Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple

The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple is a fascinating historic and religious site worth visiting. Be prepared for a climb — there are over 300 steps to reach the top, and it can get busy with tourists, so an early visit is ideal. As this is a sacred Buddhist site, a modest dress code is enforced: legs must be covered below the knee, and no bare shoulders are allowed. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. Inside the caves, the statues and wall paintings are remarkably well preserved, showcasing centuries of artistry and devotion. While the majority of the site is dedicated to Buddhist figures, you will also spot a few statues of Hindu gods, adding a unique cultural touch. The Golden Temple at the base is equally striking, with its massive seated Buddha statue welcoming visitors. Overall, it’s a place of spiritual significance, rich history, and stunning craftsmanship — a must-see when in the region.

Beautiful cave temple, it’s well preserved. During our visit, restaurateurs were working on the conservation of the mural paintings. It’s definitely worth visiting, but it’s crowded with tourists. It also have nice views on the landscape from the rock nearby the temple. Unfortunately, nobody cleans the garbage on the rock which spoils beautiful outlook.

A must visit place in the central Sri Lankan region, offers a great learning of life Buddha ji. Dambulla Cave Temple climb is on an easy to moderate level, but the cave is so beautiful that you wouldn’t want to miss it.

A must visit place👍 We had to climb up 365 steps - there were monkeys on the way. The view was really amazing. There are altogether 5 caves with Buddha statues. There’s a small temple near the first cave.

Right off the bat, you have 2 ways in . The first is the accepted 'front entrance' by the giant golden buddha. Wide stairs with views obscured mostly by jungle and many monkeys on patrol here. Youll come across the odd gift seller. The second is on the other side . narrow staircase , adorned with flags , has lovely views of the countryside as you ascend . Doesnt seem as busy as the other entrance. The odd flower seller here and there. This was the entrance I used. The price when i visited was 2000LKR each. Considering what i paid for the lotus tower in colombo and the insanely high price of the stupas in Anuradhapura . This was a bargain. As per standard temple rules, dress modestly and remove your shoes. The people in charge of taking your shoes and looking after them do so for 'free' . Its your discretion if you would like to tip them. Now for the caves. What can i say, beautiful . You can really feel the aura of this place. There are many intricate paintings and dozens of buddha statues inside the several caves. Very serene and peaceful the further down you explore. This was one of my favourite places in srilanka . Its definitely worth seeing if you are in town.

Must visit place in Dambulla. I really recommend this place for visit. The entry ticket is 2000/- LKR. While going to this temple is having more steps and nice views. You’ll enjoy it. Buddha statue in rock. Below golden temple is there and museum as well for that also separate entry tickets.

A timeless spiritual and cultural treasure! The Dambulla Cave Temple is truly a breathtaking place to visit. The series of beautifully preserved caves filled with ancient Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings are awe-inspiring. The atmosphere is peaceful and sacred, and the views from the top are stunning — you can see lush greenery for miles. It’s a bit of a climb, but absolutely worth it. Make sure to wear respectful clothing and remove your shoes before entering the temple. A must-visit if you’re in Sri Lanka and appreciate history, spirituality, and incredible craftsmanship. 📸 Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the best light for photos!

An amazing series of cave temples at the top of a hill. You can buy lotus flowers as offerings to Buddha on the way up. Buy your tickets at the bottom (20 steps up). Remove your shoes and there is a service to look after them whilst you’re inside. Dress appropriately (knees and shoulders covered). She me locals give you a tour in English for donations at the end of the tour. It’s very informative and we learnt a lot about Buddhism as well as this sacred place.