The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya, is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the island’s Cultural Triangle. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, the temple was first established by King Valagamba, who sought refuge here during exile and later transformed the caves into a magnificent monastery upon regaining his throne.
Carved into a massive granite rock rising over 150 meters, the complex features five main sanctuaries adorned with over 150 Buddha statues, intricate ceiling frescoes, and images of ancient kings and Hindu deities. The paintings and sculptures, spanning over 2,000 square meters, beautifully illustrate the evolution of Sinhalese Buddhist art and devotion.
Still an active place of worship, the Dambulla Cave Temple offers visitors a serene spiritual experience along with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains — a timeless blend of history, art, and faith carved in stone.
