Dambulla
Sri Lanka · Central Province
Description
Dambulla (දඹුල්ල) lies at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and is best known for its impressive cave temple, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic temple complex comprises five richly decorated caves containing more than 150 Buddha statues and elaborate wall and ceiling paintings from different periods. Among the most striking features is a reclining Buddha, around 14 metres long and carved directly from the rock. Still used as a place of worship, the caves retain a distinctive spiritual atmosphere. Together with nearby Sigiriya, Dambulla forms one of the cultural highlights of central Sri Lanka.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock)(Day trip)
- Cave of the Divine King (Devaraja Viharaya)
- Cave of the Great Kings (Maharaja Viharaya)
- Minneriya National Park elephant safari(Day trip)
- Dambulla cave murals and ceiling paintings
- Pidurangala Rock(Day trip)
- Dambulla reclining Buddha statues
- Kaudulla National Park elephant safari(Day trip)
- Viewpoint above the caves
- Golden Buddha statue and Golden Temple complex
- Buddhist Museum at the Golden Temple
- Ritigala Forest Monastery(Day trip)
- Popham's Arboretum
- Nalanda Gedige(Day trip)
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- GIU