Dambulla Cave Temple Visit

A half-day guided visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Five painted caves hold over 150 Buddha statues and about 2,100 square metres of murals dating back 2,000 years.

About this experience

The Dambulla Cave Temple Visit is a half-day guided visit (about 2 to 3 hours including the climb) to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. It suits all ages and involves a short, moderate climb. What is the history of Dambulla Cave Temple? According to tradition, King Valagamba took refuge in these caves in the 1st century BC and later turned them into a temple in thanks for regaining his throne. Kings added statues and paintings over the next 2,000 years, especially during the Kandyan period. What will you see in the caves? 1. Five cave shrines, each painted from floor to ceiling. 2. More than 150 Buddha statues, including a 14-metre reclining Buddha carved from the rock. 3. Statues of kings and Hindu deities alongside the Buddhas. 4. About 2,100 square metres of murals, one of the largest areas of ancient painting in South Asia. 5. Views over the plains to Sigiriya from the cave terrace. How hard is the climb? A paved path and steps lead up the rock in about 15 to 20 minutes. It is steady but not difficult. What is the Golden Temple? At the foot of the rock is a modern temple with a large golden Buddha statue and a museum. Tickets for the caves are bought at the ticket office near the base. How far is Dambulla from Sigiriya and Kandy? About 17 km from Sigiriya (30 minutes) and 72 km from Kandy (2 hours). Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage cave temple
  • Five painted cave shrines
  • Over 150 Buddha statues
  • 14 m rock-cut reclining Buddha
  • About 2
  • 100 sq m of ancient murals
  • Views towards Sigiriya
  • Golden Temple at the base

Travel tips

Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats before entering the caves (a shoe counter is at the top). Bring socks for hot rock. Don't use flash or pose with your back to Buddha statues. Watch bags around monkeys.

Related