Explore Dambulla Cave Temple
Matale District, Central Province
Overview
Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple consists of five massive rock caves carved under a towering granite overhang. Inside these caves, you will discover 153 Buddha statues, statues of ancient kings, and complex Buddhist murals covering 2,100 square meters of rock ceiling. The temple has been a sacred site of active worship since the 1st century BC, when King Valagamba took refuge here and later transformed the caves into royal shrines.
Key Highlights & Things to Do
Explore the Cave of the Great Kings, containing a spectacular 14-meter reclining Buddha statue carved from rock.
Admire the incredibly detailed ceiling murals depicting Buddhist historical events and patterns.
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding flat plains and distant Sigiriya Rock from the temple courtyard.
Visit the Golden Temple Museum at the base of the rock, featuring a giant golden Buddha statue.
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