Overview
Dambulla Cave Temple (the Golden Temple) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose origins go back to the 1st century BC, when King Valagamba sheltered in these caves during exile and later transformed them into temples in gratitude. Five caves hold about 153 Buddha statues, a 14 m reclining Buddha, and 2,100 sq m of frescoes covering walls and ceilings — a treasure house of Sri Lankan Buddhist art. About 30 minutes by car from Sigiriya, so most travelers visit both together. Admission LKR 1,500 (foreigners). About 30 minutes by car from Sigiriya.
Opening Hours
Daily 07:00-19:00
Travel Tips
Remove shoes before entering. Stones get extremely hot on warm days — bring socks. Cover knees and shoulders.
Hotels near Dambulla Cave Temple
Hotels and guesthouses in Sigiriya, Dambulla, Matale District
Other attractions in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
5th-century palace ruins atop a 200m rock - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sigiriya Frescoes
Exquisite 1,500-year-old frescoes of celestial maidens painted on the rock face.
Pidurangala Rock
A nearby rocky peak offering the best head-on view of Sigiriya - a top sunrise spot.
Minneriya National Park
Sri Lanka's top safari destination for spotting large herds of wild elephants.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
The UNESCO World Heritage second capital of medieval Sri Lanka (11th-13th centuries).
Hiriwadunna Village Tour
Traditional Sri Lankan village tour with bullock-cart rides, dugout canoes, and a home-cooked lunch.
Ritigala Forest Hermitage
An ancient Buddhist monastic retreat with jungle ruins and a trekking trail.