Hotels in Dambulla
Amaya Lake
Amaya Lake is on the banks of Kandalama lake, close to Sigiriya rock fortress and about three hours from Bandaranaike International Airport. It suits anyone (...)
Heritance Kandalama
Heritance Kandalama is a quiet retreat designed by Geoffrey Bawa, surrounded by wilderness and gardens and looking towards Sigiriya rock fortress. Its (...)
Jetwing Lake
Jetwing Lake is in the Cultural Triangle at Dambulla, combining modern design with a strong commitment to sustainability. It uses bifacial solar panels, biogas (...)
The Paradise Resort & Spa
The Paradise Resort and Spa is a hotel in Dambulla, within easy reach of Sigiriya rock and the Dambulla cave temple.
On Kandalama reservoir
Heritance Kandalama, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, is built into a cliff above the Kandalama reservoir and is wrapped in forest, with Sigiriya visible in the distance. It is a destination in itself for anyone interested in architecture. Amaya Lake, nearby on the same water, is a resort of chalets and villas set across about 50 acres, with an eco-friendly approach.
Closer to town
Jetwing Lake is a modern five-star hotel overlooking an old reservoir, with a strong focus on sustainability. The Paradise Resort and Spa has 65 rooms and suites furnished in teak, and is the most convenient for the cave temples.
At a glance
| Hotel | Area | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Heritance Kandalama | Kandalama reservoir | Five-star, Bawa design |
| Amaya Lake | Kandalama reservoir | Luxury, eco resort |
| Jetwing Lake | West of Dambulla | Five-star |
| The Paradise Resort and Spa | Dambulla | Luxury |
Making the most of a stay
Visit the cave temples early or late in the day; the climb to the caves is steep and exposed, and shoulders and knees must be covered. A sunrise hot air balloon flight is also possible in season. The ancient image house at Nalanda Gedige is a quiet stop on the road south towards Kandy.
Read our Dambulla guide, or compare with hotels in Sigiriya.
Quick picks
- Architecture lovers: Heritance Kandalama
- Nature and space: Amaya Lake
- Close to the caves: The Paradise Resort and Spa
- Modern and sustainable: Jetwing Lake
Dambulla or Sigiriya?
They are close enough that it rarely matters for sightseeing. Choose Dambulla for the Kandalama hotels and an easy start towards Kandy; choose Sigiriya if you want to climb the rock at opening time.