So it's important to take note of the time when you visit. Like any other temple, expect to cover up and taken off your shoes. Taking videos and photos is allowed.

Cave temple is pretty interesting and offers great view on surrounding area. Don't forget to take long trousers or some coverage for knees, otherwise you will have to rent it for small fee. Golden Buddha statue is really magnificent.

Ancient Buddhist temple well known for the water stream that drips from the rock roof of the main cave and gets collected to the pot. The climb to the top of the temple is a bit tough as there’s a lot of stairs to climb. You have to be careful from the monkeys, specially if you are carrying flowers as they are fierce. Entrance is free for locals, foreigners have to buy tickets. It’s worth the visit.

This was our second visit to the caves. The day was sunny and clear and the view on the way up and at the top is amazing. The caves with the large Buddha rock carving and the smaller Buddha statues are well worth the climb. The caves are over 2000 years old. Bring a sarong with you or if you don't have one you will be provided with one at the entrance to the caves.

Really Amazing cave Temple. Lot of Lord buddha Statues in the cave and Lot of beautiful paintings. There is a never ending water drooping place inside the cave, even in the dry season. There is a bowl that water drops are falling. But that bowl also not spilling, even in the rainy season.

Cave temple with hiatorical paintings and statues of Lord Buddah. They charge entrance fee only for foreigners. There are monkeys around the temple so please keep your belongings close to you. I guess the electric fence is not working. Huge car park available.

Temple closed before evening. So plan your visit. Need to climb some 70-90 steps to reach top of the cave to see wonderful paintings

Climb 50 or so steps up into the cave complex to see five beautiful cave temples. Make sure you cover and your shoulders and knees. The steps become tricky the close you get to the top and don't carry food, as there are many monkeys around. The temple complex is beautiful and definitely worth walking up to.

Beautiful cave temple. Has 5 caves, each with many statues of buddha in different postures. The main statue is of reclining Buddha. Excellent view all around as one has to climb many steps to reach it. A huge golden statue of Buddha to exists next to the caves.

A nice place to visit. It costs 2000 per person and you pay for your shoes to be stored at the top which is 100 (you have to ask not clear) don’t get ripped off by people selling you flowers on the way up. You can buy them if you want (you don’t have to) make sure you negotiate hard though. Also once you take your shoes off it is ok to wear soaks apparently which is useful with how hot it is. You will need to have your knees and arm covered but if you don’t they have throws for you to use.

The temple is good and has a breathtaking view. There is a bit of climbing involved, a little over 400 steps, to reach the top. The rock does get quite hot in the afternoon sun, making the climbing harder, especially for older people.

The temple is really nice and unique. Walking through the sculptures and paintings under the giant rock bare feet, with dogs and monkeys all around you, surrounded by peace and green, gives a sort of spirituality to this place. The only thing I haven’t appreciated was having to pay for a guy to keep my shoes outside of the temple.

One of the most famous attractions of the city, please don't miss this out, when in Dambulla. Some important information, all foreigners need an entrance ticket (worth LRK 2000) for the cave temples. The Golden temple doesn't need any tickets to visit. There are multiple entries for the Rock temple and the Cave temples. Please note all the foreigners need to buy the tickets only from the trustees office, which most of the locals are unaware of. The hike to the temple is around 15-20mins depending on the speed. Moderately tough hike, if not wearing proper gear. Avoid the rush hours and sunny hours. Also, don't forget to wear appropriate clothes else you will need to buy/rent clothes to cover legs and arms for both males and females.

This is an amazing place, a UNESCO site which describes the Cave and Golden Temple as a living Buddhist site that is focused on a series of five cave shrines. Inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed continuously throughout the historical period into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in the Southern and South Eastern Asian region, showcasing innovative approaches to interior layout and decoration.

It’s a magical and fantastic place. The very strenuous and exhausting climb over all these stairs is totally worth it. The place is incredibly touristy which to some might be exhausting in itself. Guides are trying to offer their business and will go up with you if you like, to tell you about the majestic history of the place. Saying “no thank you” might be the thing you’ll say the most. Climbing the stairs with a thousand tourists going with you is also an experience to say the least but anyway, as said before, it’s worth it and some may not even care. The 360° view from the fortress at the top is wonderful and should be taken in from all locations. Either go there very early at 7:30AM or after 2PM to have a chance to go up with less tourists. Otherwise you’ll either wait in line to start the climb or you’ll at least climb step by step with someone right in front and right behind you. With many people also constantly coming down, there will be waiting times on the stairs. The steps can be dangerous as many of them are very small. Watch your step, be careful were you tread. Most visited months are from October to December. Absolutely recommend though, beautiful place.

Hands off the best attraction in the whole Sri Lanka. Getting up to the peak of the rock is not easy. It took us 30/40 min. If you’re afraid of heights, the stairs will make you dizzy. They’re steep and slippery. But once you’re on top of the rock, the view is amazing.

One of the best place to visit in Sri Lanka. Visit around 6/7 am to see Sunrise or climb in the evening to see Beautiful Sunset. Sigiriya rock is one of the ancient tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Worth the climb! Definitely go there if you can. Its our HISTORY

Wonderful Gardens you walk through to the rock entrance. The rock 1200 steps to the top, the steps are staggered and their are lots of resting places to enable you to reach the top, this is so worth it. Fantastic views, beautiful very old wall paintings to see painted 1600bc goodness knows how they built a palace pool at the top of the rock, staggering. Loved our trip, didn’t think I could make the top but so glad I did, what a treat.

