Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple is a magnificent historic shrine located in the midst of the cultural triangle formed by the three ancient capital towns of medieval Sri Lanka. They are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy, making Dambulla Cave Temple an ideal destination for visitors interested in ancient civilizations.

This magnificent shrine is located 1118 feet above sea level and rises 600 feet over the surrounding lowlands. This quality has supplied travelers with some incredible ascending to the peak and a gorgeous greenish vision of this wonderful country, in addition to the historic importance of Dambulla Cave Temple.

According to Dambulla Cave Temple history inscriptions and generational knowledge, King “Wattagaamini Abhaya / Walagambaa” erected the Dambulla Cave Temple in the first century. Dambulla Cave Temple History describes that paintings were done in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Most of the wall paintings seen in Sri Lanka are here at Dambulla Cave Temple. We can see the paintings in a large area of around 20,000 square feet. Dambulla Cave Temple is the best place to study the ancient Sinhalese paintings in Sri Lanka.

(Image Credit: Harsha Prasad Madusanka (big harsha) from Facebook)

There are five caves in Dambulla Cave Temple.

1) Deva Raaja Lena

Comparatively, this cave is a small one. This is situated on the east side of the Dambulla Cave Temple. There is a Buddha statue made in some kind of style called “Sathapena Iriyawwa,” which is described in Buddhist architecture. Near the great foot of Lord Buddha, there is another statue of “Ananda” thero. Near the great head of Lord Buddha, there is a god called “Vishnu,” considered the king of gods. There are some parallels between Hindu religious aspects and Buddhist culture, demonstrating the oneness of many cultures in this lovely island nation. After that, here are three more Buddha statues. There is a Hindu kovil just outside the first cave of the Dambulla Cave Temple.

2) MahaRaaja Lena

This cave is separated from the first cave by a thick wall. 122 feet in length, 75 feet in width, and a maximum height of 21 feet. There are nearly sixty statues inside this cave of Dambulla Cave Temple. Inside this cave, there are King Walagambaa and Upulwan God statues. In the right-most corner of this, there is a very famous container filling water with drops. This water seepage continues even in any kind of drought.

3) Mahaa Aluth Wihaaraya

This cave was built by King Kerthi Shri Rajasingha. This is the second-largest cave in the Dambulla Cave Temple complex (9 feet x 81 feet x 36 feet).

4) Pashchima Wihaaraya

The dimensions of this cave are 54 feet X 27 feet X 27 feet. impacted by treasure seekers as a result of the notion that an old queen’s jewelry exists.

5) Dewana Aluth Wiharaya

The most recent one built on the premises. There are 11 Buddha statues inside the cave to explore, and they are the most recent creations of this Dambulla Golden Temple. These are the current statuses, and the inside is in good condition.

The “Nilagama” painting generation, which is located in the Nilagama hamlet close to Dambulla, is credited with creating these amazing paintings discovered in the Dambulla Cave Temple. We can still observe their ancestors’ generations.

There are three functions daily in Dambulla Cave Temple. Morning, noon, and evening. In addition, the Dambulla Golden Temple hosts four cultural events each year.

January: Agas ceremony
April: New Year ceremony
May: Nanumura Ceremony
November: Karthika Ceremony

In July or August of the year, it’s Esala perahara (procession) at Dambulla Golden Temple. If you love to see a colorful culture in the South Asian region, you don’t need to miss this! A spectacular procession known as the Esala Perahera brings lively cultural festivals to the sacred grounds of Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Golden Temple. This annual celebration is rooted in tradition and spirituality, attracting both devotees and tourists.

During the Esala Perahera, the temple comes to life with the rhythmic beat of drums, the melodic sounds of traditional music, and the enthralling sight of gorgeously decorated elephants. These majestic creatures, adorned with bright clothes and glittering jewels, carry precious treasures and Buddha statues through the streets as a show of reverence.

The parade, led by dancers, acrobats, and flag bearers, makes its way through town, dazzling the night with candles and lights. Devotees flock to observe the show and offer prayers.

Dambulla Golden Temple: A Glimpse

The Dambulla Golden Temple, located in the center of Sri Lanka, is a testimony to the island’s rich cultural and religious past. As one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured landmarks, the Dambulla Golden Temple complex provides a fascinating peek into the country’s diverse past and spiritual traditions.

The Dambulla Golden Temple, perched atop a rocky ledge, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and creative skill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of cave temples with exquisite murals and statues depicting Buddhist deities and legends that date back more than two millennia. These caverns, carved from solid rock, serve as sanctuaries for meditation and devotion, creating a peaceful environment for spiritual reflection.

Dambulla Cave Temple: Exploring the Surroundings

There are other nearby places to visit in Dambulla, including the temple to see, providing travelers’s options to plan their time. Manikdena, Galkema Tank, KaludiyaPokuna, Sigiriya Rock, hiking Pidurangala Rock, elephant safaris at Kaudulla National Park, and Enderagala are some of them.

Sigiriya Rock, rising majestically above the plains of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over. This old rock castle, also known as Lion Rock, has a rich history dating back to the fifth century AD. Sigiriya, crowned by the remnants of a once-magnificent palace complex, provides visitors with a glimpse into the island’s royal past as well as architectural marvels.

Pidurangala Rock, a lesser-known but compelling natural beauty, is located adjacent to Sigiriya. Pidurangala rises in tandem with its famous neighbor, providing spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the intimidating silhouette of Sigiriya itself. Hiking to Pidurangala’s top is an adventure in and of itself, since the trail passes through lush forests and old cave temples.

