This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Dambulla.
Dambulla is a busy city located in the Matale District in Sri Lanka’s central province. Dambulla is most famous for it’s painted cave temples. Stunning and well preserved Buddhist paintings, frescoes and statues are found within these temples. It is a very touristy, yet still very religious, site. Modest dress must be worn inside the temples. To avoid the tourist buses and crowds, visit the temples in the afternoon.
Dambulla city can be quite loud, busy and chaotic. It is home to one of Sri Lanka’s biggest wholesale markets. Though most tourists will skip visiting the markets, it is a great place to get the vibe of local life in Sri Lanka and experience some great people watching. The city offers a lot of markets, shops, stalls and restaurants, including some really good local and vegetarian cuisine. Dambulla can easily be reached from Kandy and Sigiriya. Most people hire a driver, although it is also possible to catch the local bus or taxi. Some guesthouses and hostels also help arrange transportation around the area.
There are quite a few accommodation options within the city, including some hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels and a few resorts. Dumbulla tends to have the more budget friendly range of accommodations in comparison to the nearby tourist town of Sigiriya. Guesthouse-style hostels offer the best value as well as the best cultural experience. This type of accommodation offers a great insight into the Sri Lankan culture. A stay in one of these accommodations also means that the money goes directly into the local communities. Guesthouses and hostels in Dambulla usually include a traditional breakfast, laundry facilities, information on tourist attractions, optional shuttle services, hot showers, linens and towels. Most guesthouses are happy to accommodate any special requests such as special dietary requirements.
Written by local enthusiast for Dambulla hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
