A Slow Walk Through Royal History: My First-Person Guide To Peradeniya Botanical Garden

BY  Sibashree Jun 24, 2026

The first time I reached Batticaloa, a quaint town in eastern Sri Lanka, I did not expect to experience the slow but steady flame of human protest.  It was 9 AM in the morning, and I noticed a small group of people gathering near the Kallady Bridge. They held up placards written on old sarees, torn clothes, and newspapers.  In a single line, they walked for around 2 kilometers peacefully and ended their walk at the Gandhi Park.  Known as the Batticaloa Justice Walk, it has continued since 12th May 2022, the day after the GotaGoGama (GGG) protest site was attacked by mobs, followed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation.  This protest walk has been a movement demanding a fundamental change, and the participants demand accountability for the people who disappeared during the period of conflict.  While this protest walk won me over, as I come from the land of Satyagraha and a long history of protests for political, social, and humanitarian reasons, I felt more eager to know the town and explore the top attractions.  What Is The Location Of Batticaloa Town? Batticaloa Town, the administrative capital of the Batticaloa district, is in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.  This coastal town on a flat island is surrounded by a large lagoon and the Indian Ocean.  Pasikudah, a popular beach destination in Sri Lanka, is just 35 km northwest of Batticaloa Town. Also, Trincomalee is the nearest major city to Batticaloa, and it is located 111 km south of Batticaloa.  How To Reach Batticaloa?  Batticaloa Town is easy to reach as it is well-connected to Colombo by road, train, and air.  By Train  It has the Batticaloa Railway Station, which receives direct express trains such as Meenagaya from the Colombo Fort Railway Station.  The 6075 Batticaloa Special is the fastest train between these two stations. It left Colombo Fort at 3:15 PM and reached Batticaloa at 9:52 PM. Also, the third-class ticket price was LKR 1400.  By Bus Regular bus services are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo to Batticaloa. Based on the traffic, the journey will take 6 to 7 hours. The ticket price is around LKR 1500. From this bus stop, you will also get buses to the cultural capital, Kandy, and the Tamil hub in Sri Lanka, Jaffna.  Furthermore, the Batticaloa International Airport (BTC) in SLAF Batticaloa is the main hub for regional air and chartered flight connectivity.  The travel time by air is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket price will be around LKR 20000.  Transport Within Batticaloa You will get tuk-tuks for local transportation in this coastal town, and based on the distance covered, the charges will be between LKR 150 and LKR 400.  Also, if you want, you can rent a tuk-tuk for the entire day at a negotiated price.  What Is Batticaloa Famous For?  History, colonial heritage, and spirituality merge in the small town of Batticaloa.  So, next time you are in Sri Lanka, you must plan a visit to Batticaloa. Also, these are the top attractions in Batticaloa.  Top Historical And Cultural Attractions In Batticaloa  Batticaloa is a coastal town rich in colonial history and unique cultural landscapes.  These landmark attractions showcase the area's diverse heritage, ranging from ancient fortifications to cultural museums. 1. Batticaloa Gate This historic monument marks the official landing site where early British colonial officials first arrived in the region.  It features a grand statue of Mahatma Gandhi and serves as a peaceful, picturesque viewpoint overlooking the tranquil lagoon. 2. Batticaloa Fort Originally built by the Portuguese in 1628, this structure was later captured and expanded by the Dutch and British forces.  The well-preserved fort is surrounded by a scenic moat and currently houses local government administrative offices. 3. Batticaloa Lighthouse Standing 28 meters tall, this iconic red-and-white beacon was constructed by the British in 1913 to guide ships safely into the harbor.  Visitors flock to this coastal spot to enjoy panoramic views where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. 4. Kattankudy Heritage Museum This specialized cultural museum documents the rich, centuries-old history and unique traditions of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.  It displays fascinating life-sized exhibits, traditional crafts, ancient weapons, and historical trade artifacts. The museum remains open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday to Thursday, and it remains open till 7 PM on weekends. The ticket price is LKR 100 for local adult visitors, LKR 50 for local children, and LKR 500 for foreign visitors.  Top Religious And Spiritual Places In Batticaloa Batticaloa, despite being a small coastal town, has the inclusive religious nature of Sri Lanka.  