What Is The Colombo To Kandy Distance? Know How To Travel By Car, Bus, Tuk-Tuk And Train 

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2026

Kurunegala has recently been in the news due to infrastructure development. The cabinet meeting approved the construction of stage 1 of phase 4 of the Central Expressway Project.  It will connect Kurunegala and Dambulla, which is famous for the iconic Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  The Road Development Authority (RDA) has further confirmed that the extension work will start in November 2026.  However, Kurunegala has always been a melting pot for the cultural hub of Kandy, Puttalam, Negombo, and the country’s capital, Colombo.  Also, as the capital of the northwestern province, it holds massive strategic and political importance.  Where Is Kurunegala?  Kurunegala is in the northwestern interior of Sri Lanka.  As the capital of the Kurunegala District and the North-Western Province, it also functions as a major transportation hub.  Furthermore, it is around 94 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Colombo. In addition, the distance between Kandy and Kurunegala is just 42 km.  How To Reach Kurunegala? While traveling from Colombo, Kandy is the gateway to reach Kurunegala. I took a bus from the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand.  Buses run regularly from Kandy to Kurunegala, or route 602, and the journey via Katugastota-Kurunegala Road (A10) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.  I traveled in a regular bus, and the ticket price was LKR 200. Semi-luxury, luxury, and super-luxury bus options are also available on this route, and the ticket prices will be between LKR 350 and LKR 600.  Why Is Kurunegala Famous? Ancient Royal History! Majestic Geology!  An Agricultural Powerhouse!  These are the three main reasons behind Kurunegala’s prominent position in the tourism landscape of Sri Lanka.  The Capital Of Ancient Kingdoms From the late 13th to the early 14th century, Kurunegala was the royal Capital of Sri Lanka.  It was known as Hasthishaila-pura earlier. Under the rule of kings like Buwanekabahu II and Parakramabahu IV, it safeguarded the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Also, it has the Yapahuwa rock fortress. Other historic ruins and citadels include the silver cave temple of Ridi Viharaya and the ancient ruins of Panduwasnuwara.  The City Of Animal Rocks A ring of eight massive ancient granite outcrops encircles Kurunegala. These granite outcrops, suddenly rising from the plains, look surreal.  Furthermore, my guide told me a fascinating folklore about these outcrops.  “Kurunegala once faced a severe drought. Then, a witch turned water-guzzling animals into stone. In fact, some of these rocks are famously named after the animals their silhouettes resemble.” For example, Athugala looks like an elephant, Ibbagala looks like the back of a tortoise, and Andagala resembles an eel.  The Heart Of The Coconut Triangle Kurunegala, like Kalutara, is famous for rubber estates. It also has endless coconut plantations.  In fact, it is located inside the “Coconut Triangle" of Sri Lanka. So, overall, it is a prominent commercial hub for agricultural production.  Moreover, it is the cradle of Selyn, Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade-guaranteed handloom company. So, it is also a critical center for preserving the island's traditional textile heritage. What Are The Places To Visit In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka.  For me, the most fascinating places to visit here are the ancient rocks and the spiritual landmarks.  While these connect you to history, the scenic waterways and modern sanctuaries allow you to unwind and soak in the local vibe.  1. Athugala Rock Temple  Athugala dominates the skyline of Kurunegala.  This outcrop has a height of 325 meters, and it gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to a giant, crouching elephant Atha means elephant and Gala means rock. Furthermore, once I reached the summit, I found a magnificent Buddha statue of 88 feet in height.  You can take a car ride to reach the summit. However, I preferred a trek through the stone steps.  Fortunately, I reached the summit at sunset. So, the experience was magical.  2. Ridi Vihariya Or The Silver Temple  Ridi Viharaya connects us to the 2nd century BCE. This ancient cave temple is around 20 kilometers away from the main town in Rideegama.  