Attraction

Dambulla Cave Temple

There are many attractions in the city of Dambulla. Things to do include a tour to the famous Sigiriya rock or a safari at Minneriya. Conversely, you could travel to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and explore the rich histories hidden within.

The temple is made up of five main caves that are linked together and a shrine room. The first cave is known as the Cave of the Divine King. Its most prominent feature is a 14m reclining Buddha statue that’s been carved into the ancient rock. A carving of the god Vishnu, whose divine power is said to have created these caves lies at the head of the statue, while the likeness of Buddha’s helper, Ananda, lies near the feet.

The largest cave in the temple is called the Cave of the Great Kings. Inside there are numerous statues of Buddha as well as those of the gods’ Saman and Vishnu. Additionally, as the name suggests, it has carvings of some of the island’s most prominent rulers, including King Nissanka Malla and King Vattagamini.

The third cave houses the great monastery which contains an array of different Buddha statues placed all around the cave’s borders. It also has a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasingha, a Kandyan King who restored the cave by adding ceiling and wall paintings.

Compared to the three main caves, the fourth and fifth caves are much smaller and do not have as many carvings or displays. There is however a small shrine to the God Vishnu in-between the two caves which draws in a regular stream of worshipers.

From Colombo
160.1 Km
Time Duration
3 hr 42 min
Entrance Ticket
No

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