A cave temple complex carved into a granite outcrop, with murals and statues spanning over 2,000 years of continuous worship.
The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple comprises five caves built into a rock face, containing Buddhist murals and more than 150 statues that have been added to over two millennia. It remains an active place of worship today.
Dambulla sits just 15 minutes from Sigiriya, and the two are almost always visited together as anchors of the Cultural Triangle.
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Some of the best-preserved Buddhist murals in Sri Lanka
Compact visit that pairs easily with Sigiriya
A working temple, not just a historic ruin
Walk through each cave temple, decorated with statues and painted ceilings.
See the large gilded Buddha statue at the base of the hill.
Learn the history of the site before or after the climb.
Take in views over the surrounding plains from the cave entrance terrace.
Glimpse Sri Lanka's largest wholesale produce market nearby, if timing allows.
Cave Temple Complex
Golden Buddha Statue
Dambulla Royal Rock Temple Murals
Cave Entrance Terrace
Getting there
About 15 minutes by road from Sigiriya.
Best time to visit
Morning, before the heat builds on the climb up.
Good to know
Shoulders and knees should be covered; there are roughly 350 steps to the caves.
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Lanka