The Dambulla Temple, renowned for its historical and artistic significance, features five caves housing 157 statues of Lord Buddha, along with intricate paintings adorning its ceilings and walls. These masterpieces highlight the exceptional artistic skills of ancient craftsmen.

Dating back to the 1st century BC, the caves, rock structures, and temples carry a rich historical legacy. The exquisite murals, created using traditional indigenous paints, showcase delicate craftsmanship and timeless cultural artistry.

Recognized for its historical, archaeological, and artistic importance, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. With a history spanning over 22 centuries, the temple continues to exude an aura of spirituality and benevolence, attracting visitors and worshippers alike.

The Dambulla temple complex, dating back to the 1st century BCE, is a remarkable site with five caves nestled beneath a massive overhanging rock. Ingeniously designed, the rock features a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938, the architecture was enhanced with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside, the cave ceilings are adorned with intricate patterns of religious imagery that follow the natural contours of the rock. The artwork includes depictions of Lord Buddha, bodhisattvas, and various gods and goddesses.

As the best-preserved ancient monastery in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla cave monastery remains functional to this day. Its origins date back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, establishing it early on as one of the country’s most significant monastic complexes. King Valagamba of Anuradhapura is traditionally credited with converting the caves into a temple in the 1st century BCE. During his 15 years of exile, he sought refuge here from South Indian invaders. Upon regaining his throne, he built the temple as an act of gratitude.

Over time, successive kings contributed to the site. By the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious hub. King Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa gilded the caves and added approximately 70 Buddha statues in 1190. Later, during the 18th century, the Kingdom of Kandy undertook extensive restoration and repainting, leaving behind the richly decorated site seen today.

What are the Dambulla Cave Temples ?

Cave I (Devaraja Viharaya)

The first cave, known as the Temple of the King of the Gods, features a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha as its centerpiece. Nearby, statues of Ananda, the Buddha’s devoted disciple, and other seated Buddhas enhance the sacred atmosphere. Additionally, a statue of Vishnu is housed in a small shrine inside the cave, though this shrine is typically kept closed.

Cave II (Maharaja Viharaya)

The Temple of the Great King is considered the most breathtaking among the caves. Spanning 52 meters from east to west and 23 meters from the entrance to the back wall, it boasts a ceiling that rises to a height of 7 meters at its highest point. The cave takes its name from two statues of kings found within it: a painted wooden statue of King Valagamba located to the left upon entry and another of King Nissanka Malla deeper inside.

At the heart of the cave stands the main Buddha statue, which was once adorned with gold leaf. Positioned beneath a makara torana—an intricately carved archway featuring dragon motifs—the Buddha is depicted with the right hand raised in the abhaya mudra, symbolizing protection. The cave also includes representations of Hindu deities, reflecting a blend of spiritual influences. A vessel inside collects water that mysteriously drips from the ceiling, even during times of drought, and this water is used in sacred rituals.

Cave III (Maha Alut Viharaya)

The New Great Temple, believed to have been transformed from a storeroom in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy, one of the final monarchs of the Kandyan Kingdom, is rich with historical significance. This cave is adorned with numerous Buddha statues, including an impressive reclining Buddha. It is separated from Cave II by a simple masonry wall, adding to its distinct charm.

Cave IV (Paschima Viharaya)

The Western Cave, though relatively small, is not the westernmost cave—that distinction belongs to Cave V. At its center is a seated Buddha figure placed beneath a makara torana, with hands in the dhyana mudra, a meditative pose with cupped hands. The cave also features a small dagoba, which was once damaged by thieves seeking jewelry they believed belonged to Queen Somawathie.

Cave V (Devana Alut Viharaya)

Previously used as a storeroom, this newer cave is now known as the Second New Temple. It houses a reclining Buddha and includes representations of Hindu deities such as Kataragama (Murugan) and Vishnu, reflecting its rich spiritual significance.

Quick guide to Dambulla Cave Temples

• Do I need to buy tickets?

Yes. Purchase your tickets from the ticket office before you walk up to the caves.

• Are there any shops at the top?
No, there are no facilities (for food and drinks) once you leave the ticket office.

• What are the opening hours?
The site is open between 7am and 7pm, however the ticket office usually closes by 6pm.

• How long does it take to reach the top?
From the ticket office it’s a 15-minute’ walk to reach the caves via a series of steps.

• How long should I plan for a visit?
Most visits take 1-2 hours depending on how much time you’d like to spend in the caves.

• Which order should I visit the caves?
If you’d like to leave the best cave until last, visit the caves in reverse order, starting from Cave 5 and continuing towards Cave 2.

• Can I take photographs of the caves?
Yes. However it is prohibited to photograph a person with their back to a Buddha statue.

• What should I wear to visit Dambulla?
There is a modest dress code for visiting temples in Sri Lanka. Knees and shoulders must be covered.

• When’s the best time of day to visit Dambulla?
To avoid the heat, visit in the cooler hours of early morning and late afternoon. Sunsets can be magical from the summit of the rock.

What else is there to see in/around Dambulla?

While you’re in town seeing the cave temples of Dambulla, be sure to stop by these additional attractions:

• The Dambulla Museum receives a very low footfall yet is fascinating for its account of the development of Sri Lankan art from the very beginning through to the Kandyan era. Rooms exhibit copies of paintings from shrines and cave temples across Sri Lanka.
• Just 3-kilometres from Dambulla is the Popham Arboretum named after its creator, the British tea planter Sam Popham. Established in 1963, it’s 36-acre site preserves almost 300 trees and plants, including seven endemics. Wander the many trails independently or with a guide, starting from the park’s visitor centre. Book an evening guided walk and you may also see elusive local wildlife including loris, mouse deer and the rare pangolin.
• Particularly striking for its graceful presence, is the Aukana Buddha, a 40-minute drive from Dambulla. Reaching 12-metres high, the statue dates back to the eighth or ninth centuries and is unusual for being in the asisa mudra (blessing position). Aukana means ‘sun-eating’ so dawn, when light gently illuminates the statue, is the best time to visit.