Founded in the 4th century BC and in use as the island’s capital for over a millennium. The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree planted in 288 BC, is considered the most sacred tree on earth. The Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba stands 55 metres tall. By bicycle with a specialist archaeology guide, it becomes a story rather than a list of monuments.
Dambulla
Five rock-hewn cave shrines, 150 gilded Buddhas and two thousand years of continuous devotion
Dambulla’s five cave shrines were first used in the 1st century BC and have been in continuous use and renovation ever since. The ceiling murals cover every surface in imagery spanning two thousand years of Buddhist devotion. Cave 2 has the finest paintings, and the light inside is diffused and gentle in the afternoon.
