Discover the Ancient Wonders of Dambadeniya
Explore Dambadeniya, Sri Lanka's ancient capital, where history and natural beauty intertwine in a captivating archaeological site.
Dambadeniya, an ancient archaeological site in Sri Lanka, offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich history. Known for its stunning ruins and cultural significance, this site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
A brief summary to Dambadeniya
- 9592+VFQ, Dambadeniya, LK
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the site's historical significance.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities may be limited at the site.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the ruins and uneven terrain.
Getting There
-
Bus
From Negombo, head to the main bus station located on Colombo Road. Look for a bus heading towards Kurunegala or Dambadeniya. The buses are generally frequent, but it’s advisable to check the schedule. The journey to Dambadeniya will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Inform the conductor that you wish to get off at Dambadeniya. Once you arrive at the Dambadeniya stop, you'll see signs directing you to the archaeological site.
-
Tuk-Tuk
If you prefer a more direct route, you can hire a tuk-tuk from anywhere in Negombo. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as prices can vary. The journey will take about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The tuk-tuk driver should be familiar with Dambadeniya; just mention the archaeological site and they will take you directly there.
-
Train and Bus Combination
First, head to Negombo Railway Station, which is located near the city center. Take a train to Kurunegala, which is a central stop. After reaching Kurunegala, exit the station and look for local buses heading towards Dambadeniya. The total travel time, including waiting for connections, may take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Make sure to check the train schedule for timings, as trains may not run frequently.
Discover more about Dambadeniya
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya
12.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya, a captivating Buddhist temple in Waduwawa, Sri Lanka, rich in culture and spirituality.
Kitulgala water adventures
13.6 km
Discover thrilling water sports and serene nature walks at Kitulgala Water Adventures, a must-visit destination for adventure seekers in Sri Lanka's lush landscapes.
Thalagama Rock Inscription
13.8 km
Explore the Thalagama Rock Inscription in Ambepussa, a hidden historical gem showcasing Sri Lanka's ancient heritage and captivating natural beauty.
Tholangamuwa Ambalama
16.9 km
Explore the rich history and serene beauty of Tholangamuwa Ambalama in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka – a hidden gem for travelers.
Sri Jayawardhanaramaya
23.4 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sri Jayawardhanaramaya, a captivating Buddhist temple in Veyangoda, Sri Lanka.
Kadurugas junction
26.3 km
Explore Kadurugas Junction, a historical landmark in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Rathkarauwa Archaeological site
26.5 km
Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka at the Rathkarauwa Archaeological Site, a hidden gem in Kurunegala showcasing ancient ruins and artifacts.
Shilapokkarani Purana Viharaya
26.9 km
Explore Shilapokkarani Purana Viharaya, a serene historical landmark in Sri Lanka, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and tranquil spiritual atmosphere.
Kurunegala Courts Complex
27.0 km
Explore Kurunegala Courts Complex, a captivating blend of history and architecture in the heart of Sri Lanka's vibrant judicial landscape.
Wathhimi Gale Bandara Dewalaya
27.2 km
Discover tranquility and spirituality at Wathhimi Gale Bandara Dewalaya, a captivating Buddhist temple in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
Athugala Buddha Statue - ඇතුගල බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
27.3 km
Experience the serene beauty and spiritual significance of the majestic Athugala Buddha Statue in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
New Elephant Shed (NES)
27.4 km
Experience the magic of elephants at New Elephant Shed in Rambukkana, a sanctuary dedicated to their care and conservation amidst stunning natural beauty.
Athugala Rock
27.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Athugala Rock in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, a perfect destination for hiking and experiencing nature's tranquility.
Dalada maligawa, Kurunegala kingdom
27.5 km
Discover the ancient beauty and cultural significance of Dalada Maligawa, a historical museum in Kurunegala showcasing the region's royal heritage.
Ibbagala Rajamaha Viharaya
27.5 km
Discover tranquility and spiritual heritage at Ibbagala Rajamaha Viharaya, a serene Buddhist temple in the heart of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dambadeniya Sri Wijayasundaraaraama Raja Maha Viharaya ශ්රී විජයසුන්දරාරාම රාජමහා විහාරය
0.6 km
Experience the serenity and rich cultural heritage of Dambadeniya Sri Wijayasundaraaraama Raja Maha Viharaya, a captivating Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
Dambadeniya Ancient Kingdom Museum
0.6 km
Explore the Dambadeniya Ancient Kingdom Museum for a deep dive into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history.