Outstanding! I would highly recommend visiting the museum either before you go up or when you come down, don't worry about a guide if you do this, then you can take your time on the climb (the guides want to go fast). It was very windy up the top, I went at 6.45am and it was a good time to go. The steps are small so if you have big feet you will be going sideways sometimes.

Sigiriya is a truly awe-inspiring destination in Sri Lanka. It’s was actually wonderful to know that the entry tickets are half the price ($15) if you hold an indian passport. The ancient rock fortress, also known as the "Lion Rock," offers a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is a thrilling adventure, and the panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking, showcasing the surrounding lush landscape and distant mountains. The well-preserved frescoes on the rock's western face provide a fascinating glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the ancient world. The intricate water gardens, fountains, and terraced gardens at the base of the rock are a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Sri Lankans. As you ascend the rock, the grandeur of the Lion Gate and the imposing lion's paws carved into the rock leave a lasting impression. Although the lion's upper part is no longer intact, its remnants add to the mystique of the site. Visiting Sigiriya during sunrise or sunset adds an enchanting touch, painting the sky with vivid hues and casting a magical aura over the entire complex. However, it's important to note that climbing Sigiriya might be physically demanding for some, as the steps are steep and narrow. Nevertheless, the experience is worth every effort. Overall, Sigiriya is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, where history, nature, and architecture converge to create an unforgettable and enriching experience.

You will be amazed at what has been built as a rock fortress. It is a quality blend with the nature and views that are great from any angle. Some are having yoga moments at the top.

Current ticket price for foreigners is $36 (Jan. 2024). It is a bit high to see ruins. There are no elevator to get to the summit, you'll have to walk the stairs. Bring plenty of water, this is not walk in the park. Overall, if you like ruins and view from the top, this is place for you.

Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka.

Beautiful place. We started the trek at 5:30 am, the sunrise view from the top was amazing. I recommend going there early in the morning to avoid rush. The ticket cost is 30 dollars but if you have an Indian passport you can get the ticket for 15 dollars.

This is a wonderful place ; at the foot of the hill there are the old water gardens. The hill in itself is stunning, and the history surrounding it interesting. You get help to climb to the top through stairs. The place gets crowded, which means queues to get up and then go down. So better to visit early in the morning. The views from the top are quite beautiful.

Ancient timeline. Keeping human history alive. Excellent visit or must visit place. Visiting early in the morning is suggested. Suggestions 1. Visit early morning time starts from 5 am. 2. Take a guide cost between 5k to 10k slk. Makes more informative travel or check website before travel 3. Carry water bottle. But less luggage since climbing will be challenging. 4. Good camera will help in photos. 5. If possible avoid weekend 6. Most Important saarc countries get ticket at less price just carry passport. Hope this helps

This review is on Lions rock. One of the most fantastic opportunities I've had to see another cultures history. You'll pay a 'Foreigner' fee, that's the norm and is worth every penny. This hike and climb is not for the faint hearted. Whilst very safe if you are careful, choose the right footwear and take water - TAKE WATER. You'll walk through gardens and stairs, between rocks and see lots of stray dogs. Pet them, they're friendly, but wash your hands after. Taking wet wipes is a good idea. You'll then head up a lot of stairs. They're safe but very high. It's not impossible to fall, just be aware. Once you're at the summit you'll have the most beautiful 360° sights. Go late afternoon as it's a bit cooler and you'll see the sunset. Watch out for wasp/bee hives. If you see lots of these insects swarming, just leave. It's not worth staying and getting multiple stings. I saw half a dozen nests and only one or two insects. They are signposted well. Don't walk on the monuments which are marked by signs, do take amazing pictures. I'm from UK and went to Dialogue to get a virtual SIM which gave me 30gb of data for a few pounds. This meant I was able to group chat my family on top of the mountain. This is a must do experience.

Wonderful trip to the top of the Rock and great view around....but really not for everyone! Cause the stairways made of stone could be very slippery, are narrow and dont have the same level! You have to walk very high! But it is worthwhile!

This place is one of the most breathtaking things I’ve ever seen in my life. This is insane from the minute you see it from the distance driving in and once you start walking up the stairs and reach the top it is well worth it. You get to see monkeys swinging around all over the rock and that’s pretty fun to see. The coolest part, though, is climbing the rock in seeing the breathtaking views from the top and seeing how he said he was built on top of this rock. I highly recommend one of the coolest thing I’ve ever done.

A very good experience. The view at the top is spectacular. A certain level of fitness is ended to climb all the stairs the top. The art on the wall and story behind the fortress is very informative. My knlg concern was that locals pay 100 SLR and foreigners pay 11 000 SLR

Must go place if you are in Sri Lanka. The sunrise viewed from here is fabulous. Will be dark at a few spots not covered by lighting when you begin climbing for a sunrise, so carry a torch or mobile phone with a torch. Take a small bottle of drinking water as the climb can be tiring. Takes 30-45 minutes to climb and the boulders at the end of the climb are a little challenging. Don't carry anything too heavy. Hire a guide at the ticket counter if you are not confident of your climbing skills or fitness levels. There is a temple on the way up, so make sure you cover your shoulders and knees when passing the place. No photographs allowed at this temple, typically.

