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It is believed that due to its association with King Walagamba this place has been named Dambulla, locally better known as Kele Dambulla.
It is also believed that this site has served as a security frontier during ancient times.
The ancient rock cave temple has to be reached by climbing 2 steep flights of steps. The tediousness of the climb is eased by the beautiful surroundings with their canopy of rubber trees. At the time we climbed the leaves were tender young and lime green – and it was a very enchanting atmosphere with the sun streaking whenever possible and dappling the hill side.
The shrine room with an elaborate portico and facade is built into the rock cave on top of a hill and houses an impressive reclining image of the Lord Buddha. The paintings are somewhat incomplete.
A dagoba stands adjoining and to the side of the cave. A short walk past the dagoba and some precariously poised steps lead to a rock with the carving of a “Siri Pathula”.
The site is popular with pilgrims. The site can be reached by traveling about 8 kms on the road from Rambukkana to Kurunegala.
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Map of Kele Dambulla
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Travel Directions to Kele Dambulla
Route from Colombo to Kele Dambulla | Route from Kegalle ( Kandy Road) to Kele Dambulla |
| Though : Ambepussa – Polgahawela distance : 89 km Travel time : 2.5-3.0 hours. Driving directions : see on google map | Though : Rambukkana distance :16 km Travel time : 45 mins – 1 hour Driving directions : see on google map |
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