Dambadeniya Raja Maliga Gala
0.9 km
Explore the enchanting Dambadeniya Raja Maliga Gala, a historical landmark showcasing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and ancient architecture.
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery - Polgahawela
11.7 km
Experience peace and spirituality at Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, a stunning sanctuary in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, perfect for meditation and cultural insight.
Siri Gautama Sambuddharaja Maligawa | සිරි ගෞතම සම්බුද්ධරාජ මාළිගාව
11.8 km
Discover the spiritual tranquility and cultural richness of Siri Gautama Sambuddharaja Maligawa, a stunning Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
ගෝනපැනි ඇල්ල Waterfall
11.9 km
Explore the serene beauty of Gonapeni Ella Waterfall, a hidden gem in Kurunegala, offering breathtaking views and tranquil nature experiences.
Wadakada Ella Falls - වදාකඩ ඇල්ල
12.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Wadakada Ella Falls in Kurunegala, a breathtaking natural attraction perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Maha Oya View Point
14.1 km
Discover the stunning vistas and serene atmosphere at Maha Oya View Point, a must-visit scenic spot in Alawwa, Sri Lanka.
Nangalla Jummah Masjid
14.1 km
Explore the serene beauty and cultural significance of Nangalla Jummah Masjid, a stunning mosque in the heart of Nangalla.
Bolana Junction
14.3 km
Experience the vibrant life and local culture at Bolana Junction, a hub of community and charm in Sri Lanka.
Unudiya Ella
15.1 km
Explore the stunning Unudiya Ella Waterfall in Bothale Ihalagama, a serene escape into nature’s beauty in Sri Lanka.
Ambepussa Clock Tower
15.7 km
Explore the Ambepussa Clock Tower, a historical landmark in Sri Lanka that embodies rich heritage and architectural beauty for travelers seeking a unique experience.
Kos Kale Forest
16.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Kos Kale Forest, a serene escape perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka.
Wewala Waterfall
19.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Wewala Waterfall in Kurunegala, a serene escape featuring stunning landscapes and refreshing waters, perfect for nature lovers.
Ranawana bridge
20.9 km
Experience the serene beauty of Ranawana Bridge in Keselwathugoda, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Essential places to dine
Cafe & Rest
13.3 km
Discover the warmth of family dining at Cafe & Rest in Thulhiriya – where delicious food meets friendly service.
Awanhala
15.7 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors at Awanhala in Ambepussa - where every dish tells a story.
Jinadasa Thalaguli (ජිනදාස තලගුලි)
16.3 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Jinadasa Thalaguli in Warakapola – from traditional hoppers to unique sweets.
Acropol Cafe and Restaurant
21.8 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Acropol Cafe and Restaurant in Pasyala—where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Nihal Family Restaurant - Pasyala
22.7 km
Discover delightful Sri Lankan flavors at Nihal Family Restaurant - the perfect family-friendly dining spot on your journey.
Thirst Aid Station
23.4 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Thirst Aid Station.
Garden Cafe Asian Restaurant By Senasuma Hotel
23.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine at Garden Cafe Asian Restaurant in Kurunegala.
The Cafe Restaurant
23.5 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at The Cafe Restaurant along Kandy-Colombo Road – where flavors meet hospitality.
The Grand Ralidiya
23.8 km
Discover authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at The Grand Ralidiya in Galigamuwa - where every meal is a delightful journey.
Pizza Hut - Kegalle
24.1 km
Experience delicious pizzas at Pizza Hut in Kegalle - where taste meets tradition in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Ambasewana City Hotel
24.3 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors at Ambasewana City Hotel in Kegalle - where every dish tells a story.
Singhe Bakers & Restaurant
24.5 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors at Singhe Bakers & Restaurant in Kurunegala – where tradition meets taste.
Salika Inn Hotel
24.5 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Salika Inn Hotel – where every dish tells a story.
Feblow Cafe
24.6 km
Discover Feblow Cafe in Kegalle: A delightful blend of restaurant charm and coffee shop comfort offering delicious local flavors.
Kaneliya Restaurant
24.6 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Kaneliya Restaurant in Kegalle, where every dish tells a story of rich flavors and local tradition.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Medagama stores
17.7 km
Explore Medagama Stores in Kurunegala for a unique shopping experience filled with fresh local produce and cultural treasures.
Niyaraketiya Stores
21.9 km
Discover local flavors and unique products at Niyaraketiya Stores, a charming grocery store in Kegalle, Sri Lanka.
Air Gun Sales Center - Kegalle
23.5 km
Discover the Air Gun Sales Center in Kegalle - a premier destination for shooting enthusiasts and tourists exploring unique hobbies in Sri Lanka.