1. St Mary's Cathedral St Mary's Cathedral is a 200-year-old Catholic church in Batticaloa, and despite being located in the middle of the town, it is a very quiet place.  It has a vibrant blue color, and its architecture exudes a quintessential colonial style you will find in Sri Lanka.  2. Hindu Temples  Like Jaffna Hindu temples, the temples in Batticaloa are also an extension of the local Tamil culture and religious beliefs.  Here are the temples that you cannot miss in Batticaloa. Temple NameMain DeityLocationSignificanceMajor Festival TimeSri Mamangeswarar Temple (Mamangapillayar)Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha3 Km from the Town CenterAssociated with the Ramayana (Prince Rama worshiped here)10 Days of Festivity in July/AugustKokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar TempleLord Shiva15 km southwest of Batticaloa TownIt has a Swayambhu or self-manifested Shiva lingam. SeptemberSri Pathirakali Amman TempleGoddess KaliPeriya UraniKnown for its vibrant ceremonies and festivalsMahotsavam, a 15-Day Festival in March, and NavratriAnaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar ThevalayamLord GaneshaHeart of Batticaloa town (Pulliyanthivu)Popular community templeDailySri Sithira Velayutha Swamy KoyilLord MuruganPulliyantivuPopular community templeDaily Natural Attractions In Batticaloa A serene coastal town, Batticaloa, has beautiful beaches and a beautiful lagoon.  1. Kallady Beach Kallady Beach is less trodden, and it still bears the signs of the devastation by the 2004 tsunami.  Due to fewer crowds, the beach with golden sands is an ideal place to relax. Also, it looks surreal during dusk.  2. Kalkudah And Passikudah Around 35 km north of Batticaloa, you will find the Kalkudah cliff. The twin bay shorelines of Kalkudah and Passikudah are located on either side of the cliff.  An ocean reef protects the twin bays from harsh monsoon winds. So, these are ideal spots for bathing, windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing.  3. Batticaloa Lagoon A boat ride in Batticaloa Lagoon is a must, and during the boat ride, you can explore Buffalo Island, Bone Island, and Puliayantheevu Island. Also, I loved my time in the fishermen's boats.  Architectural Wonders In Batticaloa  The architectural attractions in Batticaloa show deep colonial and indigenous influence.  1. Kallady Bridge  The Kallady Bridge, crossing the Batticaloa Lagoon, connects Kallady with Batticaloa town.  Also known as the Lady Manning Bridge, it is more famous for a local myth.  Deep under the Batticaloa Lagoon, aquatic life produces rhythmic, humming, or musical vibrations that can sometimes be heard echoing into the night.  The best time to listen to the vibration is between April and September, especially on full moon nights.  Also, the trick is to take a boat ride and reach under the Kallady Bridge. Then, you need to plunge the oar vertically into the lagoon water and keep the dry end of the oar close to your ears to listen to the vibrations.  2. Unnichchai Tank I rented a bicycle for LKR 800 in Batticaloa. I came across the Unnichchai Tank as I proceeded toward the lagoon from Batticaloa.  The entire route is scenic, with low forest extending over the serene lagoon.  Furthermore, the Unnichchai Tank is an important landmark as it supplies water for the entire area.  Also, its modern concrete architecture emulates the ancient stone structure of the tank. The modern version of the tank was built in 1919, and it supplies irrigation water for 6,200 hectares of farmland.  What Are The Things To Do In Batticaloa? Batticaloa is a small town. However, the things to do in Batticaloa are diverse, from temple and museum visits to boat and bicycle rides.  So, here I am presenting a 4-day itinerary in Batticaloa for you. Day 1: Colonial History And Sunset Views Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningBatticaloa Fort1628 Portuguese fortifications and scenic moat wallsExplore colonial buildings and walk the historic ramparts.Mid-DayBatticaloa Gate and Town CenterIconic British landing monument and Mahatma Gandhi statueVisit the monument and stop for a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch.Late AfternoonBatticaloa Lighthouse1913 British beacon where the lagoon meets the seaEnjoy panoramic coastal views and take photographs of the landmark.Evening Kallady BeachGolden sands and the historic Kallady BridgeRelax by the ocean and learn about the legendary "singing fish" folklore. Day 2: Cultural Heritage And Sacred Temples Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningSri Mamangeswarar TempleAncient site linked to the RamayanaPerform morning prayers and soak in the spiritual vibeLate MorningKattankudy Heritage MuseumTravel south from the town centerExplore exhibits, traditional crafts, and Muslim community history.AfternoonTown ExplorationPulliyantivu district templesVisit Anaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar and Sri Sithira Velayutha Swamy Koyil.EveningLagoon Boat RideLagoon Park AreaHire a local boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on calm waters. And, Day 3: Spiritual Journey And Southern Coast  Take a scenic drive across the lagoon and move southwest to visit the Kokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar Temple.  