Dambulla - Buses and Buddhist temples

Early start with Sri Lankan breakfast. Hoppers - it's basically a pancake made with coconut, formed into a bowlshape. I had savory egg hopper and a sweet hopper eaten with fresh fruit. Delish!

Sri Lankan hopper

I headed to the bus station to catch the bus to Dambulla, which is where I will be basing myself for the next few days as I navigate the 'Sri Lankan cultural triangle'.

I was put onto a bus from Negombo to Kurunagala which cost me 200R/£1 for a 2.5hr journey. It was really comfortable but considering it is less than 50km away kind of long.

At the bus station

When I got to Kurunagala I had to change to another bus to get to Dambulla. This bus in comparison to the first was really NOT comfortable. There was no a/c. No room for my bags. This was a local bus. Even little me when I sat down my knees hit the back of the seat in front of me. Tourists aren't stupid enough to take a bus like this (except me) We were crammed in like sardines. I had to have my big rucksac straddle across mine and the chap next to me legs for the 2hr + journey. I felt so bad about my bag on him. The journey only cost 100R/£0.50. In total a 5 hour journey cost me £1.50. But considering it's only a 100km journey overall, not exactly the quickest. Can't really complain, even if I now have suspected DVT.

I am staying at Blue Sky Guesthouse which is costing me 900R/£4.50 a night. It's basic, probably a malaria breeding ground but I have a fan and net so can't really ask for more at that price.

Blue Sky Guesthouse

Basic but clean for £4.50

Dambulla itself is not very exciting. The reason why people come here is because of its location and Dambulla cave temples. The temples are set halfway up an enormous granite outcrop more than 160m above the surrounding countryside.

There are 5 temples carved into the granite and hold loads of Buddha statues. There are reclining Buddha's, sitting Buddha's. Oh my Buddah!

There are loads of monkeys around. I swear they are posing for the cameras! Unfazed!.