King Dutugemunu discovered a rich vein of silver ore here. Then he used the silver ore to finance the construction of the famous Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Furthermore, Ridi Vihariya is hidden by rocky cliffs and forest cover. Also, it is home to a magnificent reclining Buddha statue, Kandyan-era frescoes, and ivory carvings.  3. Yapahuwa Rock Fortress The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is often compared to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Yapahuwa was the capital of Sri Lanka under King Bhuvanekabahu I in the late 13th century.  Furthermore, the temple is constructed against a sheer, 200-meter-high granite rock that juts dramatically out of the surrounding jungle. Moreover, it has a highly ornamental staircase. Stone lions and intricate carvings adorn the path.  What is more fascinating than these steps, which once led to the royal palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic? 4. Panduwasnuwara Ancient City Panduwasnuwara, which served as a temporary capital in the 12th century, is a dramatic ruin site. It has a well-defined citadel surrounded by protective moats and thick ramparts. Furthermore, inside the citadel, there are the foundations of a two-tiered royal palace. The palace is complete with ancient latrines and footings for wooden pillars. However, the Ektem Maligaya, or the perfectly circular tower, was the most fascinating feature of the Panduwasnuwara ancient city.  Local folklore links it to romantic legends of hidden princesses. Also, historians believe it was used by King Parakramabahu for swearing-in allegiance rituals. 5. Kurunegala Lake (Rantalia Tank) Kurunegala Lake is the ultimate place to unwind after a busy day. It is at the foot of the animal rocks.  I loved walking along the well-paved path hugging the banks. You can also do a pedal-boat ride on the lake.  Furthermore, you can just relax sitting in the nearby restaurants and trying authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.  6. Arankele Forest Hermitage Arankele is a meditation retreat. It was originally built for austere Buddhist monks, and with untouched jungle, it still exudes a strong spiritual vibe.  As I walked through the stone-paved paths, I came across the ancient Padhanagharas, or meditation halls, I also saw sun-dappled ponds, cave dwellings, and Jantagharas, or the houses for hot water baths.  The hermitage is covered by a dense canopy, keeping it quiet and cool. Here, you will only listen to distant bird calls and the rustle of leaves. Where To Stay In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers accommodation options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. In Kurunegala, you can choose your accommodation based on the kind of experience you want.  Here, you will find options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. City Hotels And Business Stays If you want to stay close to the city, Kandyan Reach Hotel is an excellent option.  It has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and proximity to major transport lines.  Also, it is a mid-range choice for travelers exploring the downtown rocks. Nature Resorts And Luxury Estates If you love tranquility, you can choose the eco-lodges in the surrounding districts or the heritage properties inside the coconut plantations.  For example, the Coco Forest Resort offers an excellent farm-stay experience.

BY  Sibashree Sep 16, 2024

Everest Base Camp trek sits on the southern side of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak at 5,364 meters. The area is accessible to climbers and trekkers, offering beautiful Himalayan views.  However, before you begin your Everest Base Camp trek, you should enjoy and relish the places, towns, and bazaars. They offer many holiday centers like billiards, and gambling areas to enjoy the time. Also, don't forget the delicious food and antique pieces that can enhance your trekking experience.  Things to See While Camping At Everest Base Camp Trek  Here are a few places and things to see while camping on the Everest Base Camp trek. Lukla  Lukla is one of the most famous destinations for travelers. It stands at 2860 meters in northeastern Nepal. Here, you can see the beautiful sight of the Himalayas. Moreover, it is the place where you start your trekking journey.  