About a 30 min climb up to the top but well stair’ed apart from the last few minutes, it’s a bit more of a clamber up some rocks. Well worth it though, we did it for sunrise and it was stunning. Not toooo crowded but still a fair few people. Would be quieter to do throughout the day but seeing sunrise / sunset from here is beautiful. Also £2.36 entrance instead of like 30 for lions rock!

Beautiful sight and definitely worth to go! Very cheap entrance compared to Sigiriya and I think the hike is fairly good. Really nice for sunrise especially! We got here just before sunrise and it took us round about 20min to get up. There were a few people to be fair but it still feels like it’s not too crowded. Honestly felt a bit surreal being up there. Noteworthy: Since the there is a temple at the bottom that you hav to pass right after the entrance, I would recommend to bring something to cover knees and shoulders. If not they sell it there as well.

Perfect to see a foggy Sigiriya in the early morningy which is really beautiful. It's a little challenging in the end to climb to the top but we saw a (lovely) 80 yr old woman and parents with little children on the back managing the climb so (with a little help) you can manage it too. The view is rewarding. There are some dogs like nearly everywhere in Sri Lanka but they are friendly. We paid 2.000 LKR per person.

Pidurangala is an ancient Buddhist cave temple that has a trail up the mountain to the top. It is about 45 minutes for the climb. The trail starts through the temple so be mindful of your attire. You also need to take off headwear and footwear while going through the temple grounds. The trail has stairs and steps for most of the way. The last leg is pretty steep and you have to climb through boulders and rock faces to reach the top. The view atop the mountain is breathtaking! You get a 360 degree view. Be really mindful if you are attempting the climb with children as the trail does not have lot of safeguards. Best time to visit is the morning. Trail is open at 5:00am so that you can view the sunrise from the top. No charges for locals but I thought I saw tickets being issued for foreigners. You do need to pay for parking.

This place is truly amazing with the scenery. Love the feeling of standing on the top of everything. It’s interesting to see the crowd struggling and queuing for getting up to the lion rock on the other side. Just 1000 SLR. Worth the climb 🧗🏻‍♀️.

A beautiful climb. The climb is not that hard until you reach the top most where there are rocks and you will require some help. There are no tickets for the locals but you will have to ensure to wear decent clothing as you need to go for the hike from a temple. But our overall experience was 10/10

One of the beautiful place to see panoramic view of Sigiriya area as well as see the sunset and sunrise. 40 min climb from the start point to come to the top. Need to be careful when you are climbing because some areas are bit slippery. There are plenty of space for parking at the entrance. You have to be enter to the pidurangala temple first get into the trail starting point

Amazing views. Definitely worth it! Plan for sunrise or sunset hike of ~30min. See monkeys and an ancient buddha statue on the handcrafted stone stair the way up. Take the rubbish some mindless individuals are throwing away with you on the way down.

Great place to visit. Around 30 minutes hike with great sceneries to enjoy. You'll be gifted with a breathtaking view of Sigiriya and the surroundings once you reach the top.

Embarking on a morning hike with friends to a rock temple led to an adventurous challenge. My friends' assistance, pushing and guiding me through tough spots, mirrored true camaraderie. Crawling, sitting, and unconventional maneuvers added a touch of vulnerability. Yet, the view from the peak was an exquisite reward, justifying the unconventional journey. The mix of accomplishment and natural beauty made the experience truly worthwhile, a testament to both friendship and nature's allure.

Pindurangala is indeed a breathtaking and awe-inspiring sightseeing destination. The hike to reach it is nothing short of exceptional, offering an experience that words alone cannot do justice to. The sheer beauty of the natural surroundings leaves you speechless, and it's a place where nature's grandeur truly shines

We went for the sunrise and what an amazing experience. Topped off with the monkeys! Worth going up early, as even at this time there is a bottle neck at the top and we had to wait 5-10 minutes for people to get through.

Amazing experience climbing there, and the view was super nice as well. It's totally worth it, but dont forget to hydrate and protect yourself from the burning sun ( 34 degrees temperature) and wear a good hiking shoes because there is a little bit of climbing (nothing too scary or hard).

If you want to see the beauty of Sigiriya, I highly recommend you to climb Pidurangala. The temple, the Samadhi statue and the surroundings seem to be unified as if they were not created by humans. Come back without polluting that beautiful environment. If you climb that mountain on a rainy day, wear shoes with a good grip. At the end of the stairs, you have to walk carefully on slippery rocks.

Good to visit this place early in the morning or in the evening. Beautiful view on the top. Can see Sigiriya in a better view. Path is little bit difficult. Last few steps are little bit scary. Not recommended for old people. Slippery roads. But the view is amazing on the top.

The sunrise view from Lion rock was stunning. Really worth to do it to get a closer look of the rock. The site opens around 4:30. They are lights in the path and very well maintain rock steps. It took us 20 minutes to go up with 3-4 stops to catch our breath. Don’t get scared of the last part, it basically 5-6 big rocks that you need to go up on it, nothing scary. It would however help for small people that they put a few handles in the rock like elsewhere in the world. At the bottom you enter directly in the temple, so you need to either bring cover up items (no short and no cami are accepted ) or borrow a scarf for them which probably cost something. They let my boyfriend enter with shorts.

