Dambulla Cave temple which is also known as Rangiri Dambulla cave temple is located at the central part of the country near Dambulla town. The temple is well known for being the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The cave complex consists with 5 caves and includes 70 buddha statues. According to the history the temple was built by King Nissanka Malla.
Here is my way up
After our journey to Sigiriya we decided to go Dambulla Cave Temple, which is not so far from Sigiriya. The distance between Sigirya to Dambulla is 14km. It is around 30 minutes car drive. We reached there in the afternoon. Climbing Dambulla Cave Temple is not so tough. It rarely rains in Dambulla. It is very hot out there. Best time to climb is early morning or evening. All stairs covered with full panoramic view of the central area of sri Lanka.
While you are climbing you can meet some cute mates around there. Monkeys. I am not a lover of monkeys. But these little ones were so cute. They did not bother us at all.
Panoramic View of Dambulla Temple
After 364 steps(ha ha! I did not count, taken from google.) we reached to top. Top view was incredible. You can see the beautiful 360 panoramic view of Sri Lanka. Definitely an experience worth in your life.
The Caves
The caves were built on the top of the rock. The caves consist of numerous statues of Buddha. There are few golden Buddha statues in there. So that’s why the temple is also named as Golden temple of Dambulla. Inside the second cave is very special. It is the most famous one among other caves. It was the most eye-caching. The cave has lighting and mind-blowing ceilings with buddha paints.
Here are some pictures of the Cave,
Dambulla Cave Tips
Things you must know
Ok I ll list down some important things of Dambulla Cave Temple, that you must know before you go there.
Questions & Answers
- How to get there ?
If you are travelling by train, take a train from Colombo fort. Colombo fort to Habarana is the best route to reach to Dambulla. From the Habarana you can take a bus, cab or tuk tuk.
- Why Dambulla so famous?
It is well-known for being the largest cave temple with around 70 buddha statues in Sri Lanka
- Is there any dress code to wear to temple?
As I told you earlier wear some modest clothes. If you are wearing shorts or some short dresses, skirts, you must coverup your legs before entering the temple. Clothes will be provided at the entrance.
- How about the ticket price?
The ticket cost is around 1500LKR ($8- $9). As a foreigner you must pay the fee from the entrance. Hey localist, you will not be charged.
- What are the opening hours?
The cave temple is opened 7am to 7pm Daily. Remember to buy your tickets before 5pm from the gate.
The trip to Dambulla cave temple is a very nice one. You can plan this as a side trip. Like if you are in Kandy, Mathale, Sigiriya, Anuradapura or on your way to Trincomalee, Dambulla cave temple is the best choice to add to your trip.
My trip to Sigiriya, Sigiriya | Lion’s Rock fortress in Sri Lanka