Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla) Tourism

Type of destination: Cultural/Religious Site

Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site situated in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. This iconic temple complex lies atop a gigantic rock which towers more than 160 meters above the surrounding plains. It holds the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. With a history dating back to the 1st century BC, the complex has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. The temple comprises five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. Inside, the caves are adorned with intricately painted frescoes on the rock surfaces and statues of the Buddha among others. Over 150 Buddha figures can be found throughout, including a 14-meter colossal statue of the Buddha carved out of the rock. The site reflects the confluence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka over the centuries, and it remains an important religious and historical monument, as well as a testament to the impressive artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations.

Top 5 Reviews on Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla)

highwayspider

Wrote on 26th Jun, 2024

budhist heritage

After climbing a lot of stairs with high inclination, we discovered this budhist temple, carved in the stone.Very beautiful sights outside over the region.Inside, Budha statues, decorations on the wa..

749devendrag

Wrote on 17th Jun, 2024

Dambulla cave temple

This is a complex of five cave temples in dambulla. The ticket for entering the temple is 2000 Sri Lankan Rupee. One has to climb stairs for around 30 minutes to reach the temple on the top. Inside th..

Navigate769753

Wrote on 27th May, 2024

Find Ticket office First, Which is at the Bottom,,, Somewhere

2000r = $6 Entry price We messed up here, By following a crowd of Locals. Walking up from the massive Gold Budda on the main road. Anyway we got more than half way up, And saw a sign saying ticket off..

Rupastravels

Wrote on 16th May, 2024

Beautiful temple Complex

It's a wonderful temple complex. Very beautiful and must visit. There are intricate paintings on the ceiling too! The statues of Buddha in various poses are a sight to behold. Thankfully it wasn't cr..

manucanuck

Wrote on 15th May, 2024

UNESCO cave temple

Initially I reached this place from the Dambulla Golden temple (walk up around 200 steps) but i was told that the ticket counter is down on the main road so i have to walk back down on the other side,..

Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla) Tourism

Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla) Tourism

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