Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – UNESCO Heritage
Dambulla Rock cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 72 kilometres north of Kandy. This is the largest and best-preserved Dambulla Cave Temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains and there are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues Rock Temple tours, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses.
The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla Cave Temple complexes.
A Sacred Legacy Carved in Stone
The temple’s origins trace back to King Valagamba (1st century BCE), who sought refuge here during an invasion and later transformed the caves into a grand Buddhist monastery. Over centuries, successive kings expanded and embellished the complex, leaving behind a treasury of religious art and architecture.
The Dambulla Cave Temple : A Journey Through Buddhist Art
The main complex consists of five awe-inspiring caves, each adorned with intricate murals and statues:
- Devaraja Viharaya (Cave of the Divine King) – Houses a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha and vibrant frescoes depicting Buddhist legends.
- Maharaja Viharaya (Cave of the Great Kings) – The largest and most magnificent cave, featuring 56 Buddha statues, including a majestic seated Buddha under a Makara Torana (dragon arch).
- Maha Alut Viharaya (Great New Monastery) – Added in the 18th century, this cave includes a reclining Buddha and vivid Kandyan-era murals.
- Pachima Viharaya (Western Cave) – A smaller, serene cave with a stupa said to contain jewels.
- Devana Alut Viharaya (Second New Monastery) – Contains Hindu deity statues, including Vishnu and Ganesha, reflecting Sri Lanka’s religious harmony.
Artistic & Spiritual Treasures
- 153 Buddha Statues – Ranging from meditative to reclining postures, carved from rock and adorned with gold leaf.
- 2,100 sqm of Exquisite Murals – Depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, including his victory over Mara (the demon of temptation) and his first sermon.
- Ancient Inscriptions & Royal Statues – Including figures of King Valagamba and King Nissanka Malla.
A Site of Prehistoric Significance
Long before Buddhism arrived, these caves sheltered prehistoric communities. Nearby Ibbankatuwa burial sites (dating back 2,700 years) reveal ancient human skeletons, proving Dambulla’s importance as a Neolithic habitation site.
Why Visit Dambulla?
✔ UNESCO World Heritage Site – One of Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural landmarks.
✔ Breathtaking views – Overlooks the Sigiriya rock fortress and surrounding plains.
✔ Spiritual pilgrimage – An active place of worship where monks still meditate.
✔ Architectural wonder – A fusion of rock-cut artistry and ancient engineering.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.
- Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered (sarongs available for rent).
- Combine With: Nearby Sigiriya (30 min away) for a full-day cultural tour.
For travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the Dambulla Cave Temple is an unmissable masterpiece of devotion, history, and artistry—where every mural tells a story, and every statue whispers ancient wisdom. 🏛️🕉️✨
