About Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla's Golden Cave Temple is the finest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, and one of the most impressive in all of Asia. Perched on a 160m granite outcrop, five separate caves were carved out and consecrated beginning in the 1st century BC by King Valagamba, who sheltered here in exile before reclaiming his throne.
The caves are packed with 157 Buddha statues, three images of Sri Lankan kings, and four images of Hindu deities — all set against 2,100 sq m of wall and ceiling paintings that are still vivid after 22 centuries. The paintings cover the entire interior surfaces of the caves, depicting Jataka tales, battles, and celestial scenes in rich ochre, red, and gold.
Dambulla sits at the geographic centre of the Cultural Triangle, 17 km from Sigiriya and 72 km from Kandy — making it a natural hub for exploring the ancient kingdoms of the north-central plains. The cave entrance at the top of the rock offers a sweeping view across the dry zone jungle toward Sigiriya in the distance.
Highlights
- Five UNESCO-listed caves filled with 157 statues and ancient murals
- The largest cave (Maharaja Viharaya) houses a 15m reclining Buddha
- Vivid ceiling paintings depicting the Buddha's life spanning 22 centuries
- Summit panorama across the Cultural Triangle toward Sigiriya Rock
- The golden-painted statue house at the base — a striking modern addition
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991
Plan & Book
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What to See & Do
Cave 1 — Devaraja Viharaya
The smallest cave, containing a 15m reclining Buddha carved from natural rock with Ananda, his chief disciple, standing at his feet. Simple but moving.
Cave 2 — Maharaja Viharaya (Great Kings' Cave)
The largest and most magnificent cave — 52 statues, two standing kings alongside the Buddha, and ceiling paintings covering every inch of the roof. The centrepiece of the complex.
Cave 3 — Maha Alut Viharaya
Built by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha in the 18th century — 56 statues including a reclining Buddha and a distinctive image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. The newest cave, with ceiling paintings in a different, more ornate style.
Summit Viewpoint
The plateau at the top of the rock, reached after a 20-minute climb, offers a sweeping panoramic view across dry-zone forest toward Sigiriya Rock (visible on clear days) and the distant Knuckles Range.
Aukana Buddha Statue
A 12m standing Buddha carved with extraordinary precision in the 5th century AD from a single granite rock — still attached to the rock face at the back. One of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. Located 50 km from Dambulla.
Nalanda Gedige
A unique 8th-century stone temple that combines Buddhist and Hindu architectural elements — sometimes called Sri Lanka's 'mini Angkor Wat'. Built of carved stone without mortar, surrounded by a reservoir. Located 23 km south of Dambulla.
Getting There from Colombo
Via A9 north. Almost always combined with Sigiriya (17 km north-east) on the same day.
Colombo to Dambulla direct buses available from Bastian Mawatha bus terminal.
Dambulla is the logical base town for visiting both the Cave Temple and Sigiriya. Most visitors do both in a single day.
Best Time to Visit
Go early morning (7–9 AM) before tour groups arrive. The caves are open-air at the top so avoid midday heat in the dry season.
Traveller Tips
- ▸Arrive at 7:00 AM — the caves open at 7:30 AM and crowds build quickly after 9 AM
- ▸Wear socks for the barefoot sections — the stone path gets blistering hot by mid-morning
- ▸The 20-minute climb to the cave entrance is stepped and manageable for most fitness levels
- ▸A single combined ticket covers all five caves — buy at the lower ticket office, not the stalls
- ▸Photography is permitted in all caves except during active worship — use no flash near the murals
- ▸Combine with Sigiriya (17 km north-east) and Polonnaruwa (66 km north-east) on a full Cultural Triangle day
Entry Fee
Single ticket covers all five caves. Separate entry for the Aukana Buddha Statue.
7:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily
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