Discover the Serenity of Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
Explore the majestic Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning Buddhist art and serene landscapes.
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple, perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of Sri Lanka, is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its impressive collection of cave temples, which date back to the 1st century BC. Each cave is adorned with beautiful murals and over 150 statues of the Buddha, showcasing the exquisite artistry and devotion of the Buddhist tradition. Visitors can explore five main caves, each with its unique charm and historical significance. The largest cave, known as the Great Cave, features an enormous reclining Buddha statue that stretches over 14 meters long, along with stunning wall paintings depicting the life of Buddha. As you wander through the temples, the serene atmosphere and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape create a spiritual experience that is both tranquil and inspiring. The Golden Temple, situated at the entrance of the cave complex, is another highlight, featuring a striking golden Buddha statue that sparkles in the sunlight. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respect the sacredness of the site, making it a perfect spot for both spiritual exploration and cultural appreciation. With its rich history and stunning architecture, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's vibrant culture and Buddhist heritage.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb within the cave complex.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the temple.
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering the temples.
- Take time to meditate in the tranquil surroundings for a deeper spiritual experience.
A brief summary to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
- Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, LK
- +94662283605
Getting There
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Car
From Dambulla town center, drive south on Kandy Road for about 2.5 kilometers. Then, turn right onto Royal Rock Temple Road. Continue on this road for about 1 kilometer until you reach the entrance of Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. Parking is available near the entrance.
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Public Transportation
Take a tuk-tuk or bus from Dambulla town center to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. Tuk-tuks are readily available and can be hired for a reasonable price. If taking a bus, look for buses heading towards the temple and ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop. From there, it is a short walk to the temple entrance.
Attractions Nearby to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
- Buddhist Museum
- Museum Of Wall Painting
- Painting Conservation & Research Center and Painting Museum
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Dambulla Rock
- Temple Lake View Point
- Sri Lanka Jeep Safari
- Randeniya Rock Temple
- Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
- Dambulla Clock Tower දඹුල්ල ඔරලෝසු කණුව
- Sathutu Dupatha (Pleasure Island) | සතුටු දූපත
- Gimanhala Hotel
- Popham's Arboretum
- Ibbankatuwa Lake
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
Landmarks nearby to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
- Dambulu Rock Inscription
- Rock Temple
- Rangiri Dambulu Rajamaha Viharaya (Dambulla Royal Cave Temple)
- Heritage Dambulla By Ceylon Hotels Corporation
- Sundaras Resort & Spa
- Gurupaura Picture Palace
- Jetwing Lake
- Rangiri Dambulla Resort
- JC's Village
- Dambulla Rock Arch
- Ibbankatuwa Ancient Cemetry
- Sri Lanka Ballooning - Sunrise Ballooning (Pvt) ltd
- Pelwehera Village Resort
- Heritance Kandalama
- Amaya Signature Kandalama Dambulla