Sri Lanka is home to a myriad of religious and historical attractions, and Dambulla Cave Temple is one; the UNESCO World Heritage Site placed Sri Lanka on the list of historically important destinations.
Location
The temple is located in the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, and getting here from Colombo involves a scenic journey. From December to April, Dambulla hotels are usually occupied with historically-minded tourists, which is no surprise as hotels like Amaya Lake are only 15 minutes from the temple.
The layout
Built at the foot of a massive rock, the five caves of the temple complex are awe-inspiring. The moderate slope provides access to the caves while revealing the beautiful north-central plateau of Sri Lanka.
Contents
All five caves contain articles of Sri Lanka’s religious history, making the site an embodiment of ancient art and sculpture. The large collection of Buddha statues and the heap of paintings are the key highlights of the temple. Included in the statue collection are three statues of kings and four statues of Hindu deities as well.
Preservation
Dambulla Cave Temple is among the best protected historical sites in the country. The temple is under the administration of Asgiriya Buddhist monks, and no modifications to the property can be made without their permission. Also, Sri Lanka’s Department of Archaeology takes great pain in conserving these paintings and statues that speak of Sri Lanka’s ancient past.
