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Ancient Cave Sanctuaries
In the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle lies Dambulla, home to the most impressive cave temple complex in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage site presents a remarkable collection of Buddha statues and paintings preserved in five cave sanctuaries carved into a massive granite outcrop.
What Makes Dambulla Special
The Golden Temple of Dambulla represents over 2,000 years of continuous worship, with cave temples containing 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four Hindu deities. Most impressive are the cave ceilings, covered entirely with paintings narrating Buddha's life and Jataka tales, creating one of the largest and best-preserved collections of ancient religious art in Southeast Asia. The caves' natural formation has created perfect preservation conditions for these ancient masterpieces, with clever ancient engineering preventing moisture damage through ingenious drip-ledge systems.
Must-Visit Attractions
Cave I (Devaraja Viharaya)
Features a 14-meter reclining Buddha carved from solid rock
Cave II (Maharaja Viharaya)
The largest and most spectacular cave with 16 standing and 40 seated Buddha statues
Cave III (Maha Alut Viharaya)
Added during the Kandyan period with distinctive artistic styles
Cave IV (Pachima Viharaya)
Contains numerous Buddha statues and a dagoba
Dambulla Museum
Provides historical context for understanding the cave temples’ significance
Largest Cave Temple
Dambulla’s UNESCO-listed temple, with impressive ancient art.
Hot Air Balloons
A unique way to view Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes from above.
Local Experiences
Experience a traditional almsgiving ceremony at the Golden Temple, explore the massive wholesale vegetable market where farmers from throughout the region bring their produce, or climb to lesser-known meditation caves used by forest monks for centuries.
Travel Tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
- The climb to the caves involves a moderate ascent of about 20 minutes
- Modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered)
- Remove shoes before entering each cave temple
- Photography without flash is permitted in most areas
Did You Know?
The Dambulla cave temples date back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba took refuge here during a South Indian invasion. After reclaiming his throne, he transformed these caves into magnificent temples as a gesture of gratitude. The cave complex continued to be expanded and embellished by subsequent kings over nearly two millennia.
Plan Your Visit
Go Ahead Lanka’s Dambulla experience includes expert guides who explain the rich symbolism and historical significance of these remarkable cave temples. Our tours time your visit to coincide with the best lighting conditions for appreciating the ancient artworks, with options to include nearby archaeological sites for a comprehensive Cultural Triangle experience.
Experience the magic of our island, your way!