It is one of the oldest and most revered Shaivaite temples in Sri Lanka, and it has a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam.  In the afternoon, visit the Sri Pathirakali Amman Temple in Periya Urani.  Then, head to the Pasikudah Beach in the late afternoon. It has crystal-clear turquoise waters and calm waves.  Day 4: Nature And Hidden Gems Visit the Unnichchai Tank in the morning. The ambiance surrounding this massive irrigation reservoir is peaceful, and it is an ideal destination for birdwatching.  Do some souvenir shopping in the afternoon. Explore the local markets to buy traditional handloom textiles, palmyra palm handicrafts, and local snacks like Aluwa. Where To Stay In Batticaloa? The Batticaloa Municipal Council has many listed accommodations if you want to stay in this coastal town.  The most affordable option among them is the Vishna Guest in Batticaloa Town. The tariff per night will be around 3500 LKR, and you can contact them at +94 71 658 8779.  Also, Sunrise Villa Batticaloa in Kattankudy is another delightful option, despite being a little expensive. The tariff will be around LKR 11000 per night, and the contact number is +94 76 890 1234.  Important Phone Numbers You Must Keep Handy  When you are in Batticaloa, you must keep the following phone numbers handy. Contact the Batticaloa Police Station at +94 65 2224422. Also, you can reach out to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital at +94 65 222 2261.  Falling In Love With The Resilient Spirit Of Batticaloa Batticaloa is more than a coastal town with sun-drenched beaches, colonial remnants, and architectural landmarks. It is a town where history is actively lived. Furthermore, the quiet dignity of people here complements the serene beauty of the landscape.  Also, on one hand, you can listen to the haunting, melodic mysteries echoing beneath the Kallady Bridge here.  On the other hand, the unyielding footsteps of the Batticaloa Justice Walk at Gandhi Park, this coastal enclave, leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits. Overall, it reminded me that travel is not just about visiting places. It is about connecting with the enduring human spirit that defines them.

BY  Sibashree Mar 30, 2026

Jimbocho Book Town is a massive book district or book town with more than 400 bookstores.  It is one of the oldest and biggest in the world and is often mentioned in comparison to the Kaifeng and China book towns.  Also, it is a great place for dark academia fans, students, and readers. They will find most of the second-hand books in Japan here.  Furthermore, it’s not just about the love for books and the “intellectual” aspect of it.  Time Out has named it the best neighborhood in the world in 2025.  But do you know about the best bookstores and cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town? Here is a detailed list.  However, let’s talk about the history, accessibility, and the best things to do in this book town.  Jimbocho Book Town: A Neighborhood That Survived World War II The Kanda-Jinbōchō area began attracting many law schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which is how the book town emerged.  Many bookshops opened then, and students of the law schools often sold their old books to these shops at a cheaper rate. Thus, this concept of second-hand books came.  New students used to buy these books because they were cheaper.  Furthermore, it is nothing short of a miracle that this book town survived the bombing and destruction during World War II.  Jimbocho started flourishing as a book town once World War II was over. Today, it is the most fascinating place for bibliophiles.  Furthermore, Shūeisha (Jump Manga Magazines), Iwanami, and many other leading publishing houses have their headquarters in the Jimbocho Book Town.  Moreover, the curry restaurants and cafes here have been hosting the most famous authors for the longest time.  I must mention Ladrio in this context. It was built in 1949 as the reading room of a bookshop. It was also the first place that brought Viennese coffee to Japan.  Now, it was more than an elevation in the texture and flavor. The whipped cream helped to keep the coffee warm for longer as the intellectuals here took part in debates and hot discussions.  How To Reach The Jimbocho Book Town?  The central location of Jimbocho in Tokyo makes it easy to visit. You can take a ride on the Subway network to make this commute.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town By Subway  The nearest subway station is the Jimbocho Station. You will take the subway to the station on the following lines.  Toei Mita Line Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line And the Toei Shinjuku Line Moreover, once you reach the subway station and exit from A5 or A6, you can find the bookstores along Yasukuni-dori.