Introduction
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous religious places. Built inside a large granite rock, the temple has five ancient caves filled with beautiful Buddha statues, colorful wall paintings, and old religious items that are over 2,000 years old.
Sitting 160 meters above the land around it, the temple gives peaceful spiritual vibes and amazing views of central Sri Lanka. If you’re traveling through the Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is a must-see—rich in history, full of meaning, and truly beautiful.
Where is Dambulla Cave Temple?
- Province: Central Province
- District: Matale District
- Distance from Colombo: ~150 km (~4 hours by car)
- Nearby towns: Sigiriya (17 km), Habarana (20 km), Polonnaruwa (60 km)
Why Visit Dambulla Cave Temple?
- Largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka
- Over 150 Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings
- Stunning hilltop location with panoramic views
- Active religious site with daily rituals and pilgrimages
- A key landmark in the Cultural Triangle (along with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya)
Brief History
- Originally inhabited by prehistoric people around 1st century BCE
- The site became a temple under King Valagamba, who took refuge in the caves during a South Indian invasion
- After regaining his throne, he turned the caves into a temple in gratitude
- Successive kings added statues and paintings over the centuries
- Continues to be a place of Buddhist worship and meditation
Layout of the Temple Complex
There are five main caves, each with its own character and treasures:
1. Cave I – Devaraja Lena (Cave of the Divine King)
- Features a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha carved from the rock
- Accompanied by statues of Vishnu and Ananda Thera (Buddha’s disciple)
- Simple, quiet, and sacred—ideal for beginning the visit
2. Cave II – Maharaja Lena (Cave of the Great Kings)
- The largest and most spectacular cave
- Houses 56 Buddha statues, two statues of kings (Valagamba and Nissankamalla)
- Murals cover the entire ceiling and walls—over 1,500 paintings
- Central seated Buddha under a carved makara torana (arch)
- A spiritual and visual masterpiece
3. Cave III – Maha Alut Viharaya (Great New Monastery)
- Built during the Kandyan period (18th century)
- Home to a large seated Buddha and 50+ statues in standing and seated postures
- Colorful frescoes represent Buddhist teachings and royal patronage
- Bright and well-preserved
4. Cave IV – Pachima Viharaya (Western Temple)
- Contains 10 Buddha statues, including a reclining figure
- Features a small stupa and simple wall paintings
- Quiet and less crowded—perfect for meditation
5. Cave V – Devana Alut Viharaya (Second New Monastery)
- The most recent addition
- Reclining Buddha statue made of brick and plaster
- Contains images of gods and murals in different styles
- Slightly less ornate but peaceful
The Golden Temple (Modern Addition)
- Located at the base of the rock
- Features a massive golden Buddha statue (30 meters tall)
- Houses a modern museum of Buddhism
- Great photo spot, especially at sunset
- Entrance to the cave temples is up the hill from this point
Entrance Fees and Visitor Info
- Foreigners: ~$10 USD
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
- Tickets: Purchase at the bottom of the hill, before climbing
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered; remove shoes at temple entrance
- Shoes storage: Available for a small fee
How to Get to Dambulla
- By Car/Taxi: From Colombo (~4 hours) or Kandy (~2 hours)
- By Bus: Regular buses from Kandy, Sigiriya, and Anuradhapura
- By Tuk-Tuk: Ideal for local exploration (Sigiriya to Dambulla in 20 minutes)
What to Bring
- Water bottle (especially in dry season)
- Hat and sunglasses (steep, sunny climb)
- Camera (no flash photography in caves)
- Sarong or shawl (for covering shoulders)
Nearby Attractions
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Just 20 minutes away; combines with Dambulla for a perfect day trip
- Pidurangala Rock – Alternative hike with panoramic views
- Dambulla Market – One of Sri Lanka’s largest wholesale vegetable markets
- Ironwood Forest (Na Uyana Aranya) – A peaceful monastic forest for meditation
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs – Prehistoric burial site 3 km from Dambulla
Where to Stay in Dambulla
Luxury
- Jetwing Lake – Lakeside serenity with views of the countryside
- Heritance Kandalama (nearby) – Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, one of Asia’s most famous eco-luxury hotels
Mid-Range
- Sundaras Resort & Spa – Close to the temple, pool, friendly atmosphere
- Pelwehera Village Resort – Comfortable and well-located
Budget
- Rangiri Dambulla Resort – Cabana-style rooms and basic amenities
- Saman’s Guest House – Great local hospitality, meals, and location
Where to Eat
- Cafe Kachchan – Clean, friendly spot for Western and Sri Lankan food
- Bentota Bake House – Bakery and rice & curry place loved by locals
- Athula Restaurant – Simple, vegetarian-friendly meals
- Dewi’s Café – Budget traveler favorite, located near temple entrance
Spiritual Significance of Dambulla
- Dambulla is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a living temple, with monks in residence
- Many Sri Lankans visit it for pilgrimage, prayer, and merit-making
- The murals and statues reflect the evolution of Sri Lankan Buddhist art, spanning multiple dynasties and styles
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early or late to avoid midday crowds and heat
- Respect silence inside the caves—this is a religious site
- Avoid touching murals or statues
- Bring socks if the ground is hot when you remove your shoes
- If climbing with elders, allow for rest breaks—it’s steep but paved
Sample Itinerary – Dambulla & Surroundings
Day 1
- Morning: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Midday: Lunch at Café Kachchan or local restaurant
- Afternoon: Explore Dambulla Market or nearby Ironwood Forest
- Evening: Sunset at Pidurangala Rock or relax at hotel
Day 2
- Day trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Optional safari at Minneriya National Park (if in season)
- Return for dinner and overnight stay
Fun Facts
- The murals in Cave II cover over 2,000 square meters
- Some statues date back to the 1st century BCE
- Monkeys often roam around the stairways—keep your food hidden
- One cave contains a natural spring, believed to have healing powers
- Dambulla has been continuously used as a temple for over 2,200 years
Conclusion
The Dambulla Cave Temple is a beautiful mix of history, religion, and art, hidden in the central hills of Sri Lanka. Its peaceful feeling, amazing design, and strong Buddhist spirit make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the island’s spiritual side.
Visiting Dambulla is more than just looking around—it’s a deep and moving experience. Whether you’re standing in front of the giant reclining Buddha or looking at the old wall paintings, you’ll feel a strong connection to something ancient, meaningful, and deeply human.