Over the years, the town has grown into a commercial hub where tourists can find great food and shops. The city also has a small airport with a 525-meter landing strip. Moreover, it boasts the shortest landing strip and is the airport at the highest peak in the world.  Syangboche And Everest View Hotel  Syangboche is one of the famous places to visit when you visit Everest Base Camp. Everest View Hotel is located in the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. It holds a Guinness World Record as the highest-placed hotel in the world. If you stay here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains from the hotel.  Peaks like Mt. Everest, Tawache, Ama Dablam, and Khumbu Himal are sights to behold. Takashi Miyahara and Yoshinobu Kumagaya envisioned the hotel's construction. Moreover, they had to transport loads of materials to the Himalayas with the help of local Sherpas. The task began in 1960 and began in 1971.  Tengboche Tengboche is a town located near the Imja Khola. It is a typical night halt after Namche. It offers breathtaking Himalayan views. Peaks here include Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Tenzing Norgay was also born in Tengboche. Every October, the Tengboche Monastery holds the Mani Rimdu festival. This Buddhist celebration includes religious gatherings, ritual singing, and dancing. During the celebration, famous people visit, especially the Rinpoche, who blesses pilgrims and travelers.  Namche Bazaar Namche Bazaar is one of Nepal's most vibrant places. From the town, you can see the Everest Region. It is also a vibrant market where you can buy Tibetan antiquities, especially trekking and climbing gear. From every point in the city, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.  Moreover, the town has preserved its historical culture and natural friendliness. It is a trading town known for its yak cheese and butter. You can also find pubs, motels, and hotels where travelers can relax and enjoy themselves. Thus, you can stop in the town for two days before you move on to the trek. Lastly, you can see many Sherpa settlements like Khunde, Khumjung, and Thane when you visit the town.    Dingboche Dingboche is another popular stop from which trekkers continue to Mount Everest Base Camp. You can stay for two nights in the town to see the beautiful Imja River and the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. Many lodges and tents are available, offering the best accommodation for tourists.  Also, a helicopter landing pad lies on the west bank of the Imja River, especially near Moonlight Lodge. Moreover, you can find a satellite cafe and enjoy playing billiards in one of the tallest billiards parlors. Lastly, you can see the kilometers of Mani Walls, which is a great way to create a tourist sight. Additionally, it comes in various sizes and is placed on top of the kilometers of walls.  Gorakshep Gorakshep is the last stop before you begin your trek. It is a village amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, a hub for Sherpa guides, tourism businesses, and porters. Beyond this point, there is no accommodation facility. So, you have to stay in tents amidst the cold weather and winds of the Himalayas. You will find various guesthouses to stay in before you go for a hike. It is the last resting point for trekkers to experience the great wilderness of the Himalayas. Thus, you can visit Gorakshep before you start your trekking to Mt. Everest. So, spend the night in the lodging house and enjoy the great wilderness of the Himalayas.      Begin Your Trek Journey With Delightful Experiences Everest Base Camp is where you can begin your trekking journey. However, if you go trekking, you have to wait and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. The serene nature, along with the great wilderness and bazaar, is full of Tibetan culture. Furthermore, you can gamble and play billiards in the parlor, as it is one of the best places for visitors to have fun.  You can also visit the place mentioned above, where you should bring a hard disk to capture millions of beautiful pictures. You can also enjoy delicious Nepali and Tibetan dishes that will fill your soul. So, pack your bags and start your trekking journey right now.  Also read Top Reasons To Do Everest Trekking – Himalaya View Treks. Explore Human History And Wildlife With Backcountry Camping In Gates Of The Arctic National Park. From Himalayan Peaks to Cultural Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek.

BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2026

The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is gearing up for the much-acclaimed “Walk for Peace” which will start from 21st April, 2026.  Respected Paññakāra Thero and 12 other monks from the Maha Sangha will lead the walk.  Furthermore, this walk, originating in the United States, will spread the teachings of Lord Buddha, “Caratha bhikkhave carikam bahujana hitaya bahujana sukhaya lokanukampaya.” It can be roughly translated as a monk should always wander forth out of their compassion for the world and for the happiness and well-being of many.  After the inauguration of the event at Anuradhapura and special observations at Ruwanweliseya premises, the walk will start from the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, and then it will slowly proceed to Kandy to continue the walk.  Now, it is no wonder that the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple has been chosen as the starting point for the walk.  With a history that goes back to the 3rd century BCE, and home to the Buddhist mural paintings and 157 statues, it remains one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in Sri Lanka.  Here is a detailed guide on my experience at Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, its significance, history, entry fee, and more!  The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple: Quick Facts  “Dambulla is an important shrine in the Buddhist religion in Sri Lanka, remarkable for its association with the long-standing and wide-spread tradition of living Buddhist ritual practices and pilgrimage for more than two millennia.” UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  Here are some quick facts about the most well-preserved and largest cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Number of Sanctuaries 5Buddhist Mural PaintingsAcross an Area of 2,100 m2Number of Statues157HistorySince the 3rd Century BCEThe Current Interior FormsBuilt in the 18th CenturyType of SculpturesPolychromeOwnership The Asgiriya Chapter of Buddhist monksMonument Protection “Protected Monument under the legal protection of the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Sri Lanka, which administers the Antiquities Ordinance of 1940 (rev. 1998) at the national level.”Entry Fee2000 LKRHours Open7 AM to 7 PM (The Ticket Counter Closes at 5 PM)Steps 300Average Climbing Time20 Minutes  Where Is The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? (Along With Some Nearby Attractions) The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is in Dambulla Town. Now, Dambulla itself is the gateway to many places to visit in Sri Lanka.  For example, the Hurulu Eco Park is just a distance of 45 minutes from Dambulla. On the other hand, it is just 52 minutes away from the Kaudulla National Park.  Furthermore, the distance between Dambulla and Kandy is around 73 km. So, many people include a visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple in their itinerary of the things to do in Kandy.  Moreover, Sigiriya is just 17 km away. So, you can plan a combined trip of a visit to the Royal Cave Temple with a hike to the  Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock.  In addition, you will have a similar experience of exploring an ancient Buddhist monastery and its remains at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, at a distance of 35 km.  Also, if you are a cricket buff like me, don’t miss a visit to the Dambulla International Cricket Ground.  How To Reach The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? Even if you are not staying in Dambulla, Habarana, or Sigiriya can be your base.  Habarana is just 22 km away from Dambulla, and Sigiriya is just 17 km away.  From both locations, you can take a private taxi or tuk-tuk ride to reach Dambulla Town, which has the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple in the heartland.  Furthermore, from Habarana, you will get Sri Lanka Transport Board - SLTB ICT buses to Dambulla.  Nevertheless, I took a tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Dambulla, and it cost me around 2500 LKR.  What Is The History Of The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? As I have mentioned, the history of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple goes back to the 3rd Century BCE.  Buddhist monks started living here, and these natural caves started functioning as monasteries.  Furthermore, in 100 BCE, King Vattagamani Abhaya (Valagamba) fled his capital and took refuge here for 15 years.  Then, out of his gratitude, he built this majestic Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  However, most of its constructions, including the sculptures and murals, are from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods.  Also, the current interior we see is the outcome of the renovation in the 18th century. In addition, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Today, it is a part of the prestigious Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, along with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  My Experience Of Visiting The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (Things To See And Top Attractions) Before I get into the details of my experience at the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, I want to give you a clear idea about the five main caves.  