Matale: Rock Fortress, Cave Shrines and Mountain Nature

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in the Matale District. The climb to the summit takes 1.5 to 2 hours and includes about 1,200 steps and steep stairways. Water, rock and terraced gardens lie in the western part of the site. Allow the stated amount of time for the climb; conditions may vary.

Buddhist Sites and Paintings in Dambulla

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site with five cave shrines. The interior spaces of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple also continue to be used by pilgrims for Buddhist ritual practices. Buddhist murals cover an area of 2,100 m² there, and there are also 157 statues. The religious use and artistic features give the site distinct cultural dimensions.

The Museum of Wall Painting is located on the grounds of Rangiri Dambulla Raja Maha Vihara. It is dedicated to viewing and studying murals uncovered by the Dambulla Project. Exhibits include Sri Lankan paintings, among them the Sigiriya frescoes and murals from temples spanning the period from the Anuradhapura era to modern times. The museum thus complements the temple paintings with its own focus on art and its appreciation.

The Knuckles Mountain Range and Popham’s Arboretum

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in the Matale and Kandy districts and includes a 18,512-hectare World Heritage nature reserve. At least 200 bird species live there, including 15 species endemic to Sri Lanka. These figures give an impression of the reserve’s biodiversity; here, nature takes centre stage alongside Matale’s cultural attractions.

Popular hiking trails in the Knuckles Mountain Range include Mini World’s End, Dothalugala, the Nitro Caves, Augallena Cave and Kalupahana. Hiking conditions can vary seasonally, so check them locally before setting out. Lakegala Mountain is also in the Knuckles Mountain Range. This is distinct from the description of Narangamuwa Lakegala Mountain as a popular hiking area in Matale.

Popham’s Arboretum in Dambulla is Sri Lanka’s only dry-zone arboretum and a monsoon dry forest. Its natural setting is home to trees, birds, butterflies, dragonflies and mammals. Wooden bridges cross small streams there. The site thus combines a distinctive forest landscape with a diversity of plant and animal life.

Sera Ella and Spice Experiences

Sera Ella is a two-part waterfall, with each section measuring 10 metres in height. The waterfall is accessible by any vehicle as far as Illukkumbura. From the end of the access road, a path descends about 200 metres to the viewing platform. Road and access conditions can change, so check them locally before travelling.

There is a cave behind the waterfall, reached via a step cut into the rock, even when the waterfall is in full flow. Check access and safety conditions locally before approaching the cave.

The 27 Old Village Spice & Herble Garden in Matale offers a visit to a spice garden. There, you can experience spices such as cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace at their source and learn about traditional spice production. The garden therefore offers a distinctive experience alongside the region’s temples, hiking and nature attractions.

Discover more destinations: Ankumbura, Kandy, Kegalle, Ratnapura.

Back to the main travel overview: Sabaragamuwa Province.