Opara
24.7 km
Discover the vibrant fashion scene at Opara in Kegalle, offering a unique blend of local and contemporary clothing styles.
Ballapana Stores
24.9 km
Explore the heart of Kegalle at Ballapana Stores, your go-to grocery for local flavors and delightful finds.
Sriyani Dress Point - Kegalle
24.9 km
Discover Sri Lankan fashion at Sriyani Dress Point, Kegalle - offering a blend of traditional and modern clothing for every style.
Thanu Fancy House
24.9 km
Discover unique local gifts and handcrafted treasures at Thanu Fancy House in Kegalle, a must-visit for souvenir shopping.
JEE CODE
24.9 km
Explore the trendy and unique offerings at JEE CODE, Kurunegala's premier women's clothing store, known for quality, style, and friendly service.
NOLIMIT
24.9 km
Explore NOLIMIT in Kegalle for a unique shopping experience with a diverse collection of fashionable clothing and accessories.
Sri Latha Jewellers
24.9 km
Explore exquisite jewelry at Sri Latha Jewellers in Kegalle, where tradition meets elegance in every piece.
Minimo Direct Factory Outlet
25.0 km
Explore fashion at Minimo Direct Factory Outlet in Kegalle, where quality meets affordability in a vibrant shopping experience.
YAKADA KADE
25.0 km
Explore YAKADA KADE in Kegalle for quality hardware and local charm - your go-to destination for DIY supplies in Sri Lanka.
Welinton
25.0 km
Explore Welinton in Kegalle for a unique shopping experience with stylish clothing and accessories for everyone.
asq.lk Online Store
25.1 km
Explore a diverse selection of trendy clothing and accessories at asq.lk Online Store in Kegalle, a true fashion haven for every style.
Mushara Gift
25.1 km
Explore the vibrant selection of gifts, electronics, and home goods at Mushara Gift in Kegalle, where local craftsmanship meets modern needs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rajakadaluwa Restaurant (Pub) රාජකදළුව රෙස්ටුරන්ට්
12.4 km
Discover the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine at Rajakadaluwa Restaurant, where authentic flavors meet warm hospitality.
Pahalagama Wine Stores
12.6 km
Experience the warmth and local flavors at Pahalagama Wine Stores, a charming bar in Alawwa perfect for unwinding with fine wines and spirits.
Giriulla Restaurant and wine store
12.9 km
Discover the rich flavors of Sri Lanka at Giriulla Restaurant and Wine Store, where local cuisine meets a cozy pub atmosphere.
Sisila PUB & Locavore
15.5 km
Experience the best of Sri Lankan flavors at Sisila PUB & Locavore, your go-to bar in Ambepussa for authentic local cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Ajith Putha Wine Stores
16.7 km
Experience the cozy charm and exquisite wine selection at Ajith Putha Wine Stores, a must-visit for wine lovers in the heart of the region.
Roshana
17.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Roshana, a lively bar in Tholangamuwa, perfect for enjoying cocktails and local brews in a friendly atmosphere.
Rathnayake Wine Stores
18.5 km
Experience the charm of Rathnayake Wine Stores, a delightful bar in Danowita, offering a fine selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere.
ඉසුරු (Isuru) Restaurant and Bar
19.3 km
Discover the best of Sri Lankan cuisine at Isuru Restaurant and Bar in Kurunegala, where tradition meets flavor in a vibrant ambiance.
Amila restaurant and Bar
19.9 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka at Amila Restaurant and Bar, where every visit is a culinary adventure in Nelundeniya.
New Wine Stores
20.3 km
Explore the intimate charm of New Wine Stores in Pasyala, where wine lovers gather to savor exquisite selections in a cozy atmosphere.
The Pub
20.7 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors in a cozy atmosphere at The Pub, a must-visit restaurant on the Negombo-Kurunegala Road.
Dewalegama Wine Store
21.0 km
Experience the best of local and international wines at Dewalegama Wine Store in Devalegama, a cozy bar perfect for relaxation.
බණ්ඩාරගෙ වතුර කඩය
21.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing drinks at Bandarage Water Kade in Kurunegala, a local favorite for relaxation and socializing.
Chandrika Restaurant & Pub
21.5 km
Discover the flavors of Sri Lanka at Chandrika Restaurant & Pub, a cozy spot in Divulapitiya known for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.
Kanumale Beer Shop
21.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing brews at Kanumale Beer Shop, your ultimate beer garden experience in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.