

Year Built
1st century BCE
Period
Ancient Period
Architectural Style
Buddhist Cave Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Iconographic and Artistic Influences
Built By
King Valagamba
Material Used
Rock, Stucco, Paint, Metal, Wood
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dambulla Cave Temple, dramatically carved into a massive granite rock formation rising 160 meters above the surrounding plains in central Sri Lanka, represents one of the most extraordinary and archaeologically significant cave temple complexes in South Asia, with origins dating back to the 1st century BCE and serving as the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, housing over 150 Buddha statues and extensive murals that demonstrate the profound transmission of Indian Buddhist religious and artistic traditions to Sri Lanka. The temple complex, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, features five interconnected caves that have been continuously used as places of Buddhist worship for over two millennia, while the caves' extraordinary decorative programs including over 150 Buddha statues executed in various mudras (hand gestures) and postures, along with extensive murals covering over 2,100 square meters of cave walls, demonstrate the direct transmission of Indian Buddhist iconographic programs and artistic traditions from the great artistic centers of India including Ajanta, Ellora, and the monastic centers of northern India to Sri Lanka. The temple's most remarkable feature is its extensive collection of Buddha statues, ranging from small figures to a colossal 14-meter reclining Buddha, executed with remarkable artistic sophistication and iconographic accuracy that demonstrate the sophisticated understanding of Indian Buddhist iconography possessed by Sri Lankan artists, while the temple's murals, executed in vibrant colors and depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, Jataka tales, and various Buddhist deities, demonstrate the direct transmission of Indian Buddhist narrative traditions and iconographic programs to Sri Lanka. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple served as a major center of Buddhist worship and learning for over two millennia, attracting monks, pilgrims, and patrons from across Sri Lanka and South India, while the discovery of numerous inscriptions in Sinhala, Tamil, and Sanskrit provides crucial evidence of the site's role in the transmission of Indian Buddhist texts and practices to Sri Lanka, demonstrating the sophisticated understanding of Indian Buddhist traditions possessed by the temple's patrons and religious establishment. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the political history of Sri Lanka, with various kings including King Valagamba (1st century BCE) and King Nissanka Malla (12th century CE) providing patronage and making additions to the complex, while the temple's association with the ancient city of Anuradhapura and later Polonnaruwa demonstrates its significance as a center for the transmission of Buddhist teachings, art, and culture from India to Sri Lanka. The temple complex has undergone multiple phases of renovation and expansion throughout its history, with the current structure representing the cumulative work of over two millennia of Buddhist devotion and artistic achievement, while ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure. Today, Dambulla Cave Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Buddhist culture and art to Sri Lanka, while ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Sri Lankan religious and artistic traditions. ([1][2])
Dambulla Cave Temple has origins dating back to the 1st century BCE. The temple was established by King Valagamba. The temple houses over 150 Buddha statues and extensive murals. The site was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Ongoing conservation efforts continue. ([1][2])
Department of Archaeology Sri Lanka, UNESCO, Buddhist Affairs Department


Extensive archaeological research, documentation, mural conservation, and structural analysis.
Archaeological research; documentation; mural conservation; structural restoration; ongoing conservation. ([1][2])
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Construction utilized natural rock caves that were enlarged and modified. The temple employed rock-cut architecture techniques adapted from Indian traditions. Decorative elements including sculptures and murals were executed using stucco and paint techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs natural rock caves with rock-cut modifications. ([1][2])
7.856700, 80.649200
{"notes":"Cave temple complex; wear appropriate footwear; respect religious site; remove shoes; photography allowed; climb to caves required.","restrooms":"Available at visitor facilities.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to steps and cave access."}
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Morning (7:00-10:00 AM) for best lighting and fewer crowds; evening (5:00-7:00 PM) for sunset views; dry season (December-April) for comfortable weather.
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Respect religious site; remove shoes before entering caves; maintain silence; follow designated pathways; photography allowed; modest clothing required.
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Yes
Yes
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2025-11-09T09:47:34.139008+00:00
2025-11-09T09:47:34.139008+00:00
Ancient Period
Central Province
Buddhist Cave Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Iconographic and Artistic Influences
UNESCO Site
Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Sri Lanka is a historic Cave Temple located in Central Province, Sri Lanka. This Buddhist Cave Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Iconographic and Artistic Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Ancient Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Sri Lanka. Dambulla Cave Temple, dramatically carved into a massive granite rock formation rising 160 meters above the surrounding plains in central Sri Lanka, represents one of the most extraordinary and archae...
| RsEntry Fee | Sri Lankan nationals: LKR 50; Foreigners: LKR 1,500; Children: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Sri Lanka. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Sri Lanka is located in Dambulla Cave Temple, Dambulla, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka, Central Province. The nearest major city is Dambulla Cave Temple. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 7.8567, 80.6492.
Entry fee: Sri Lankan nationals: LKR 50; Foreigners: LKR 1,500; Children: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Sri Lanka. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Sri Lanka by King Valagamba
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO World Heritage Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation