Dambulla (map) is a city in Central province of Sri Lanka. Dambulla cave temple (map) also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site.
Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. 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.
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Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area.
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 the Ganesha.
The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon.
The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the third and second centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries.
BUS > from *Colombo (148 km west), *Kandy (72 km south, 2-3 hours), *Anuradhapura (2-3 hours), *Sigiriya and other places arrive regularly at the Dambulla bus station located 1 km outside of the town on Kandy road
For those on a budget buses are everywhere. They’re sometimes crowded and uncomfortable, but they get you around for almost nothing.
RAIL > Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system serving all major towns and cities in the island except for the North. Travel by train is itself a journey to remember, be it travelling to Central Sri Lanka or travelling on the coastal line is just amazing.
Highly recommended to travel by train outside Colombo. The Hill train to Badulla is an amazing journey. Preferably choose the express trains, and try to get a reservation beforehand, if you can. >> Sri Lanka Railways. (+ more info: seat61.com)
AIRPORTS > airport.lk.
WATERWAYS > –