Sri Lanka is a place rich in marvels and mysteries just waiting to be explored. The nation is blessed with natural beauty that is difficult to find anywhere else, from immaculate beaches to lush green woods. However, the Dambulla Cave Temple is the spot for you if you're looking for something extraordinary that will leave you speechless.
In the heart of Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Dambulla Cave Temple, sometimes called the Golden Temple of Dambulla. More than 150 Buddha sculptures and vibrantly colored artwork covering more than 2,100 square meters may be found in this network of five caves that have been turned into temples. The temple is among the world's most spectacular and well-preserved specimens of early Buddhist art and construction.
History of Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple has a long history that begins in the first century BC, when King Valagamba escaped from Anuradhapura to avoid the South Indian invaders. He built the temple as a sign of appreciation to the monks who had protected him during his exile after returning to recover his throne after several years in hiding.
The Dambulla Cave Temple's Five Caves
The five caves that make up the Dambulla Cave Temple each house a unique Buddha statue and piece of fresco art. Let's examine each of these caves in more detail.
Cave of the Divine King
The largest and most impressive of all the caves is the first one, also referred to as the Cave of the Divine King. Along with 16 standing Buddha sculptures and numerous other deities, it has a 14-meter long reclining Buddha statue that was carved from a single piece of granite. Beautiful frescoes that portray scenes from the Buddha's life are also painted in the cave.
Cave of the Great Kings
The statues of King Valagamba, King Nissanka Malla, and King Vattagamini Abhaya can be found in the second cave, also referred to as the Cave of the Great Kings. The cave also contains a number of Buddha statues and murals that tell the Jataka tales, or tales of the Buddha's earlier incarnations.
Cave of the Great New Temple
The third and smallest of the three caves is called the Cave of the Great New Temple. Along with other deity statues, it has a standing Buddha statue.
Cave of the Great Meeting Hall
The fourth cave, also known as the Cave of the Great Meeting Hall, was the only one used by monks as a meeting place. There are many Buddha statues and frescoes that depict the Buddha's life and teachings.
Cave of the Second New Temple
A number of Buddha statues and frescoes that reflect the Buddha's life and teachings can be seen in the fifth cave, often referred to as the Cave of the Second New Temple.
How to reach Dambulla Cave Temple
The capital city of Colombo is 148 kilometers away from the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is situated in the country's central region. Depending on your interests and budget, there are a variety of ways to go to the temple.
Driving is the most practical means of transportation to the Dambulla Cave Temple. A cab or a private vehicle with a driver can be hired in Colombo or other significant Sri Lankan cities. Depending on traffic, the travel takes between three and four hours.
You can take a bus from Colombo to Dambulla if you're on a tight budget. Buses take about 4-5 hours and depart frequently from the Central Bus Station in Colombo. You can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi from Dambulla to the temple.
Although there isn't a direct train from Colombo to Dambulla, you can take one to Kandy and then a bus or a cab to get there. A bus or cab travel from Kandy to Dambulla takes about one to two hours, and the rail from Colombo to Kandy takes about three hours.
One of Sri Lanka's most significant Buddhist temples, the Dambulla Cave Temple is a must-see for anybody with an interest in the country's past, present, or religion. The temple complex contains numerous caverns that have been utilized for meditation and devotion for over 2,000 years, as well as hundreds of historic statues and frescoes.
It's critical to prepare and make plans in advance if you want to make the most of your trip to the Dambulla Cave Temple. Dress modestly, put on relaxed shoes, bring drink, and if you can, hire a guide. Most importantly, respect the temple and its patrons and spend some time taking in the grandeur and significance of this historic location.
The Dambulla Cave Temple should not be missed, whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or just looking for a singular and unforgettable travel experience. Why not book a trip to Sri Lanka then and experience the wonders of this amazing place for yourself?
Tips for Exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple
It's crucial to carefully arrange your visit if you want to completely appreciate the Dambulla Cave Temple's beauty and tranquility. Here are some suggestions to help you maximize your trip:
👉 Dress Properly
Visitors to the Dambulla Cave Temple should dress modestly as it is a holy place. You should therefore dress in clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You might be asked to cover yourself with a sarong, which can be rented or bought at the temple gate, if you're wearing shorts or a tank top.
👉 Put on relaxed shoes
It's crucial to wear comfortable shoes because the temple complex is spread out across a wide area and you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Hiking boots or sneakers are both suitable options.
👉 Bring Water
Staying hydrated is crucial because Sri Lankan summers may be hot and muggy. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and fill it up at the temple's water fountains.
👉 Hire a Guide
Consider hiring a guide if you want to make the most of your trip to the Dambulla Cave Temple. A professional guide can point out the temple's most intriguing features and details while also explaining the temple's significance and history.
👉 Respect the Temple
Since the Dambulla Cave Temple is a site of prayer, respecting the monks and other tourists is crucial. This includes no loud chatting or laughing, touching the statues or frescoes, or taking photos with a flash.
💥 Get map directions from Katunayake Airport to Dambulla
Dambulla City Map