Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a Buddhist cave temple of five caves in Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka, 72 kilometres north of Kandy and 148 kilometres east of Colombo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and still a place of worship, it suits visitors touring the Cultural Triangle.

Turned into a temple by King Valagamba

The temple dates to the 1st century BCE. Tradition credits King Valagamba of Anuradhapura with turning the caves into a temple after he regained his throne following 15 years in exile. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves in 1190, which gave rise to the name Golden Temple. More than 80 caves have been recorded in the surrounding area.

153 Buddha statues and painted ceilings

The caves hold 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four of gods, including Vishnu and Ganesha. Murals cover about 2,100 square metres of walls and ceilings. The name is often explained as damba (rock) and ulla (spring), after water that drips inside the main cave.

The climb and the separate Golden Temple museum

The rock rises about 150 to 160 metres above the plain, so expect a short climb in the sun. The modern Golden Temple museum at the foot of the hill, with its large gold Buddha, is separate from the caves.

Covered shoulders, no shoes, early arrival

Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats at the entrance. Entry is ticketed for foreign visitors; check the price on site. Early morning is the coolest and quietest time.