DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE - දඹුල්ල ගුහා විහාරය - தம்புள்ள குகை கோவில்

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE - දඹුල්ල ගුහා විහාරය - தம்புள்ள குகை கோவில்

DISCOVER DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE — THE GOLDEN SANCTUARY OF ANCIENT ART

About Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent rock temple complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into a 160-meter granite outcrop, it features more than 80 documented caves, with five main sanctuaries decorated in vibrant frescoes and over 150 Buddha statues. First established in the 1st century BCE, it remains a living monastery and a key site of pilgrimage and art history. Ideal for culture lovers, photographers, and travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

★ Best Places & Experiences in Dambulla

  • The Five Main Caves: Each chamber displays unique frescoes and seated or reclining Buddhas; Cave 1 houses a 14-meter Buddha carved from rock.
  • Golden Temple (modern complex): Giant golden Buddha statue and museum at the foot of the hill, marking the temple entrance.
  • Dambulla Rock Summit: Panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock and surrounding plains — breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.
  • Archaeological Museum: Exhibits regional artifacts and relics explaining monastic life.
  • Nearby Sigiriya: Only 20 km north; perfect combined itinerary for heritage travelers.

★ Climate & Best Time to Visit

Central dry-zone climate with warm days and cooler evenings.

  • January – April: Dry, sunny, best for climbing and sightseeing (27 – 33 °C).
  • May – September: Hotter mid-day; visit early morning or late afternoon.
  • October – December: Short monsoon rains, lush greenery, fewer crowds.

Carry water and cover shoulders/knees — the climb involves 300+ steps in open sun.

★ Elevation

Dambulla sits about 160 m above the surrounding plains and roughly 110 m above sea level.

★ Distances & Travel Times

  • Colombo → Dambulla: ~165 km / 3.5 – 4.5 hrs by road (via Kurunegala).
  • Bandaranaike Intl. Airport → Dambulla: ~140 km / 3 – 4 hrs.
  • Kandy → Dambulla: ~70 km / 1.5 – 2 hrs.
  • Sigiriya → Dambulla: ~20 km / 25 – 30 min.
  • Polonnaruwa → Dambulla: ~70 km / 1.5 – 2 hrs.

Public buses connect frequently between Kandy, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.

★ Transport Options

  • Private car/taxi from Kandy, Sigiriya, or Colombo via Kurunegala route.
  • Intercity and local buses stop at Dambulla town; tuk-tuk to temple entrance.
  • Day tours from Kandy and Sigiriya commonly include the cave temple.

★ Food & Local Flavors

  • Traditional rice & curry eateries along Dambulla–Kandy road.
  • Fruit stalls near the temple base — mangoes, bananas, king coconut.
  • Simple cafés and bakeries in Dambulla town.

★ Accommodation Types

  • Budget: guesthouses and home-stays near temple road.
  • Mid-range: boutique hotels and eco-lodges around Dambulla town.
  • Luxury: resorts near Kandalama Lake with panoramic views.
  • Unique: treehouses and nature lodges connecting Sigiriya + Dambulla tours.

★ Adventure & Activities

  • Early-morning climb to the cave complex for photography.
  • Hot-air balloon rides nearby (seasonal, sunrise only).
  • Village tours and spice-garden visits on the Dambulla–Matale route.
  • Combine with Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala hike.

★ Emergency & Help

  • Police Emergency: 119
  • Ambulance / Suwa Seriya: 1990
  • Tourism Hotline: 1912
  • Dambulla Police: via 119
  • Dambulla Base Hospital: Main regional hospital

Stay hydrated and carry footwear for hot rock surfaces.

★ Traveler Guidelines

  • Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes at cave entrances.
  • Do not touch frescoes or statues — oils from skin cause damage.
  • Photography permitted in most areas without flash; signs indicate restrictions.
  • Maintain silence; respect monks and devotees.

★ Environmental Protection Note

  • Carry reusable water bottles; avoid plastic litter on the climb.
  • Do not feed monkeys near the temple grounds.
  • Use marked pathways to protect vegetation and rock heritage.
  • Support local eco-friendly souvenir vendors.

★ Service Partners (Coming Soon)

We are verifying trusted travel partners — licensed guides, hotels, transport services, and eco-operators — to enhance visitor experience in Dambulla. Certified listings will appear here after approval.

★ Data Sources — Official

Disclaimer

Information is compiled from official archaeology, tourism, and meteorological sources plus verified traveler input. Access rules, ticketing, and site conditions may change without notice.

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Third-party image rights remain with original creators. Verify critical details directly with official providers to avoid inconvenience.

Last updated: November 2025

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