Dambulla, Sri Lanka: travel guide
A cave temple of painted Buddhas in the heart of the Cultural Triangle
A Cultural Triangle town centred on the 2,000-year-old Dambulla Royal Cave Temple complex, with the Golden Temple below and easy access to Kaudulla and Minneriya elephant safaris.
About Dambulla
Dambulla is a market town in the Cultural Triangle, best known for its Royal Cave Temple, a series of caves in a vast rock outcrop that hold painted ceilings and many Buddha statues. The sanctuary has been in use for around two thousand years.
Below the rock, the Golden Temple gives a bold entrance, while the town itself has a large wholesale vegetable market. Dambulla is also a base for visiting Sigiriya and for elephant safaris at Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks, which are within reach by jeep.
It suits travellers building a Cultural Triangle itinerary. The climb to the caves is best done in the morning, and the drier months from May to September are most comfortable.
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Currency
- LKR
- Time zone
- Asia/Colombo
Last updated
Top places to visit in Dambulla
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
cave-temple · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Golden Temple of Dambulla — five caves beneath a rock overhang holding 153 Buddha statues and 2,100 sq m of murals, painted over two millennia. UNESCO World Heritage.
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Modern temple complex at the base of the rock topped by a giant seated golden Buddha statue, includes a Buddhist museum.
Dambulla Economic Centre (Wholesale Vegetable Market)
Market · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Sri Lanka's largest wholesale produce markets, a chaotic, colourful early-morning trading hub.
Things to do
- Dambulla Cave Temple Guided Tour Heritage · 1.5 h · from LKR 3,000 per person
- Pidurangala Rock Sunrise Hike Activity · 2.5 h · from LKR 2,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Dambulla Cave Temple & Pidurangala Rock Day Tour 7 h · from LKR 6,500
Where to stay in Dambulla
- Dambulla Town Centre
Central, close to the cave temple and the vegetable market/economic centre.
- Kandalama / Habarana road
Boutique and luxury resorts set among tanks and jungle, further from town but scenic.
Hotels
- Jetwing Lake
- Gimanhala Transit Hotel
- Heritance Kandalama
Where to eat
- Rithu Restaurant sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 640 per person
- Machang Dambulla sri_lankan, international · about LKR 2,000 per person
Getting to Dambulla
Nearest airport: Colombo (CMB), about 113 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Tuktuk
- Walking
More in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions about Dambulla
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Dambulla?
- The highest-rated places in our Dambulla guide are Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Dambulla Economic Centre (Wholesale Vegetable Market).
- Where should I stay in Dambulla?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Dambulla: Dambulla Town Centre, Kandalama / Habarana road.
- How do I get around Dambulla?
- Ways to get around Dambulla covered in our guide: Car with driver, Tuk-tuk, Walking.