UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Dambulla Cave Temple)
Dambulla, situated in the central part of Sri Lanka, houses the largest and most well-preserved cave temple complex in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts over 80 caves and a rock tower that stands tall at 160 meters above the surrounding plains. Divided into five main caves, the complex showcases 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu and Ganesha. These caves are home to beautiful paintings and statues, all related to Gautama Buddha and his life. The murals, covering an impressive area of 2,100 square meters (23,000 sq ft), feature depictions such as the temptation by the demon Mara and Buddha’s first sermon.
Includes Burial Sites with Human Skeletons.
The Dambulla cave complexes have a rich history, believed to be inhabited by prehistoric Sri Lankans before the arrival of Buddhism in the country. The area also includes burial sites with human skeletons dating back to about 2700 years ago, located at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.
Temple & museum
Dambulla is a famous tourist destination in Sri Lanka, known for its cave temple and museum. The cave temple is a popular religious monument featuring over 100 Buddha sculptures inside a vast network of caves.. At the entrance to the caverns, you can find a huge golden statue of Buddha, which serves as the Dambulla Museum’s gateway. The museum showcases a collection of interesting wall art. If you’re planning a cultural Triangle tour in Sri Lanka, make sure to visit Dambulla.
