Sri Lanka's 13th-century rock fortress-capital, where a warrior king rebuilt a shattered kingdom around the Tooth Relic and his poet-son forged a golden age of Sinhalese literature

Why visit Dambadeniya

• Third Capital of Sri Lanka: Dambadeniya was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 13th century. It became the capital after the collapse of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
• Fortified Rock Palace Complex: The kingdom was established around the large Dambadeniya Rock, also known as Maliga Gala. Remnants of the royal palace foundations and defensive fortifications are still visible on this impressive monadnock.
• Former Tooth Relic Temple: The Vijayasundararamaya temple, located in the plains, once served as the Temple of the Tooth Relic during this era. This shows its great religious significance.
• Kandyan-Style Temple Murals: The main temple features architecture from the 18th-century restoration. Thus, the excellent murals in the upper shrine room are prime examples of Kandyan period paintings.
• Literary Renaissance: Dambadeniya reached its zenith under King Parakramabahu II. His immaculate works, "Kavisilumina" and "Visuddi Marga Sannasa," were key turning points for Sinhalese literature.