Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla is situated in the Matale district, Central Province of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is a historic town. The main attraction site in Dambulla is the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This is the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This cave temple consists of five caves with statues and vibrant frescoes.
The cave temple complex is perched on a huge rock that offers fascinating views of the surroundings.
Each cave contains different aspects of Buddhism, numerous Buddha statues and religious paintings. These paintings and Buddha statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. The interior of the caves is a showcase of Sri Lankan Buddhist art and its history.
The cave temple complex is perched on a massive rock that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Each cave is dedicated to a different aspect of Buddhism, featuring numerous Buddha statues, statues of deities, and religious paintings.
Unique to the Dambulla cave temple are the caves feature drip ledge overhangs designed to protect the interior from water seepage statues and paintings. The largest cave, known as the Maharaja Viharaya has a 14-meter-long reclining golden Buddha statue, this is another highlight of the Dambulla temple complex. Visitors or tourists to the Dambulla Cave Temple can experience the artistic achievements of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations and scenic surroundings.
How to reach Dambulla from Colombo
Car
The full journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, but it depends on road traffic conditions.
Bus
You can take a bus from the Colombo central bus stand, and the journey may take around 5 to 6 hours.
Colombo - Kaduruwela (Bus No 48)
Colombo - Anuradhapura (Bus No 15)
Colombo - Trinco (Bus No 49)
Train
It’s hard to travel by train because there are no direct trains from Colombo. You have to take a train from Colombo fort to Habarana or Kandy and from there have to take a bus or taxi to Dambulla. And the journey may take around 2 - 3 hours. It's recommended to check the train schedule and book tickets, especially during peak times.
