Dambulla Cave Temple

We set off early to reach Dambulla Cave Temple before the majority of the other tourists descended. Another World Heritage Site, the Cave Temple was reached by a surprisingly large number of steps which eventually opened out to reveal several small temple caves and several larger ones, all housing ornate carvings into the rock, Buddhas of all sizes and many having been restored to show their original vibrant colours. Many people came to pray in the temples and to lay flowers at the feet of Buddha.
Having made the descent, we were glad of our air conditioned minibus, as we set of for a local herb and spice garden. Here a chap who is training as doctor in Ayurvedic traditional medicine, gave a very informative tour and talk around the gardens with demonstrations on the various lotions they made from the natural ingredients. The tour ended with a brief facial massage and then a leg massage (you can imagine how Andrew enjoyed both of those 😂) before we were able to buy some of the products if we wanted too. I really like the idea of natural products and they certainly had something for pretty much any ailment you’d care to mention, so you can also imagine how thrilled Andrew was as I entered the shop! Still, it’s an opportunity not to be repeated so I bought a few lotions and potions and will just have to hope I can get them back in through customs at Heathrow....
Arriving early at our hill top hotel near Kandy, we have been able to have a swim in the pool and try the local Sri Lankan ginger beer, which is delicious. Tomorrow we’ve got a leisurely start before we go into explore Kandy itself.Read more