Entering the site costs $25 per person. The place is very big, walking is possible but in my opinion unnecessary, the distances are far from one building to another. I recommend that those who come either rent bikes and ride around with them or take the tuk tuk that brought them to ride around with you between the stations. The place is very beautiful and impressive, come with hats 😊

The view from the top of the rock is just mesmerizing. The strong breeze up there will quickly wipe away all that tiredness from the climb. You'll have to kick off your shoes when you get to the entrance where there's a temple, but once you're past that you can keep climbing with your shoes on. Plus you'll spot some awesome ancient Buddhist structural ruins on the way to the top. Can complete the journey within 2-3 hours unless you spend some quality time on the top of the rock.

Awesome view. Great place to visit in srilanka. Its bit hard to go to the top. You have to go through rocks. But at the end the view makes you feels like heaven.

Did this hike a few days just before sunset and loved it! The hike ip does take around 30-40 minutes if you're in decent shape and I do recommend to bring a head lamp with you to be able to make it back down once the sun sets! I read somewhere that water bottles were not allowed, but to be honest when we arrived no one said anything and I'm so happy that I took one because I definitely needed it! The hike is not "easy" and definitely not doable for everyone especially the last 10 minutes where you have to climb up boulders, but for those healthy enough I recommend this hike! You will not regret it!

Arduous climb, not for the faint-hearted. But amazing views at the top including Lions Rock! Costs $3, much better than the $30 it costs to climb the main one.

Pidurangala is a fantastic place to visit and offers a great view of the opposing Lion‘s Rock. We went here to watch the sunset and it was wonderful. Going up takes about 1 hour and is easily manageable. In the end, though, you might have to wait a little because there is a small passage with a little climbing. So make sure to concealed enough before sunset or sunrise because there are many people.

Must visit. The first part of the hike is kinda easy, just stairs. But the second part is could be hard if you’re not fit enough. You have to climb and go through narrow holes between rocks. However the view is amazing.

Great view! First time hikers might find it difficult. If you are starting early morning better to carry a small torch (for those who dont want to drop your phone) The view is worth the climb!

Beautiful view! Great for sunrise but start early - there’s a line of people right before the top (recommend to start 5:15) Be prepared for somewhat demanding climb/going over and between rocks for 50m at the end. No problem for sporty hikers but can be a challenge for people with knee/hip problems. Therefore, people end up queuing

Pidurangala Rock is an incredible 360-degree viewpoint located opposite the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. The view from the top is simply breathtaking and worth your climb and tiredness. Entrance fee for tourists LKR 1000 per person (free for locals). The fee is part of a donation to the Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya temple that you pass through to commence the hike. Ticket office opens at 5 am and closes at 6 pm. It takes about 30 / 45 minutes to climb up. You start your climb near the temple from where there are series of stairs, then slightly ‘off-road’ pathway through the jungle, slowly ascending over rocks and tree roots, through caves, and past rocky cliffs before making its way to the first stop on the hike, Pidurangala temple ruins. Further up the last 50 m is a bit tricky as it requires a decent amount of bouldering, climbing and shimmying between giant boulders and cliffs. Concentrate on your footing in this last section of the trail. Wearing hiking shoes will be better as proper gripping is required. There are rest sections on the trail but do carry adequate water / hydration fluids.

It is a long and a little difficult way to go up. And more difficult to go down, especially if you are planning to be on the rock top for sunset. After sunset, the way down is dark. Just a few lights are on the way. It is better to use phone light or special light. The view from the top is fantastic. Very beautiful.

Somewhat tricky to climb (especially the last bit) but when you get up there, it's one of the most picturesque scenes you can have in Sri Lanka. Local tourists walk free of charge but foreign tourists have to pay at the entrance. It is an approximately 30-minute climb if you are an average person. Suggested times to visit are the sunrise & sunset.

Beautiful nature. We went there around 2pm so were a bit earlier than all others for the evening safari. Great thing was that we were the only car in the National park for the major part of the tour. We've seen many different animals and birds. Not that many elephants but one family we could watch up close and they were not bothered at all by us, that was magical. We were told that there are more elephants in another national park right now, but we're not disappointed at all, it was worth it to be in a quiet without many other tourists and to watch diverse wildlife of the place. We took a safari driver in Habarana but it seems that all of them are similar. Ours was very respectful to animals (didn't go too close and turned off the engine, when we were watching animals) and pointed out some animals we wouldn't notice by ourselves.

A place like no other! A park where that can be seen elephants so closely and it is a great experience to life. The dry zone of Sri Lanka has few national parks that are sanctuaries, and provides accommodations for Asian Elephants. Minneriya National Park is a prominent place where you can watch elephants. This place is located around the Minneriya Lake and that attracts elephants and other animals. We visited there as a Safari and witnessed a few groups of elephants, nearly 30 - 40 by the figure. No restrictions for Safari vehicles in number of passengers - we had 9 onboard!

In the early morning, when the park was quiet, we stumbled upon elephants, and soon, we found ourselves surrounded by large herds. Being so close to these majestic creatures in Minneriya National Park was truly unforgettable. It's a unique place, offering a serene setting to observe elephants in their natural habitat. The dry zone of Sri Lanka has limited sanctuaries, and Minneriya stands out, providing accommodations for Asian Elephants. During our safari, we encountered several groups, totaling around 30-40 elephants. Interestingly, there were no restrictions on the number of passengers in safari vehicles, and we enjoyed the experience with a group of 9 onboard!