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Shinjuku And Shibuya The journey through the Toei Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station is the easiest way to reach the Jimbocho Book Town. It does not require any transfer.  Furthermore, the travel time is about 15 minutes.  On the other hand, from Shibuya Station, you can take a ride on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to reach Jimbocho Station within 20 minutes. Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Tokyo Station From Tokyo Station, you have to take a Rapid ride on the R Chuo Line and reach Kanda Station.  Then, you have to reach the Toei Mita Line or the Toei Shinjuku Line to complete the journey in 5 minutes. Shopping For Old And Rare Books And Magazines: The Best Thing To Do In Jimbocho Book Town  From antiquarian books and documents to specialized books and first editions! You will find the books at the Hakusan-dori and Yasukuni-dori intersections.  Starting from the Meiji Era(1868-1912) to today, it has been a book town par excellence.  Furthermore, the Aozora Kohon Ichiba, or the annual Kanda Used Book Festival, draws book lovers across the globe to the Jimbocho Book Town.   This festival is held in late October or early November, and it was celebrated from October 24th to November 3rd in 2025.   What Are The Book Stores You Must Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Do you think that the Jimbocho Book Town only has Japanese books? You will get books in various languages in the book stores here.  Here are the bookstores you must visit.  1. Kitazawa Book Store  The Kitazawa Book Store is the best bookstore to find English books and classics in the Jimbocho Book Town.  It started in 1902. So, it has completed more than 125 years of serving as a beacon for Western literature connoisseurs in Jimbocho Book Town.  You will mostly find foreign and humanities-related books here.  2. Magnif Zinebocho Magnif Zinebocho is a paradise for readers and lovers of retro magazines. You will mostly find lifestyle and fashion magazines from the last few decades here.  Though it mostly sells Japanese retro magazines, you will also find magazines that overcome language barriers.  Furthermore, the Mondrian artwork on the bookstore’s facade is really impressive. You will find retro magazines such as Olive and Relax. 3. Books Tokyodo Built in 1890, Books Tokyodo is one of the oldest book stores in the Jimbocho Book Town. Here, you will find books of different genres from bygone eras and modern times.  Furthermore, it is one of the bookstores that has helped to create a community of book lovers, and that is the most cherished thing about it.  4. Komiyana Tokyo The history of Komiyana Tokyo goes back to 1939. It is a dedicated 4-story building with each floor offering distinct attractions to book and art lovers.  You will find here books on history, Japanese art, Western art, and fashion.  Furthermore, it has the widest collection of photo books, and most of them are by the original photographers or painters.  Also, watch out for the weekend “Garage Sale” behind the shop.  You never know when you can find a diamond.  5. Bohemian’s Guild  The Bohemian’s Guild is a great place to find vintage books on visual art and design.  Furthermore, the bookstore has been there since the Taisho era (1912-1926). The first floor of the store has all the books and warm lighting that, along with the brown wooden floor, creates an inviting atmosphere.  Furthermore, on the second floor, the book gallery allows you to explore the lithographs, paintings, and prints.   What Are The Best Cafes To Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Kissaten, or the coffee house culture of Japan, is unique. The best cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town allow you to get familiar with that.  Furthermore, the cafes here celebrate the history and origin of the book town. So, here are my favorites. 1. Sabouru With an origin in 1955,  Sabouru stands out with its unique Showa-era charm and nostalgic vibe.  You must try the cream soda here, and it is available in seven colors. They also make an excellent strawberry juice smoothie.  Moreover, the adjacent Sabouru 2 is a popular place here to have classic “Japanese Napolitan Spaghetti.”  2. Milonga Nuova Built in 1953, Milonga Nuova is a paradise for Tango lovers.  Furthermore, the charcoal-roasted coffee here hits different, and that is often accompanied by the signature desserts.  Moreover, you will find more than 30 varieties of imported beers here.  Along with these cafes, Jimbocho Book Town also has various curry restaurants. From Mandala to Bondy, these restaurants celebrate the tradition started in the Meiji era.  The book lovers found it very convenient to eat curry with one hand while the other hand was busy holding the book or flipping the pages.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka

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.