The Caves of The Dambulla Royal Cave TempleNamesMain Attractions Cave 1Devaraja LenaIt is the Temple of the King of Gods. The reclining Buddha statue here is mesmerizing.Cave 2 Maharaja LenaThis one is the largest among all caves, and it has 56 statues. Moreover, it is the Temple of the Great Kings, and don’t miss the sacred pot with the dripping water here. Cave 3Maha Alut ViharayaThe Maha Alut Viharaya is a wonderful example of 18th-century art. Furthermore, as the Great New Temple, it is home to 18th-century Kandyan-style paintings and statues.  Cave 4Paschima ViharayaIt is the western temple. Cave 5Devana Alut ViharayaIt is the second new temple in the temple complex.  However, to see these caves, you have to take 300 steps. You will not feel the fatigue anyway, as you will love the views and spotting the groups of macaques jumping through branches.  Also, once you reach the top, you will need to take off your shoes and further walk to the cave.  Here are some of the highlights of my visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  1. Before Entering The Caves  I entered the cave temple complex, and a massive courtyard opened before my eyes. On one side of the courtyard, there was the shrine and the Bodhi Tree.  Furthermore, on the other side, there is the rock and the cave temples.  The Engraving Of Kirti Nissankamalla I found the engraving of the Kirti Nissankamalla before entering the first cave. Dated to the 12th century, it narrates the contributions of King Nissankamalla to Buddhism.  The engraving, however, is in ancient Sinhalese. So, you can ask a local guide or a local person to help you understand the details.  Or, you can read the translation of the engraving next to it.  2. The Caves  I have already introduced the caves to you. However, everywhere you look, you will find Buddhist murals, depicting the important figures and myths of Buddhism.  Furthermore, there are golden statues of Lord Buddha along the walls, and the lifelike paintings of Buddha-like figures evoke awe.  Moreover, with repeating patterns, the ceilings look kaleidoscopic.  However, the first time I experienced magnificence in these caves was when I saw the reclining Buddha statue.  The Reclining Buddha Statue (1st Cave) The reclining Buddha statue inside the first cave of the complex reminded me of the Lord Vishnu idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, India.  In fact, in some traditions of the Hindu religion, Buddha is the ninth of the ten Avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Here, the connection felt real.  The serene expression of Lord Buddha with his head resting on a pillow made me feel peaceful. I offered some fresh lily flowers that I bought on the way up the steps.  Furthermore, the lotus flowers drawn on Lord Buddha’s feet or Buddhapada symbolize spiritual awakening, and these are among the 108 holy marks that represent the holy journey of Buddha on the earth.  The Natural Spring (The Second Cave) It was amazing to find a natural spring in the second cave, and even in the dry season, it has water.  The water of the spring drips through the ceiling, and the drops are collected in a vessel.  Furthermore, it has 56 Buddha statues, and it is the most aesthetic with stunning murals and paintings.  The Series Of Buddha Statues (The Second Cave) Again, inside Cave 2, I found a series of similar Buddha statues in a seated position, and the next one was always a bit bigger than the previous one.  However, instead of the Dhyana mudra or the meditation gesture, the statues here were seated in a Bhumisparsha mudra or as the earth witness. Thus, these statues stare directly into your eyes.  These statues looked more vibrant, and with an earthy tone, they complemented the overall aesthetics of the cave temples.  Also, don’t miss the little lily pond just outside cave 2.  The Stupa Inside The Cave (The Second Cave) The second cave has an entire Stupa built inside it.  Furthermore, the stupa is adorned with an orange robe. Various statues of Lord Buddha in a seated position surround the stupa, and these are accompanied by nagas.  These nagas or snakes play the role of a protector or guardian when Lord Buddha is meditating. Moreover, they symbolize the subjugation of worldly desires and spiritual awakening.  The 3rd cave also has many statues, and the fourth one is smaller with a stupa inside. After exploring the 3rd, 4th, and 5th caves, I finally approached the end of the cave.  You know what stayed with me, that the temples are still alive and they have made people from a different millennium, with humans of today in the same row with the thread of devotion, peace, and love.  Once again, with non-violence and peace having so much power, the current geopolitical situations only look like futility.  3. The Viewpoint  As I got out of the caves, I found a quaint viewpoint behind the entry counter. I saw many young tourists flocking there, and the views from there were simply amazing.  I stopped and took some snaps.  4. The Golden Buddha Statue  I consciously chose a different route while getting down from the caves. I found many aesthetic lampposts along the way.  However, I did not follow the lamp posts and took the left to walk down, and the road was quite steep.  However, the reward I got at the end of the road was absolutely worth it.  There was a magnificent golden Buddha statue on the elaborately designed building of the museum complex.  I could not explore the museum due to a time crunch, and I did not want to dilute what I saw and how I felt at the cave temples. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? In a day, early mornings, from 7 AM to 9 AM, or late afternoons, after 4 PM, are the best hours for visiting the Dambulla Royal Cave.  Furthermore, December to February are the best months for visiting these cave temples due to dry and pleasant weather conditions.