Dambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
Area
Ancient Cities
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
The golden temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka with more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings relating to the Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals on the walls of the caves cover an area of 2,100 square metres and include depictions of the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.
People would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This is supported by the findings of 2,700 year old burial sites in the area containing human skeletons!
Please note that the granite outcrop that houses the temples is over 150 metres above the surrounding countryside. This does mean there are amazing views, however there are a lot of steps and so we do recommend comfortable clothing and shoes for the climb. It is also a religious site and so visitors will need to remove their shoes before entering the temple area, and shoulders and knees should be covered. There are also lots of monkeys and so do take care of your belongings!
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourThe Best of Sri Lanka: Culture, Wildlife & Coast
This carefully curated journey takes you through Sri Lanka’s most enchanting landscapes and experiences, staying at the country’s finest properties. From the ancient wonders of the Cultural Triangle to the serene tea plantations of the Hill Country, the wildlife of Yala, and the pristine beaches of Weligama, this itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and indulgence.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationUga Ulagalla
Set in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Uga Ulagalla blends restored heritage with contemporary and sweeping reservoir views, a serene sanctuary where culture, nature, and authentic experiences unfold at your pace.
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View AccommodationKings Pavilion Kandy
Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the centre of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.
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View AccommodationElephant Stables
From its hilltop position, Elephant Stables boasts breathtaking views over Kandy and the Knuckles mountain range. This ancestral home turned boutique hotel offers guests a tranquil stay from which they can explore Kandy's cultural heritage.
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View AccommodationStone House Kandy
Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalised service.
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View AccommodationWater Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the mountainous Sigiriya Rock Fortress as your backdrop.
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View AccommodationKalkudah Beach House
A hidden gem on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast, Kalkudah Beach House is an elegant and understated beach front retreat, ideal for guests looking to reconnect and unwind in complete seclusion.
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View AccommodationRosyth Estate
Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.
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View AccommodationCinnamon Lodge
Cinnamon Lodge is a series of small chalet-style buildings dotted around a 27-acre wooded area and next to a lake. The two-storey chalets have recently been refurbished and the property is well-located for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
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View AccommodationVil Uyana
Vil Uyana offers spacious luxury dwellings, built over a wetlands area just a few kilometres from Sigiriya. The perfect destination as part of a wider Sri Lankan itinerary, this is a place to relax, unwind, pamper yourself and get back to nature.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Cycling Tour
This bicycle tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings you to the stupas of Ruwanweliseya, Abayagirl, Jethavana and Samadhi Buddha statue.
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View ExperienceMinneriya National Park
The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.
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View ExperienceUlagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration
Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.
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View ExperienceSigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.
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View ExperienceSafari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.
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