Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka: A Travel Guide to Visit the Buddhist Monastery

Sri Lanka is a tropical country in South Asia, which has an ancient culture, rich history, and mesmerizing natural beauty. Known as the “Teardrop of Asia”, there are numerous things to do in Sri Lanka. On your trip to this island country, if you head towards the central region, you will locate Dambulla town. It is a hotspot for tourists because of the famous Dambulla Cave Temple. This incredible ancient holy place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dambulla Cave Temple Guide

• About Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka
• What to Expect at the Dambulla Rock Temple?
• Visiting the Royal Cave Temple
  • What is the Best Time to Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple?
  • Climbing the Dambulla Hill
  • The Five Dambulla Caves
• Top Things to See in Dambulla
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock
  • Pidurangala Rock
  • Avukana Buddha Statue
  • Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

About Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka

Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka is the largest cave temple complex in the tropical island. This is a prominent Buddhist site that has been a place of worship for more than 2000 years. So, the Dambulla Cave Temple's history dates back to the 1st century BC. There are 80 discovered caves in the complex on a giant rock formation. Today, this place is associated with the Buddhist tradition and practices. When you visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, you will notice the polychrome sculpture of the place. This is a special arrangement that compartmentalises the space showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

What to Expect at the Dambulla Rock Temple?

Dambulla Cave Temple has unique rock arrangements in the five caves. It is interesting to know that these caves are converted to shrines, where you can find artistic ceiling murals and paintings of Buddha. These statues depict the life of Gautam Buddha and his life. There are 153 statues of Buddha along with other statues of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Sri Lankan kings. Covered in 2100 square metres, these wall and ceiling murals are a must-see at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. You must include this place in the Sri Lanka tour package to experience the grandeur and beauty of this cave temple.

Visiting the Royal Cave Temple

What is the Best Time to Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple?

This place is a year-round destination that is located at the heart of the town. The tourist influx surges between June and October, which is the dry season in the country. However, you can plan your trip at your convenience. Since Dambulla has a hot and humid climate, it is important to wear weather-appropriate clothes. Do not forget to carry sunscreen, and an umbrella to protect yourself from harsh sun exposure or rain. Also, visiting in the morning or evening hours is a good idea when the sun is not at its peak and you can explore the heritage site without any discomfort.

Climbing the Dambulla Hill

The Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka is located at the Dambulla hill. Located at a height of 150 meters, you need to climb approximately 364 steps to reach the temple top from the ground level. So, if you are an adventure enthusiast, visiting the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple is a good idea. You must know that you need to buy tickets to visit Dambulla Cave Temple. For children between the ages of 5 to 12 years, half ticket price is applicable. For infants, the entry is free. Also, the opening hours of Dambulla Cave Temple are 7 am to 7 pm.

The Five Dambulla Caves

Five caves are converted into shrines, which numerous tourists visit every day. These caves have beautiful carvings and Buddha statues that look magnificent, to say the least. Also, the murals on the walls showcase stories of Buddha’s life. These caves are:

• Deva Raja Viharaya (Temple of the King of Gods)
• Maha Raja Viharaya (Temple of the Great King)
• Maha Alut Viharaya (The Great New Temple)
• Paschima Viharaya (The Western Temple)
• Devana Alut Viharaya (The Second New Temple)

You can explore different caves to see the magnificence of the place and click on some social media-worthy pictures. It is a treasure trove for history buffs, who want to know about the ancient history of Sri Lanka. You can also visit the Golden Temple, which is a great location near Dambulla Cave Temple to the largest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. This is a museum where tourists visit in large numbers.

Top Things to See in Dambulla

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya Lion Rock is one of the most important sightseeing places in Sri Lanka. The height of this rock is 200 meters high it has a fortress on the top. Located in the Matale district, the rock has a giant granite column. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is visited because it has archaeological and historical significance.

Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is yet another magical place to visit near Dambulla. It is in proximity to the Sigiriya Lion Rock and tourists climb on this rock to get a wonderful view of Sigiriya Lion Rock and surrounding landscape. If you are a sunrise lover, climb to the top to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises. The area has ample greenery that makes the journey even more beautiful. However, this place has a moderate to difficult trek as you may need to use ropes to reach certain parts. Adventure enthusiasts love to visit here to get the adrenaline rush.

Avukana Buddha Statue

This location is a short distance from Dambulla. It takes just an hour to reach Avukana Buddha, which is a standing statue of Gautam Buddha. This place is away from mass tourism, which makes it an ideal destination for those who want to explore an off-beat place in Sri Lanka.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is yet another profound historical place in Sri Lanka. Here the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was found, which was transported to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth. This place has a huge rock with a temple built on its top. Back in the day, it had a huge role as a territorial landmark of the city. It is fascinating to know that this is a secured fort with the inner and outer sections of the city. This picturesque location has a steep staircase that requires some effort to climb. However, the top view is worth the effort.

During your trip to Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka, do not miss to visit the aforementioned nearby destinations. Sri Lanka is an underrated gem with breathtaking natural and man-made beauty. Veena World offers Sri Lanka packages from Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities in India. You can explore the packages to find the best deals and offers for a great trip to the tropical paradise.