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Dambulla

Sri Lanka

Why Dambulla?

A chance to marvel at the UNESCO-listed Dambula Cave Temples.

The large town of Dambulla is located in central Sri Lanka, in the Matale District, and is home to one of the country’s cultural highlights, the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Dambulla Cave Temples. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The caves contain Buddhist art and sculptures, and the exterior of the caves is adorned with a large Gold Buddha.

Dambulla Cave Temple exterior sri lanka

Dambulla Highlights

Here we have selected a few of the sights and experiences that you really should see on a visit to Dambulla.

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Cave Temples

The beautiful Royal Rock Temple complex sits above the road in southern Dambulla. Five separate caves contain about 150 mesmerising Buddha statues and paintings, some of Sri Lanka's most important and powerful religious art. Buddha images were first created here over 2,000 years ago, and over the centuries the cave art has been added to and embellished.

From the caves there are superb views over the surrounding countryside; Sigiriya is clearly visible some 20km distant.

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Dambulla Produce Market

This huge wholesale market offers a fascinating insight into the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. What you see being moved hither and thither in Dambulla today, will be sold in Colombo tomorrow.

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Golden Temple

A modern temple and museum, completed in 2000, situated at the foot of the cave temples hill. On top of the building a giant golden Buddha statue sits in reflective pose, enticing visitors.

A selection of tours to Dambulla

  • coconut palm trees beach sri lanka
    Sri Lanka & The Maldives Tailor Made Beach

    Sri Lanka Tour & Beach

    Explore some of Sri Lanka's cultural and scenic highlights, including the Cultural Triangle, a tea plantation and a jeep safari, on this memorable 16 day tour.

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