Another one is, Kaudulla National Park. Located in the center of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Kaudulla National Park is a wildlife and nature lover’s paradise. This protected area, which covers an area of approximately 6,900 hectares, is well-known for its varied ecosystems and profusion of species, making it an essential stop for safari excursions.

Large elephant gatherings are the park’s most well-known feature, especially during the dry season when herds of elephants travel to the Kaudulla Tank in search of food and water. These amazing animals can be seen up close by visitors, along with a variety of other wildlife such as deer, sloth bears, leopards, and other bird species.

Dambulla Cave Temple: Entrance Fee

Rs. 1500/- for the ticket to Dambulla Cave Temple. The temple complex has three entrances and only one ticket counter. If you enter either the Golden Temple or the local entry halfway down the hill, you must walk down the hill to reach the Dambulla Golden Temple counter. Tickets cannot be purchased at the top, where they are collected. Purchase tickets at the lower / south entrance.

Please ask for directions from Buddhist monks and older people as much as you can if you are traveling alone. There are both good and bad in this world!

Dambulla Cave Temple Dress Code

The dress code for visiting Sri Lankan temples is similar to that in Southeast Asia. If you want to respect the community’s traditions, wear white dresses. Shorts are not permitted, and ladies must cover their shoulders and legs to the ankle level if they respect the local customs in a hallowed place like this. If you didn’t have the necessary gear, you might be able to borrow a bag at the entrance, but it’s best not to take chances. Please follow this etiquette and be nice to their culture while you enjoy it.

The Best Time to Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although the ticket desk shuts at 5:00 p.m. The best times to see the Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka are in the early morning or late afternoon. The majority of tourists arrive in the morning, and the sunsets from the temples are spectacular, therefore, visiting at sunset is recommended. Also, if you combine the trip with Sigiriya, you can climb the higher (and more difficult) Sigiriya Rock in the cooler morning and watch the sunset from the Cave Temples.

Other nearby places to visit

Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala rock, elephant safaris at Kaudulla National Park are some of the other destinations you can explore around Dambulla Cave Temple Sri Lanka.

Distance

Colombo to Dambulla Cave Temple: 161 km
Dambulla-Kandy distance: 70 km
Polonnaruwa to 69 km
Anuradhapura to 65 km

Located in the center of the cultural triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy,.

How do I get to Dambulla Cave Temple from Colombo?

You can take public transportation (train or bus) or rent a car from the tourist partners. The distances are as follows: Also, if you have international driving permission or a Sri Lankan government-converted license, you can drive on your own. Taking a tuktuk from Colombo to Dambulla Cave Temple is uncomfortable; if you want to make your journey more comfortable, consider using a car service. Because Sri Lankan public transportation is relatively inconvenient, first-class seats in trains provide a level of comfort.

Dambulla Cave Temple, Rock Temple, and Golden Temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple and Dambulla Rock Temple are two distinct names for the same location.

The Golden Temple and Cave Temple are part of the same temple complex. The Golden Temple sits at the bottom of the hill, near the main road, while the Cave Temple is at the top. Realistically, you should see both the Golden Temple and the Cave Temples because they are so close together. There is a museum in Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple. With its extensive collection of statues, antiques, and historical relics, the museum provides visitors with an enlightening look into the background and importance of the Golden Temple.

Inside, one can discover priceless texts from years past, elaborate paintings illustrating religious lessons, and sculptures portraying Buddhist deities. Every artifact has a narrative that reflects both the people of Sri Lanka’s artistic craftsmanship and the enduring history of Buddhism.

Visitors' Guide

The top of Dambulla Cave Temple has no service. Don’t forget to use the restroom at the bottom, and remember to pack water. Whether or not you are an animal lover, beware of monkeys if you are carrying goodies. The people of Sri Lanka are excellent and always ready to extend hospitality. Don’t freak out if you enter a home close to this location and are given some goodies and a warm cup of tea. That’s who they are. However, exercise caution when putting too much confidence in long-distance and sparse travel.

If you love to take some natural scenery with a professional camera, this Dambulla Cave Temple top is one of the best places you find to do so. There are many more greenish surroundings and mountains around here to capture. Beware of the wind in some seasons.

Cultural perspectives.

Dambulla Cave Temple, a cherished cultural gem located in the center of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This religious complex, carved into the towering rock face, consists of five caverns decorated with elaborate paintings and more than 150 beautiful Buddha sculptures. The Dambulla Cave Temple, which dates back more than two millennia, exemplifies the island nation’s rich religious tradition and artistic prowess. Each cave has its own unique importance, with the largest, Maharaja Vihara, housing a massive reclining Buddha statue measuring 15 meters in length. As tourists wander the labyrinthine hallways and admire the old murals representing Buddhist teachings and legends, they are taken back in time to a time of spiritual commitment and artistic perfection. Dambulla Cave Temple’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizes its exceptional global value and secures its preservation for future generations.

Visit Dambulla Temple with The Visit Lanka Tours

Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the major destination of our all the round tours in Sri Lanka. Anyhow, The Visit Lanka Tours has their own Sigiriya Day Tour, where it has specially designed to cover this ancient temple and other areas of the Sigiriya. If you love to visit this beautiful and historical temple, you can choose The Visit Lanka Tours as your trusted Sri Lankan guide. Visit our contact page and connect with us!

(Cover Image Credit: @ruxandraioana from IG )