Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Sirigiya and the Golden Temple

August 17, 2013

- Neil Young

The main attraction near Dambulla, and perhaps the most famous in all of Sri Lanka, is Sirigiya, a giant rock outcrop that was the site of either an ancient fortress or religious community. The reddish rock juts out from the flat land and forests to offer commanding views of everything around. Brightly colored cave paintings are accessed by going up a steep spiral staircase that makes you appreciate how they must have been painted before the staircase existed. Partway up the rock there is a small plateau with the ruins of a lion’s paws that were made in the 5th century. The paws are all that is left of the entire lion that served as the entrance to the path up to the top of the rock. In the past steps were carved into the stone rock but now there is a metal staircase bolted into the rock, making the trip to the top considerably less hazardous. At the top there is little left but some foundations and an old pool, however the panoramic views are some consolation as the wind sweeps strongly off the plains across the top of the rock.

The other attraction in Dambulla is the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple has one of the largest Buddhas in the world, finished, of course, in a gold color. But the impressive sights here are the brilliant cave paintings located on the mountain high above the temple. The several rooms feature an array of Buddhas and brightly colored paintings all across the walls and ceilings of the caves that make it seem like you are surrounded by rainbows of color. With flowers strewn across tables and dimly lit interiors the ambience is stunning.