The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the central part of the country, 148 kilometers east of Colombo.
The cave temple complex dates back to the first century BCE. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. The caves were originally used as a refuge by King Valagamba (also known as Vattagamani Abhaya), who was driven out of Anuradhapura. When he regained his throne, he had the interior of the caves carved into magnificent rock temples.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area, but the major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is also a popular tourist destination. The climb up to the caves is a bit steep, but the views from the top are worth it. When visiting the temple, it is important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the caves.