Dambulla Temple is a Cave Temple Complex in Sri Lanka located in Matale district in Central province of the country. This is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka at an altitude of 1118 feet from the mean sea level rises a enormous rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 600 FT high and over 2000 FT in length providing a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the rock fortress Sigiriya 19 km away. Dusk brings hundreds of swooping swallows to the cave entrance.

It is home for the most commended Cave Temple complex of magnificent Buddha statues and Rock Paintings of rich colors constructed and painted from around 2nd Century BC and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century AD UNESCO labelled this massive Cave Temple Complex as a World Heritage under the name of Golden Temple of Dambulla in 1991. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues along with some Gods & Goddess statues including three statues of Sri Lankan Kings. The murals cover an area of 2,100 sq. meters. The ceilings inside the caves are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.

The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and lasts the best preserved ancient mansion in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the third and second centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries.

Things to do in Dambulla

• Golden cave temple Dambulla – UNESCO World Heritage
• Ancient rock fortress Sigigiriya – UNESCO World Heritage
• Climb to Pidurangala
• Aukana Buddha Statue
• Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve
• Day excursion to Anuradhapura Sacred city – UNESCO World Heritage
• Day excursion to Polonnaruwa ancient City – UNESCO World Heritage
• Village tour in Habarana with local lunch
• Minneriya & Kaudulla National Park