Dambulla UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, located 148 km from Colombo. With over 2,200 years of history, it is the country’s best-preserved cave temple complex. Travelers can explore five main caves adorned with 153 Buddha statues, murals spanning 2,100 square meters, and depictions of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities like Vishnu and Ganesha, showcasing the site's cultural and religious harmony. Built in the 1st century BCE by King Valagamba, the temple is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and history. Visitors must climb a series of steps to reach the caves, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the base, the modern Golden Temple, with its striking golden Buddha statue, marks the entrance. Ideal for art lovers and spiritual seekers, it’s a highlight of Sri Lanka’s heritage.
