Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural and historical landmark. Situated in the Matale District, about 72 km from Kandy and 148 km from Colombo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning rock cave complex, ancient Buddhist artwork, and over 150 images of Buddha.
Why Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple?
The temple complex consists of five major caves, which are beautifully adorned with statues, frescoes, and religious artifacts. The inner walls of the temple caves are painted with affluent murals spreading over 2,100 square meters. These paintings depict various scenes from the life of Buddha, Jataka tales, and important events in Sri Lankan Buddhist history.
The vibrant colors and detailed paintings demonstrate the skills of ancient Sri Lankan artists. At the bottom of the rock, visitors find the Golden Temple, a recent structure with a massive golden statue of Buddha. The temple also has the surrounding panoramic scenery, with fantastic views of the surrounding plains and forests.