THE REVITALISE COLLECTION - OUR NEW BROCHURE IS READY | DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE

Experience Travel Group
1-888-577-8452 020 7924 7133
Call

Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle

Experience Travel Group
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost
    • Financial protection
    • Trip planning process
    • Common questions
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Which type of holiday is right for me?
    • Country guide downloads
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Family Travel
    • The magic of travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
        Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
        Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • Info
  • Comments
  • Holidays
  • Map

Dating back to the 1st century BC, the cave temple at Dambulla is one of the most impressive in Asia. Consisting of five caves overhung by a vast rock towering 160metres over the surrounding plains, the temple was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances in 1938 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Each of the five caves at Dambulla house ancient statues of the Buddha and historic artwork depicting the Buddhas life. The grounds surrounding the cave temple also feature a functioning Buddhist Monastery which dates back to the second and third centuries BC.

Whilst all five of the Dambulla Cave Temples are worth exploring, three really stand out. These are the Cave of the Divine King (home to a carved rock Buddha statue reaching 14 metres high), the Cave of the Great Kings (home to 56 statues of the Buddha), and the Great New Monastery (contains 50 statues of the Buddha as well as a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha, the reigning King at the time of the painting of the walls and ceiling).

Spend a couple of hours wandering around the cave temple immersing yourself in Sri Lankan history.

A fascinating place, with the odd Buddha or two (hundred)!

Gary, September 2012

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.

Boutique Sri Lanka

Boutique Sri Lanka

Our flagship itinerary for curious first-timers. An alternative perspective on Sri Lanka with characterful boutique hotels.

Classic Family Sri Lanka

Classic Family Sri Lanka

Travel at a relaxed pace enjoying safaris, making connections, having fun and that all-important relaxing beach time.

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Our trademark authentic experiences and boutique accommodation in Sri Lanka combined with a different take on The Maldives.

Family Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Family Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife, countryside and culture combined with a unique local island adventure and a resort holiday in The Maldives.

Luxury Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday

Luxury Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday

Luxurious holiday with the best hotels in Sri Lanka and The Maldives and with our exclusive ETG experiences.

Luxury Winter Wedding

Luxury Winter Wedding

Escape winter and wedding hassle: go to Sri Lanka for our Luxury Winter Wedding!

Luxury with a Touch of Adventure

Luxury with a Touch of Adventure

A full immersion in Sri Lanka culture and some exceptional, characterful & luxurious hotels.

Sri Lanka and the work of Geoffrey Bawa

Sri Lanka and the work of Geoffrey Bawa

This holiday takes in Sri Lanka's varied highlights with a focus on the work of its most famous architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Sri Lanka In Depth With The Maldives

Sri Lanka In Depth With The Maldives

Three-week holiday taking in the local culture, nature, wildlife and of Sri Lanka with five blissful days in The Maldives.

The History & Culture of Sri Lanka

The History & Culture of Sri Lanka

An in-depth journey through Sri Lanka's fascinating history, culture and scenic landscapes.

Map centered on Dambulla Cave Temples. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

Start your journey

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

The ETG Newsletter

Your fantastic fortnightly round-up of everything new and newsworthy in travel. Expect the latest experiences, hotels and advice from our travel experts - not to mention exclusive special offers

Sign up Here

Sri Lanka Travel Blog

Get in Touch
How it works
  • Why Choose Us?
  • Trip Planning Process
  • Common Questions
  • How Much Does it Cost?
  • My Booking
About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • Our Press
  • Contact
  • Jobs
Useful
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Website T&C's of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Belgrade Office
  • Hotel Collection
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
  • Site Search
  • Covid-19
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost
    • Financial protection
    • Trip planning process
    • Common questions
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Which type of holiday is right for me?
    • Country guide downloads
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Family Travel
    • The magic of travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
  • Contact Us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Blog