Dambulla

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1991. Located in the central Matale District at coordinates 7°51'24"N 80°38'57"E, this magnificent complex sits atop a 160-meter granite rock outcrop offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains including distant Sigiriya, 19 kilometers away. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE when forest-dwelling Buddhist monks first inhabited these natural caves, the site has been continuously developed for over 22 centuries, making it the largest and most important cave monastery in Sri Lanka. The temple complex gained historical significance when King Valagamba of Anuradhapura (Vattagamani Abhaya) sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years in the 1st century BCE. After reclaiming his throne, the grateful king converted the caves into a magnificent temple complex. Subsequent rulers, particularly King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century who gilded 50 statues, and the Kingdom of Kandy in the 18th century, added extensive renovations and artistic elements. The site contains five principal cave shrines with 157 Buddha statues ranging from small to the impressive 15-meter reclining Buddha, plus statues of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities. The remarkable mural paintings cover 2,100 square meters of walls and ceilings, depicting Buddhist stories from Mahamaya's dream to Buddha's temptation by demon Mara, alongside important historical events. This living monastery continues active Buddhist ritual practices and pilgrimage traditions spanning over two millennia, representing exceptional religious art and spiritual significance in South and Southeast Asia.