Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple Of Dambulla) (Dambulla) FAQs In 2024

What is the Dambulla Cave Temple?

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Sri Lanka. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, featuring a series of five caves filled with Buddhist mural paintings and statues.

The history of the caves dates back to the 1st century BCE, but the murals and statues have been added and refurbished over the centuries. The complex has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries.

Visitors to the Dambulla Cave Temple can see a rich collection of Buddhist art including over 150 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses. The caves also boast impressive mural paintings covering an area of 2,100 square meters, depicting Buddha's life and various other religious scenes.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is typically open to visitors every day from around 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with the last entrance allowed typically at 5:00 pm. However, hours can vary, and it's recommended to check for any changes before planning a visit.

Yes, visitors are required to purchase a ticket to enter the Dambulla Cave Temple. As of the knowledge cutoff date, the price for foreign adults is approximately 1500 LKR. Prices for locals and SAARC country nationals are usually lower. It's advised to check the latest pricing and potential discounts before visiting.

The best time to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of midday and potential crowds. Additionally, visiting during these times offers softer light for photography.

Visitors usually spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple, although those with a keen interest in Buddhist art or history may wish to spend longer.

As a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly when visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple. It's recommended to wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Visitors also need to remove their shoes before entering the temple caves.

The Dambulla Cave Temple may host special events and ceremonies on Poya Days, which are full-moon days that hold significance in the Buddhist religious calendar. Tourists are welcome to observe these cultural events but should do so respectfully.

Basic tourist facilities such as restrooms, parking, and a ticket booth are available at the Dambulla Cave Temple. There are also vendors selling refreshments and souvenirs. However, facilities may be more limited than in larger tourist destinations.

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