Dambulla Cave Temple

Cave of the Great Kings

The temple's caves house an astounding collection of Buddha statues and vibrant murals. In the largest cave, called the 'Cave of the Great Kings,' over 100 Buddha statues of varying sizes are packed in, and every inch of the ceilings and walls is covered with intricate, colorful Buddhist wall paintings – an absolutely awe-inspiring sight. Inside the caves it's cool, dim, and hushed, allowing you to contemplate the centuries of prayer that have imbued these chambers.

Ancient Art and Sculptures

In another cave lies a colossal 14-meter-long reclining Buddha carved out of the rock. Across the five sanctuaries, you'll see golden Buddha images, Hindu deities, and frescoes that collectively tell ancient stories. At the cave temple's entrance stands a modern gigantic golden Buddha statue, which serves as a landmark. The murals and sculptures demonstrate exceptional artistic achievement spanning multiple centuries.

Visiting Tips

Dambulla is only a 30–40 minute drive from Sigiriya, making it easy to visit both in one trip. The climb to the caves involves ascending steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Modest dress is required, and you must remove shoes before entering the caves. Photography is allowed but flash is prohibited to protect the ancient paintings. The site is less crowded early in the morning or late afternoon.