Sri Lanka has her fair share of ancient heritage sites, especially in regards to Buddhism. One of the most remarkable of these sites is the Dambulla Cave Temple, making it an essential experience.
History
This network of cave temples is the largest in Sri Lanka and dates back to the first century BC. There are a total of five caves which were built under an overhanging rock. The ceilings contain intricate images that follow the contours of the rocks. If you’re staying at a Kandalama hotel in Dambulla such as the likes of Amaya Signature, be sure to visit this place.
Cave of the Divine King
This is the first cave, and features a towering statue of Lord Buddha measuring 14 meters high. At its foot you can find Ananda, Buddha’s favourite pupil, and at his head you can glimpse the Hindu deity Vishnu, who supposedly helped built the cave temples.
Cave of the Great Kings
This is the largest of the caves and contains 56 statues of the Buddha, with 40 in a seated posture. You can also find depictions of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and the Sri Lankan deity Saman. There’s also a statue of King Nissanka Malla, who gilded 50 temple statues in the 12th century.
The Great New Monastery
This was likely built during the reign of King Rajasinha of Kandy, sometime in the mid to late 1700s. It contains a further fifty statues of Lord Buddha, along with a depiction of the king.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
