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Dambulla Cave Temple
Step inside this ancient temple to see 153 Buddha statues, kings, and deities set against centuries-old murals. The vibrant, restored ceilings and walls offer a profound journey into Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Details of Dambulla Cave Temple
Open now
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Free parking lot
Overview - Dambulla Cave Temple
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, 24 km from Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple offers a mesmerizing journey into the island’s ancient spiritual heritage. Dating back to 80 BC, this UNESCO-listed site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, carved into natural rock formations that shelter 153 Buddha statues in serene poses, alongside three statues of Sinhalese kings and deities like Vishnu and Ganesh. Vibrant murals, restored over centuries, depict scenes of royal life and religious narratives, while intricately painted ceilings and walls showcase a fusion of historical and spiritual imagery. Visitors can explore the five caves daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, marveling at the timeless artistry that has drawn pilgrims and travelers for millennia. With a 4.5-star rating and Travelers Choice accolades, this site stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy—where every stone whispers tales of devotion, artistry, and the enduring power of faith.
Tags/ Categories
Highlights
Largest cave temple in Sri Lanka
153 Buddha statues and ancient king statues
Ancient cave paintings depicting royal life
Historic site built around 80 BC
Ranked #1 attraction in Habarana
4.5-star rating from 1037 reviews
Nearby Attractions
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
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An iconic UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an ancient rock fortress with palace ruins, frescoes, and panoramic views over the Cultural Triangle—about a 30‑minute drive from Dambulla.
Pidurangala Rock
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A scenic rocky outcrop offering a rewarding hike, sweeping views of Sigiriya and the surrounding countryside, and a giant reclining Buddha near the summit.
Minneriya National Park
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Navigations
Navigations
Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Reviews
TONGKY M
Welcome to Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. This ancient Buddhist complex features five caves filled with over 150 statues …
Edited a week ago
markos paterakis
Dambulla Cave Temple is absolutely breathtaking! The intricate Buddha statues and vibrant wall paintings inside the caves are incredibly well-preserved, and every corner tells a story of devotion and artistry spanning centuries. …
a month ago
Ivan Polonijo
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple was one of the highlights of my trip through Sri Lanka. The site is absolutely breathtaking — a peaceful blend of history, spirituality, and art. The caves are filled with stunning Buddha statues and …
a month ago
Thomas Wagner
Beautifull and an absolute must see in Sri Lanka. Entrance fee around 3000 LKR -> 8,40€ . We arrived at the exit from the stairs and though the entrance and ticket shop is at the top of the…. 150 stairs in vain we had to go down on the …
a week ago
Bernard Savage
This is a quite spectacular set of caves containing stunning images of buddhas, kings and bodhisattvas dating from 500 CE. There is a large modern temple at ground level with a huge golden buddha followed by a fairly steep stair up to the …
Edited a month ago
GAYAN WIJESINGHE
Dambulla Cave Temple To reach the Dambulla Cave Temple, one must climb the majestic Dambulla rock. Within the temple complex lie numerous caves, each adorned with magnificent …
3 weeks ago
Lakith prathula Senarath
Review: Five caves filled with golden Buddhas, calm air, and echoes of ancient faith. Every inch of wall and ceiling tells stories painted centuries ago. It’s like …
a month ago