Dambulla, in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is famous for its Golden Temple. This UNESCO site has five cave temples with old Buddha statues and paintings. Set on a big rock, it also offers amazing views of the nearby area.
Overview of Dambulla, Sri Lanka:
Situated in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is a treasure that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The most popular thing about this ancient town is the magnificent Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses 5 cave temples filled with stunning Buddha statues and water paintings dating back to the 1st century BCE.
Dambulla is definitely historically important but it also seamlessly shows human creativity. The massive granite outcrop where the caves are located offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it worth the climb even before you step inside the temples. Travelers should include Dambulla in their Sri Lanka tour packages as part of an Asian adventure, combining it with other nearby attractions like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa for an unforgettable cultural experience.
What are the key Highlights of Dambulla, Sri Lanka
- Magnificent Cave Temples: Five separate caves contain 153 Buddha statues, colorful paintings, and ancient Sri Lankan art covering over 2,100 square meters of cave walls and ceilings.
- Golden Buddha Statue: The massive golden Buddha at the entrance of the temple complex is impossible to miss and makes for amazing photos.
- Cave I (Devaraja Viharaya): Check out the 14-meter reclining Buddha carved from solid rock. Legend says King Vattagamani Abhaya slept here while hiding from invaders.
- Cave II (Maharaja Viharaya): The largest and most impressive cave, featuring 56 statues and a drip-ledig (water ledge) that hasn’t dried up for 2,000 years.
- Amazing Ceiling Paintings: The caves have colorful paintings showing Buddha’s life, Sri Lankan history, and Hindu influences that will make your neck sore as they are at the ceiling.
- Sigiriya View: On clear days, you can spot the famous Lion Rock fortress from the temple complex – it’s a sneak peek of your next destination.
- Rock Temple Museum: A small but informative museum that explains the history and significance of the site, helping you understand what you’re seeing.
- Rangiri Dambulla Stadium: Cricket fans will recognize this international cricket stadium that’s hosted many famous matches.
Travel Tips & Essential Information for Dambulla, Sri Lanka:
- Best Visiting Hours: Arrive early (7-8 am) to beat both the crowds and the midday heat. The site closes at 7 pm, but the last entry is at 5 pm.
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temples. Don’t worry if you forget – vendors outside sell sarongs for reasonable prices.
- Footwear Strategy: You’ll need to remove shoes before entering each cave temple. Wear slip-on sandals to save time and bring socks as the ground gets too hot.
- Entrance Fee Structure: Foreigners pay around 1500 LKR (approximately 750 INR). Keep your ticket handy as you’ll need to show it at different points.
- Climb Preparation: The walk up to the caves takes about 15 minutes on stone steps. Bring water and take your time if you’re not used to climbing.
- Photography Rules: Photography is allowed without flash. Some caves are darker than others, so adjust your camera settings accordingly.
- Monkey Warning: The temple complex has many monkeys, so keep ypur belongings safe as the monkeys try to snatch it. Don’t make eye contact with them.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide (around 1000 LKR) to explain the historical significance of the paintings and statues. They’ll point out details you might otherwise miss.
- Nearby Accommodation: Stay in Dambulla town or nearby Sigiriya. Habarana is another good option with hotels for all budgets.
