Dambulla Cave Temple In Sri  Lanka

The beginning

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a famous example of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history. It is located in the middle of the island’s culture triangle. There are over 150 Buddha statues, beautiful murals, and intricate carvings in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is Sri Lanka’s biggest and best-preserved cave temple complex. There are pilgrims and travelers coming to this holy spot, which has been around for more than 2,000 years.

The History Behind the Name of Dambulla Cave Temple

Its name comes from two Sinhala words: “Damba” meaning “rock” and “Ulla” meaning “fountain or pond.” This is because the temple is surrounded by a big rock and water sources. In Dambulu-gala (Dambulla Rock), a 600-foot-tall rock formation that can be seen from miles away, the temple is built.

How Dambulla Cave Temple Was Built and Its Rich History

This temple is made up of five main caves, and each one is covered with beautiful Buddhist statues and paintings. It is also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla. People believe that King Vattagamani Abhaya turned the rocks into a place of worship in the first century BC, which is the beginning of the temple’s history.

Meaning in the Past

Buddhist monks used the rocks as a place to meditate alone, making them an ancient Buddhist monastery site.
Writings by the Brahmi people before Christianity: A lot of people know that the temple is very old because it has writings near the door that are written in the old Brahmi script…
Kandyan and Polonnaruwa periods had an effect: During the 12th century (Polonnaruwa Kingdom) and later in the 17th and 18th centuries (Kandyan Era), the temple was extensively remodeled and had its art improved.

Inside caves and amazing works of art

The sculptures and drawings in each cave illustrate important events in Buddhist history in a way that is unique. Many of the murals on the walls and ceilings look like the famous paintings from Sigiriya. Temple of the King of Gods (Devaraja Viharaya) in Cave 1 is home to a 15-meter-long seated Buddha statue that shows him in his last moments before he reached Parinirvana.
King Vattagamani Abhaya and King Nissanka Malla figures and 56 Buddha statues make up Cave 2’s Maharaja Viharaya (Temple of the Great Kings). It is the biggest and most impressive.
Stone paintings in the style of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha were added to Cave 3 of Maha Aluth Viharaya, also known as the “Great New Monastery.” It has a small stupa that is thought to hold the remains of Buddhist monks. Cave 4 is called Paccima Viharaya, or “Western Cave.” It is the newest addition, going back to the 20th century. Cave 5 is called Devana Aluth Viharaya, which means “Second New Monastery.”

Simple steps to reach Dambulla Temple in a Cave

Most of Sri Lanka’s towns, including Colombo, Kandy, and Sigiriya, can easily be reached from Dambulla. The trip by car takes about four to five hours and covers 150 km from Colombo. To get there, take the A1 road between Colombo and Kandy and then the A6 road between Dambulla and Trincomalee. The road from Kandy to Dambulla takes two hours and is 72 km long.
Between Colombo, Kandy, and Anuradhapura, there are regular buses that go to Dambulla Town. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to the temple door.
A train stop in Habarana, which is 25 km away, is the closest one. It’s possible to get to Dambulla by bus or cab from there.

Dambulla Cave Temple’s Best Time to Visit

People can visit the temple at any time of the year, but December through April, when it’s dry and nice, is the best time.

Good Times to Visit

It’s cooler and there are fewer people in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
In the evening, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the soft lighting makes the cave paintings look better for photos.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Dambulla Grove Temple

Cover up: If you want to visit this religious place, you should cover your shoulders and knees.
No shoes allowed inside, so bring socks to protect your feet from the heat.
You should wear shoes that are comfy because the path to the temple has about 300 steps.
Animals to Watch Out for: There are a lot of rats in the temple, so keep your things safe.
On the entrance staircase to the Dambulla Cave Temple, you can get a great view of the fields and mountains far away.
Inside the cave, the large Buddha statues and detailed paintings make for mesmerizing views.
Near the temple is Sunset Point, which has stunning views of the sunset over the Dambulla region.
When you go, make sure you bring clothes that are light and airy.
Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen
A bottle of water to drink!
to take pictures (without flash): camera or smartphone

Where to Stay Near the Temple of Dambulla.

From cheap guesthouses to high-end resorts, Dambulla has a wide range of places to stay.

A beautiful eco-hotel with a view of Kandalama Lake is the Luxury Stay Heritage Kandalama.
Budget-Friendly Stay Jetwing Lake: This is a nice hotel with great services and beautiful views.
A great choice for backpackers who want to save money and stay in a convenient place is the Dambulla Shan Inn.

Thoughts for Now

A sacred haven that has stood the test of time, the Dambulla Cave Temple is also a work of art in terms of architecture. You will never forget your time at this cave temple, whether you are interested in history, art, or traveling and want to fully experience another culture. To experience a world where history, faith, and art all fit together perfectly, plan a trip to Sri Lanka’s largest rock cave temple.