I really enjoyed while I was traveling to Polonnaru passing this greenery place fully covered trees and lucky to capture some photos of deer and elephants. I don’t wonder to see elephants or deer here but when I saw dogs there, it was really hurt me, why people leaving innocent dogs near this jungle. I respect this nature and this is the home of wild animals and please enjoy the movements without disturbing their lives. please follow the instructions and traffic signs, always animals crossing the road and please also don’t throw your waste outside the road.

Fantastic afternoon out enjoying to sight of elephants in their habitat. Loads of them by one of the lagoons munching on the grass and having a dip in the water to cool down. Highly recommended

One of the best national parks in Sri Lanka. Nearly it has 9000 hectares and ideal place to watch elephants closely. This park is also known as best elephant gathering place in South Asia. You can see elephant herds with 5-25 elephants most of the time. Not only elephants but also you can witness several bird spices in there. The park usually opens from 6 am to 6 pm.

Amazing experience The security of the elephants and their food and drink are very good. Also, there is enough water in Minneriya Reservoir, so the only place where we can look after elephants freely is Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya national park is mostly known for wild elephant migration and we could witness one of Asia's largest wildlife elephant gathering. The area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1997. Apart from the elephants it also attracts other Flora and Fauna due to rich water resource available from the Minneriya tank. This tank was built by king Mahasen. Elephants from Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee Districts travel here during the dry season. We obtained the entrance tickets from the reserve and started our journey by a 4*4. We got to see the large parade of elephants and how they interact with each other and worth the time and money spent for this travel...

The Minneriya national park is about 30 min drive from Sigiriya , it is most famous for the amazing (elephant gathering about i think 350 ), also near the lake you can see very wide variety of birds. Wherever you look you'll see something .. birds, monkeys, spotted deers and many other animals. Best to visit during September and October. It's a breath-taking experience ,we enjoyed it more than yala safari. Seeing the baby elephants feeding with their mother was amazing and We were lucky to see two male elephants preparing to start a fight to be with the females. Fees is around 90$ for a private jeep for two adults.

Just 30 minutes from sigiriya also just 2-3 hour enough to go around this park. Absolutely gorgeous park for all your animal viewing needs, the park is normally home to the one of largest collection of wild elephants in the country (over 500 elephants) We went in noon time so we just witnessed less then 50 elephants but much batter time is afternoon times when its a little hot outside where the elephants go out near the water to cool off, also even good if you visit during July and August You can enjoy almost all the animals. You can also hope to see a lot of peacocks, spotted deer, monkeys, eagles and other smallers animals. (Guide said) The Safari ride price is also very reasonable and drivers (guides) are kind enough to explain all the details and also their takings enough risk to entertain us. But comparing to other safari’s like “Yala” not that much variety’s of animals are here but enough elephants are there to impress us.

Loved our trip here. Much more a safari experience than Yala National reserve. Less tourists and more animals! The tracks were smaller and you feel like you were driving through the jungle (not the M25 in London, as at Yala) We were incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by herds of elephants with their calf’s. At one point you can leave your jeep and head to a large viewing platform, with 360 views across the landscape. Would 100% recommend

Minneriya National Park is an absolute gem of Sri Lanka's wildlife sanctuaries! I had the most incredible experience exploring this park. The highlight was undoubtedly the thrilling elephant gathering, where my dear friend Buddhika Dediyagala and I were lucky enough to witness hundreds of majestic elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Although the park is also the habitat of leopards, deer, and a myriad of bird species, we unfortunately weren't able to sight any leopards or deer during our visit. Nonetheless, the lush landscapes and scenic beauty of the park made it a photographer's paradise. The knowledgeable guides added depth to the experience by sharing fascinating insights about the park's flora and fauna. A safari in Minneriya National Park is a must-do for any nature enthusiast visiting Sri Lanka!

It’s a great place to see a lot of elephants. I used to really like this place and I can say that I like the park itself, I just do not like how many jeeps are allowed into the park at one time. Many times during this trip there were so many jeeps on the pathways that we couldn’t move. Also, in many of the videos I have, there is very little silence and instead the sound of jeep motors idling can be heard. It was not like this before. In the past the jeep I was in would stop and turn its engine off and you could sit in silence and only hear the elephants walking through the brush and the branches cracking as they walk. Now, most of the sounds you hear are of jeep engines not nature. I hope they put a policy in place to limit the amount of jeeps in the park. I don’t think I’ll go back again unless I see a policy change. I would have given it a 5 star if there weren’t so many jeeps.

Great national park. Within minutes of entering I enjoyed a close encounter with an elephant happily munching away. Defo recommend a safari and visit here.

Amazing national park where the animals are free to roam. Plenty of elephants and birds - highly recommended. Note please do not visit the elephant sanctuary’s in Sri Lanka. The elephants DO NOT have freedom and are chained to perform for tourist (bath and feeding time etc). Please do your research.

We arrived early in the morning, and there weren't many people around. Within minutes of entering, we spotted elephants! As we continued, we encountered large herds of them, and we were not too far away, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you're looking to see elephants in a peaceful natural park setting, this is the place for you. The tranquility and proximity to these majestic creatures make it an unforgettable experience.

Great experience! We paid 20.000 for a jeep with 4 people. We drove through the park for 4 hours in total and we saw lotsssss of elephants. It was amazing to see the elephants in their natural habitat. Recommend this spot! Follow me on Instagram for more travel tips (@heidifromholland)

Popham arboretum is such a worthy place that someone should not miss in his visit in Dambulla. It is restored secondary dry forest founded by F. H. (Sam) Popham in 1963. Also it is a restoration site to many endangered fauna and flora in Sri Lanka. There are 4 trails to walk through the forest. You have to get a ticket. The ticket price is LKR 250/=

Really good place to stay. Can get unique experience about flora and fauna. Automatic meals offer here.

