Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
The island's best-preserved cave temple complex, in use for 22 centuries
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple - Rangiri Dambulla - is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, cut into an overhanging rock 160 metres above the plain. Five caves hold around 150 Buddha images alongside statues of kings and deities, and roughly 2,100 square metres of painted ceiling that follows the natural contour of the rock. It has been a working monastery for over 2,000 years and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The five caves
Cave 1, Devaraja Viharaya, is dominated by a 14-metre reclining Buddha carved from the living rock. Cave 2 is the largest and most impressive - 16 standing and 40 seated Buddhas, statues of King Vattagamini Abhaya and King Nissanka Malla, and a spring that drips from the ceiling into a vessel and has never run dry.
Caves 3 to 5 are progressively later and smaller, but the painted ceilings continue throughout. What makes Dambulla unusual is that the murals were not painted on flat plaster - they follow every bulge and fold of the rock above your head.
Getting there and what to expect
The climb from the ticket office is about 15-20 minutes up a stepped path, with monkeys along the way that will take anything loose. Shoes come off before the terrace and the stone is hot by mid-morning - socks are a good idea.
Dambulla sits at the junction of the Kandy, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee roads, 20 minutes from Sigiriya. Almost everyone pairs the two: Sigiriya at opening, Dambulla in the afternoon when the caves are cool and the light through the entrances is at its best.
Highlights of Dambulla
- 14-metre reclining Buddha carved from the living rock
- Cave 2 and its never-dry ceiling spring
- Around 2,100 m² of contour-following ceiling murals
- Over 150 statues spanning 22 centuries of continuous worship
- Easily combined with Sigiriya in a single day
Tours that visit Dambulla
Cultural Heritage Explorer - 4 Days
Experience the ancient wonders and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka on this compact 4-day tour covering Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Kandy.
Cultural & Hill Country Adventure - 7 Days
Discover the perfect blend of ancient culture and scenic hill country landscapes on this comprehensive 7-day journey through Sri Lanka.
Complete Sri Lanka Explorer - 10 Days
Experience the best of Sri Lanka from ancient cities to wildlife safaris and hill country adventures on this comprehensive 10-day tour.
Dambulla - frequently asked questions
Approximately USD 10 for foreign adults. Entrance fees and opening times are set by the relevant Sri Lankan authority and change without notice. We confirm current rates for you before you travel and can arrange tickets on request.
Yes, and most visitors do - they are 20-30 minutes apart. The usual order is Sigiriya at 7.00am opening to beat the heat, then Dambulla in the afternoon when the caves are cool.
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed before the terrace. Carry socks - the stone gets very hot by late morning.