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If you can only visit one temple in Sri Lanka, make it the Dambulla Cave Temple (excluding Sigiriya, of course). The temple consists of 5 caves that have been transformed into a place of worship since the first century B.C., with the most intricate murals covering the walls and ceiling along with hundreds of Buddha statues. Here is some information to help you on your visit and on its rich history as well!’
> More Sri Lanka tips here. You might also want to visit Habarana with Dambulla Cave Temple
Table of Contents
Essential Information on Dambulla Roya Cave Temple
It’s important to note that the temple is a place of worship for many, and as visitors we should respect the rules set in place in the temple:
- Cover shoulders and knees – as a Buddhist temple, modesty is required and both men and women should have their shoulders and knees covered when entering the temple
- Shoes off – you are required to take your shoes off as well before entering the temple grounds. There is a place to leave your shoes, and generally a small tip is given to the people there when you leave. If you are there with a tour, your tour guide would likely take care of it. Socks are okay so do wear a pair if you want to avoid being barefoot.
- No flash photography – you can take photos and videos on your visit, but do not use flash
- No photos with your back to the Buddha statues – in fact, it’s safest to avoid taking photos with the statues inside the cave if possible.
- Expect a short hike up – It’s on a hill and you will have to hike up on some slopes and stairs. It’s hot so bring water and something to shield you from the sun.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka and was introduced in the 3rd century BC from India by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India.
The Buddhism practiced is Theravada, which empahsis the original teaching of Buddha and Pali Canon,
Historical Background
- Introduction: Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. The first major Buddhist kingdom was established under King Devanampiya Tissa.
- Spread and Development: Over the centuries, Buddhism flourished, leading to the construction of significant temples, monasteries, and stupas, like the famous Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa sites.
Major Schools and Practices
- Theravada Buddhism: The predominant form practiced in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the original teachings of the Buddha and the Pali Canon. Monastic life is highly respected, and meditation plays a crucial role.
- Veneration of Relics: Sri Lankans hold relics of the Buddha, such as the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, in great reverence, often seen as a symbol of sovereignty and spiritual authority.
Cultural Integration
- Festivals: Major Buddhist festivals like Vesak (celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death) are widely observed, featuring decorations, processions, and acts of charity.
- Art and Architecture: Buddhist influences are visible in Sri Lankan art, architecture, and literature, with numerous cave temples, statues, and murals reflecting Buddhist themes.
Contemporary Buddhism
- Social Influence: Buddhism plays a significant role in daily life, influencing ethics, social norms, and even politics. Monks often engage in social issues and community development.
- Challenges: In recent decades, Buddhism has faced challenges, including ethnic tensions and the rise of nationalism. However, many continue to promote peace and reconciliation through Buddhist teachings.
New and old parts of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is the old temple with the caves up in the hill, and the Golden Temple refers to the new part by the road at the foot of the hill characterised by the big golden Buddha statue.
Depending on your tour, you might only visit the Cave Temple and not the Golden Temple. Our tour guide pointed the Golden Temple to us as we passed, but we did not stop to see it, as it was under partial renovation as well.
How to get to Dambulla Cave Temple
If you are visiting Dambulla Cave Temple, you are most likely to be staying in Habarana or Sigiriya which is only 20-30 minutes away by car. Or you are slightly further away in Kandy.
Your options generally involve a private car or joining a day trip that includes a visit there. If you are in Dambulla or Habarana, it’s possible to hire a tuktuk as well. I personally recommend joining a day trip to have a fuss-free experience.
Colombo to Dambulla Cave Temple
Distance: ~150 km
Time: 4-5 hours.
Tour: This is a relatively long day trip option that would also go to Sigiriya with a safari to Minneriya.
Habarana to Dambulla Cave Temple
Distance: ~15 km
It’s a less than 30 minute drive to Dambulla Cave Temple!
Kandy to Dambulla Cave Temple
Distance: ~80 km
Time: 3-4 hours
This tour can pick you up at Colombo or Kandy for Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, and a safari as well.
History of Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
The Dambulla caves are naturally formed in the granite batholith that forms the hill and there is evidence to show that cave people lived here and practice cremation.
2200 years ago, the king donated the cave to the Buddhist monks who started to transform the caves into a place of worship. It became the largest cave temple in South Asia and declare a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
There are a total of 161 Buddha statues spread across the 5 caves,
The first cave: Devaraja Lena
The first cave is also known as the Cave of the Divine King or Temple of King of the Gods. It is the oldest cave to be transformed into a place of worship.
It’s dominated by a reclining Buddha statue 14m in length with a side room, and the murals are still vivid thanks to the repaint over thousands of years.
The second cave: Cave of the Great Kings
The second cave is the largest cave with 16 standing and 40 seated statues of Buddha. There is a mix of styles with the original (Polonnaruwa) and Kandian (17th century) murals.
You can also find the statues of King Vattagamani Abhaya and King Nissanka Malla in the cave. The former visited during his reign in the 1st century, while the latter gilded 50 statues. Hence the name of the cave.
The third cave: the Maha Alut Vihara
The third cave is called the “Great New Monastery”, which is in Kandy style (18th century). There are 50 Buddha statues, including the statue of a king in Dutch influenced clothes.
This was my favourite cave with the intricately painted reclining Buddha statue to the left as you enter and overall the proportion and the statues together made for a most gorgeous feast to the eyes.
The fourth cave: Pachima Viharaya
Cave 4 is also called the Western Temple, and it is similar to the third cave but smaller, most notable with a pagoda inside it.
The fifth cave: Devana Aluth Viharaya
The fifth cave is similar to the first with a towering reclining statue of Buddha surrounded by Buddha statues in other poses. Thus the name Devana Aluth Viharaya means second new temple.
The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is downhill from the cave temple and also called Golden Buddha due to the 100 feet tall Golden Buddha statue, viewable from the side of the road.
It was built during at the turn of the 21st century and you can go for a visit providing you have time to do so from your tour. Same dress code applies.