A very good place to visit who loves nature and wildlife. A best place for researchers and photographers. Very friendly staff and we received a warm welcome and hospitality. You can learn more about a lot of animal species here. There are good affordable cottages as well. Overall very satisfied.

It's a finest place to enjoy dry zone flora and fauna! Best fact is Mr. Popham has created and turned this chena cultivation land (when he bought it) into a dry zone forest!! I wish to enjoy this place again and again!!! ❤❤❤

One of the amazing dry area forest in Dambulla covering around 35 acres. It is a must visit for everyone and the experience is outstanding. This is a better place that many of the forest reserves out there. Caretakers of this place are also great and they have maintained the place well. Adult ticket is Rs.250.00 and Rs.50.00 for a child. There are four trails with clearly marked arrows in the jungle areas. Lewvis (උණහපුලුවා), Jungle fowls, Deers and මීමින්නා is available to see. Further there is a camp site and also there are two rooms available Rs.2500.00 and Rs.2000.00 each. You can call te number in photos and reserve. There are variety of rare plants to be sold including කළුවර, බිං කොහොඹ and many more... It is a must visit place.. Hats off to the Mr. Proham for conservative action taken and also for NIFS for maintaining it very well. Referring all of my photos will give a great idea of the place. P.S. - Main office is constructed to similar structure to a ships sine Mr. Propham is into that field.

It has a 60 + years history. It was originally a scrub jungle which was transformed to a dry zone wood land. If you are a nature lover ; definitely worth visiting it. You will see a number of birds , dears , tropical butterflies , bats , feral chicken and many more.. ( Don't worry , no elephants ) You will see most of them if you walk slow , keeping your eyes wide open and without making noises.

We had a wonderful time on a night tour led by Chanaka. We saw vampire bats, slender lorises, a mouse deer, and fireflies! Chanaka was very knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the environment. He also showed us the visitor center which is a Geoffrey Bawa building designed to look like a boat, as well as ebony wood that Sam Popham (arboretum founder) had stored away in a shed. Popham Arboretum is a very cool spot off the beaten path. Would highly recommend a visit. The ~1.5 hour night tour costs 2,500 per person and is worth it.

We loved the night safari! We went at 19:00 with our baby and toddler and the experience was great for them also! The guide was incredible, spotting Loris’ across a field up in a tree in the dark (!) and we managed to see two as well as different types of deer. We went only for an hour (little children’s legs) but the guide was clearly eager to show us around longer so we could see more. Highly recommended, it’s a worthy and unique setup that is really deserving of support!

Very nice place, friendly staff. 1000 rupees the entrance. You can walk around alone, there are 4 different paths with different colours very easy to follow. Better go at morning or at night if you want to see animals. They make guided tours. At night you can see the Loris!

Had a great night tour to see the Grey Slender Loris’! We managed to see 5 individuals in total and were able to get some great views and photos. Overall an amazing experience and well worth it! Costs 2500LKR per person and the two guides took us around the park for over an hour and were brilliant at spotting the animals. Definitely recommend! Thanks from the UK!

Nice nature trail to have a hike. Entrance fee for the day trail is Rs 250. Night trail with a guide to see loris cost Rs 2500 per person and in my opinion not worth it as we only saw one for very brief moment.

Perfect place for the wild life enthusiast to visit. Well maintained while preserving its original heritage. Guided tours fir the visitors will definitely be an added advantage.

Delicious lunch buffet with so many curries to try. We especially loved the jackfruit curry. Lovely host and homey comfortable setting. Definitely recommend!

Awesome food with several different curry’s that are also very good if you want to eat veggie. The staff is very nice :) :) totally worth it although the price is quite higher for tourists..

Very nice local buffet restaurant with cold drinks as well. Friendly owners, they explained all dishes, the spicy ones and not spicy ones. Most were a little spicy or not at all, so perfect for us… we also tried the spicy ones a bit. All were very tasty we could serve ourselves several times. At the end we were talking to the owner and showed us the long hair that she did not cut since 20+ years and she treats with king coconut oil. For 7 persons and with soft drinks, 13.300 LAK (40$), quite ok.

The food was incredible! Great range of non-spicy and spicy foods. Very tasty and healthy. Its a buffet set-up, so you can eat as much as you like. Chilled drinks! The staff are friendly. They can still do warm food even if there are power cuts. The spot is off the main road by a few metres, really nice and peaceful.

This place is basiclly self-serviced ALL YOU CAN EAT for 1800lrp, food is quite tasty and you can choose from more options, but you have to pay extra for the drinks. But in the end you will get a few oieces od fruit. So, 1 star down for a bit higher price and also extra pay for drinks.

Had an amazing meal here. The food was exceptional and had a real authenticity about it. The family running the restaurant were all so lovely and attentive to us. They supply a buffet for lunch and dinner, both with veg and non-veg options. Really competitive prices for how much you get. Would recommend this to anyone in the area.

The buffet was 1800 LKR per person, it is unlimited. Rice&curry and fruits as well. Owner was very helpful and kind.

Lovely place with homemade food! All you can eat for 1800 LKR, at least 7 great options to choose from.

We had a delicious meal at Athula and the family were so welcoming and friendly. Gunga is also a tour guide and helped us with travel information. He is very friendly and knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend him for any tours around the area. Thanks to the family and we wish you all the best!

Delicious and abundant food for a very low price!!! Yummy mixture of vegetarian and chicken food with range of spiciness. Chicken curry was spectacular. Definitely going back on my return to Dambulla.

Eat as much as you can. You must try the food here. Well balanced not very complicated menu. Great service! You know the food is great when you see the cook eating the same food as you. Will come back next time in Dambulla.

DECEMBER 2023 - Buffet menu: 1.800 roupies per person. Drinks not included (400 soft drinks, 150 water). It is expensive for what it is I'm not going to lie. We've been brought there by our private driver and I imagine they get a commission there because we weren't the only tourists brought there. Of course if we compare it to Europe or US prices it's still cheap but that was one of our most expensive meals in Sri Lanka. The rest is great, family owned restaurant, they have cats (after seeing so many dogs on the road we finally saw some cats). And it was really NON-SPICY (they might charge us more for that ahah)! You can repeat the buffet if you are still hungry. No extra cost.

For being a buffet they should have more variety of food. Had 3 full plates of the same dishes.

We came in for early dinner, and were recommended a set menu of dishes by the owner. Tasty food, especially liked the aubergine/eggplant. Friendly staff and nice setting with view on the rice fields. Do confirm price upfront, was not made fully clear to us.

Good food. All you can eat buffet. Very friendly family-owned establishment. Workers were constantly greeting customers and asking feedback. They also explained the different dishes. Roughly 2000 rupees per person. They do charge 2.5% for card payments

A great place to have lunch. This is between Dambulla and Habarana. The buffet is filled with many local varieties. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes are available. The place is clean and facing towards a paddy field. As a result, you won't feel warm even without A/Cs. Service is excellent. Parking is limited to 4-5 vehicles.

The service is pretty good. They know how to sell things 😅. The buffet menu is good and has plenty of options. But the curries are too sweet. Maybe it's because they make them sweet so that foreigners can also dine without an issue. Other than that, everything is good. The curd and honey were also pretty tasty.

The food was simply delicious. We had chicken kothu, fried rice, pumpkin curry and mango thokku. Their kothu was one of the best I had in Ceylon. The mango thokku was flavour-party in the mouth. Fried rice was yum too. Paired with a very cheerful host, its a 100% recommend!!!

We had a very good lunch here, a wonderful range of choices from the buffet. Lovely what the team can do with vegetables - different herbs and tastes. Wonderful for a veggie like me! Needles to say the people are kind and loving. We had a great break here during our trip.

Best Sri Lankan food we had during our trip. Each dish was very tasty. Highly recommended. Good value for money.

Very good rice and curry, very tasty food ! Nice place, tidy and beautiful view

Very friendly place and authentic Srilankan food with greate taste and lots of good reviews

We got a 20% discount for arriving in a tuk tuk rental! Delicious high quality food. Loved reading what people from all over the world wrote on the walls. A wonderful experience.

Excellent place with amazing people and tasty food. This place is running by a family who cooks home made food. One can really make the difference. Everyone is very welcoming. The prices are very very reasonable. One can surely have lunch at this place. But fortunately dinner or breakfast it's better to check with them. The lady of the house cooks food. So sometimes it is difficult for her to cook in the evening also. We all felt that this was the best part. They were not there just to make money and cook food anyhow. When we asked them if we can get dinner they humble told us that the lady had to visit a doctor and they won't be open in the evening. This actually made them very authentic. Also the owner, his daughter and all family members have a very warm smile which connects us instantly with them. They will explain about every food item and would also give some recommendations. Surely a must visit place for food or for people or for experience (choose anything).

Some of the best food I’ve had in Sri Lanka, authentic and home made! Great buffet options and served in an earthen plate, perfect experience!! Must visit!

Very good place to eat traditional rice and curry. Our table was full of different currys vegatables etc. The owners were very friendly and helpfull. We had a great experience!

Wow !. I'm experiencing super customer care with super delicious foods . Price is good and also foods . Highly recommended and definitely stop your lunch and dinner actually delicious foods . This place clean and face to the paddy field. Highly recommended again . Buffet place.

Great food and service! Excellent selection of dahls, curries, etc! All home cooked, and very friendly and welcoming owners who explain the food and suggest things. Highly recommend.

Very delicious Sri Lankan food. Had lunch buffet and palm sugar curds. Food is not too spicy, just nice. Restaurant overlooking padi fields, comfortable and great scenery. Will visit again.

Very bad service! The we order rice with shrimps and only came 4 shrimps and a lot of rice! The taste was good.

One of the good restaurants in Dabulla. Dine in option is available. No dedicated parking lot available for customers. Customer vehicles should be parked in the roadside. Price ranges are average in similar category resultants. Table service is available. Washroom facilities are not sufficient for the capacity.

Situated in a congested surrounding. But inside calm. Service excellent and friendly. Interior not spacious. Foods were delicious. Washroom also pleasant. Wheelchairs accessible entrance. Child friendly meals and seating were available. Interior air conditioned. No separate parking space.

Good and tasty food the sets in string hoppers or rice was very good. Seating was good. But still to improve in customer service.

During our trip we had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant, the owner is very nice, the place is charming, there is good beer available here, I especially recommend traditional Sri Lankan dinners from the menu. After dinner, we were treated to a delicious dessert. I recommend it and hope to come back here again someday.

