Dambulla Cave Temple

The story

Carved into a granite overhang 160 metres above the plains, Dambulla is Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved cave temple complex. Five sanctuaries shelter more than 150 Buddha statues and 2,100 square metres of ceiling murals painted over two millennia, from the 1st century BCE onward. A steep climb rewards you with sweeping views back toward Sigiriya rock.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage cave complex
• 150+ Buddha statues under one rock
• Ancient ceiling frescoes
• Panoramic views of the cultural triangle

Things to do here

1. 1Explore all five painted cave sanctuaries
2. 2Climb to the summit for views over Sigiriya rock
3. 3Visit the Golden Temple and giant Buddha statue at the base
4. 4Afternoon elephant-herd safari in Minneriya National Park
5. 5Traditional Sri Lankan cooking class in Dambulla village
6. 6Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the cultural triangle