While Sigiriya captures the imagination with its architectural feat, a short drive away lies the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest, best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This sacred site provides a perfect, culture rich day trip from Sigiriya, offering a stunning contrast of ancient religious art to the secular palace ruins of Lion Rock.

A Thousand Years of Devotion: History and Significance

The history of the Dambulla Caves stretches back over two millennia. The caves became a vital sanctuary in the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba took refuge here during an invasion. Upon reclaiming his throne, he commissioned the site to be transformed into a majestic cave temple complex as an act of gratitude. For over 2,000 years, Dambulla has remained an active center of Buddhist worship, continuously adorned and renovated by various kings.

• The Golden Temple: The impressive Golden Temple complex at the base, featuring the massive golden Buddha statue, serves as the main entrance and houses the museum and monastery.
• The Cave Complex: The main attraction is the collection of five large caves, located high up the hill, packed with religious art.

The Journey Upstairs: Reaching the Caves

The cave temples are perched atop a large rock outcrop, requiring a moderate ascent.

The Climb:

• Access: The walk begins from the Golden Temple complex and involves climbing a series of concrete and natural steps. The ascent typically takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your pace.
• Views: The climb offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the distant sight of Sigiriya Rock, making it well worth the effort.

Dress Code and Etiquette:

• Dambulla is a deeply sacred place. Visitors must remove hats and footwear before entering the temple area on the summit.
• Shoulders and knees must be respectfully covered by both men and women. It is wise to bring a shawl or sarong, as these are sometimes available for rent at the bottom.

Inside the Sanctuary: The Five Principal Caves

The five main caves are interconnected and filled floor to ceiling with meticulously preserved statues and stunning murals, dating primarily from the 18th century, though some date back centuries earlier.

Cave Highlights:

Cave of the Divine King (Devaraja Lena): Features a massive, 15 meter long reclining Buddha carved from the rock face, guarded by the figure of Vishnu.

Cave of the Great Kings (Maharaja Lena): The largest and most impressive cave, housing nearly 60 statues and covered entirely in exquisite murals detailing the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the life of the Buddha.

The Great New Monastery (Maha Alut Vihara): Contains a serene, seated Buddha surrounded by numerous statues and intricate wall and ceiling paintings.

Western Cave (Pachima Vihara) & Fifth Cave (Devana Alut Vihara): These smaller caves complete the complex, featuring further Buddha statues, statues of gods, and ancient religious murals.

Artistic Wonders: Murals and Statues

Dambulla is globally famous for the sheer volume of its religious art. The caves contain 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses.

• The Frescoes: The continuous stretch of painted wall and ceiling murals is estimated to cover an area of 2,100 square meters. These vibrant paintings tell the story of the Buddha’s life, including the Mara Yuddha (the Buddha’s battle with the demon Mara), and important historical moments like the arrival of the sacred Bo Tree.
• The Rock Carvings: Unlike many statues made of wood or plaster, many of the Buddha figures here are carved directly out of the natural bedrock, emphasizing the deep connection of the temple to the earth.

Day Trip Tips from Sigiriya

Dambulla is only about a 30 minute drive from Sigiriya, making it an easy and essential addition to your itinerary.

• Timing: Plan to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun and heat during the climb. You should budget 2 to 3 hours for the complete visit, including the climb and time spent inside the caves.
• Transport: Taxis, Tuk Tuks, or hired drivers are readily available in Sigiriya or Habarana for the short trip.