Best curry in Sri Lanka. My partner had fried noodles - also fantastic. Huge portions, amazing flavour and reasonable prices. Run by a local family. Make sure to stop by.

The food is great with friendly staff. We ordered rice with vegetable curry option and they served 8 different kinds of vegetarian curries to go with nicely cooked hot white rice. Loved the ambience with lush green trees and plants. They cook food with some home-grown fruits and vegetables which lets you try organic and tasty food.

We had a very tasty food here and they cooked very quickly. I think the restaurant run by small family. The special things is that, they had everything according to the Ala Cart except pork. We must help these kind of family after the covid19. I strongly recommended.

Highly recommend the Sri Lankan special curry and rice. You're served a selection of local curry dishes all cooked to perfection. The jackfruit and aubergine were our personal favourites buy the chicken was also delicious. The owners are very friendly and make you feel welcome, while the place is very clean too. A must stop when staying in or passing through Sigiriya!

Wow what an amazing experience on our second day in Sri Lanka! Not only the special rice and curry was five-star delicious, we also got a super tasty banana split after the main course for free. The owner and his son were so gentle and friendly. As it was not enough the owner gave us a TukTuk ride to our stay in Sigiriya as the place was less crowded on that day. We were so happy! Highly recommended!!

We had a really nice dinner. We had the vegetarian Sri Lankan style dinner and afterwards we shared the banana/pineapple fritters. It was super nice and tasted very good. Service was also really good. Unfortunately we we’re the only ones, but the food and service made the night.

After a long day of travel, my friends and I are here at the recommendation of a friend. This was our favorite meal of our entire trip. We each got the special curry and rice. All of the dishes were so good and there was a great array of flavors. You can also get more of any one of them. The prices are very affordable. The staff was lovely and happily helped with a dietary restriction. If you are traveling in the area, you should stop here for a great meal!

Very very good food! We’ve eaten here twice and will eat here again. Very good portion sizes and they rotate the vegetable curries so you get to try something new. Me and my girlfriend both ordered the vegetable curry and they brought out 10 different dishes for us to try, such good value. Great quality and quantity! Highly recommend!!!

We stayed in Sigirya for 3 nights, visited Rithu through recommendation from our driver Sudath (legend). It was amazing, our first experience of Sri Lankan food on our trip and it was good we went again the following day. Great food, great service. Highly recommend going for the Sri Lankan Curry. Mr & Mrs Mason

Firstly, they were partial towards white people and didn’t bother to serve us. The restaurant is super over priced! 1000 LKR for a mixed fruit juice, how can they even justify it 😖 We still ordered Sri Lankan rice and curry and sandwich. They served alot of curries to us with rice, the eggplant and raddish one was good but few of them had a lot of oil in it. The sandwich was very basic, toasted bread with cheese. The overall experience was not great at all. Please don’t spoil your time and money going there 😵‍💫

We were on our way to Sigiriya and it was close to lunch time. We happened to pass by this restaurant because it looks clean and authentic, so decided to lunch there. It’s a simple place with coconut palm leaves roof (cadjan), chairs were comfortable to sit, and is spacious enough to not have to hear loud conversation of other customers. The menu has a decent selection of choices, but it’s best to order rice and curry as that’s is fastest to get served and the food is tasty and fresh. There was a misspelled on the menu for a shrimp appetizer. It indicated “butter shrimps”, but in fact it meant “battered shrimps”. There were 2 other tables eating at the restaurant when we were there. I think they came with their drivers or tour guide. They were all tourists from Europe (Spain & French), so perhaps that explained the food served was not spicy. Since I like spicy food, I had to ask them to make it like the local taste, which they did. We came here during lunch, the place was bright but I’m not sure if I would want to come here for dinner as it might be quite dark and chances are there would be plenty of mosquitos due to open air restaurant.

Lovely family restaurant with a buffet, 7 different curries (chicken, eggplant, lentil, pumpkin, beans etc.) and rice, papadam and a great herb salad. The service was great, really accommodating. The prices are more than reasonable, huge value for your money. One of the best curries on the island, highly recommend it.

Family-owned restaurant with great curry buffet and friendly staff. We agree with previous reviews, this is definitely one of the best curries we’ve tried in Sri Lanka! Plus, one of the most clean bathrooms on the island

Such a nice family Place. Come here if you are hungry and want the best curry & rice (and anything else). Food is amazing and the family is more than friendly. We even got a tuktuk ride home 😀! Thank you!

Food was not as delicious as we assumed coming there after reading google reviews. Curry with meat had more bones than meat. On pictures two dishes for 4 people

We visited the golden palace restaurant because of it’s good reviews and it was such a nice experience. The rice and curry dishes were so delicious! The whole atmosphere is what you expect from a home cooked dinner as you are staying in the local house and it‘s beautiful! The family is also very kind ❤️ Highly recommend when you are staying in dambulla. All the best 🙏🏼

Nice place with great hospitality. Super delicious food and reasonable prices. All very friendly. Will come again!

This was a great place to have lunch! My partner and I came here right before it started pouring. The host of the restaurant was incredibly nice and friendly. My partner had a bad headache and she provided Ayurvedic oil/medicine free of charge and he felt so much better ! The food was amazing, hot and fresh, and consisting of various Sri Lankan curries. We even requested Sri Lankan chili paste because we like ours spicy ! The bathroom was clean and coffee was amazing!