Dambulla
Religious

Dambulla

Cultural Triangle

The Dambulla Cave Temple, known as the Golden Rock Temple, is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site that has been in continuous use since the 1st century BC. King Valagamba took refuge here in 1st century BC and later converted the caves into magnificent temple shrines. Five natural caves cut into a vast 160m granite outcrop contain 153 Buddha images in gold, red and black, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and 4 images of gods and goddesses. The cave ceilings are entirely covered in intricate painted murals spanning 2,100 square metres — among the most extensive and best preserved in Asia. UNESCO listed the site in 1991.

Add this destination to my trip

Destination guide

Experience Dambulla

Five ancient cave shrines housing 153 Buddha statues and vivid painted murals covering 2,100 square metres of ceiling — Sri Lanka's largest cave temple complex.

Key attractions

Cave 1 — Devaraja Viharaya: a 15m reclining Buddha with Ananda at his feet

Cave 2 — Maharaja Viharaya: the largest cave with 16 standing Buddhas and a Vishnu shrine

Cave 3 — Maha Alut Viharaya: 50 seated Buddhas and a reclining Buddha added in the 18th century

Cave 4 — Pachima Viharaya: small cave with a stupa believed to contain a jewelled relic

Cave 5 — Devana Alut Viharaya: newest cave with a reclining Buddha

Golden Temple of Dambulla — the modern gilded museum at the base of the rock

Panoramic views from the hilltop approach over the flat Cultural Triangle plains

Things to do

Arrive early morning when soft light fills the cave interiors

Spend at least 90 minutes exploring all five caves in sequence

Visit the small museum at the base for historical context

Combine with Sigiriya on the same day (20 minutes drive)

Browse the local produce market at the Dambulla town junction

Gallery

Glimpses of Dambulla

Dambulla photo 1
Dambulla photo 2
Dambulla photo 3

Related tours

Tours featuring Dambulla