Dambulla
Dambulla is famed for its opulently painted and highly decorated cave temples that date from the culmination of King Valagambahu's fourteen-year exile in the First Century BC. When he returned to the throne of Anuradhapura he had temples constructed within the caves at Dambulla in which he had taken refuge, in gratitude for the hiding place that the rock had offered him. Original murals and carvings illustrate Mahayana influences on Buddhism at the time, while succeeding kings over the centuries carried out further restorations, re-modelling and additions.
Prepare to be amazed at how this unique temple complex has been preserved while you will surely be astounded by just how many murals and carvings can still be clearly seen. Of these five dimly lit magical grottoes, Cave Two or Maharaja Vihara ("Temple of the Great Kings") is the most beautiful, and is the biggest by far. It contains in its cool hall-like dimensions more than 1,500 paintings of the Buddha and a magnificent 150 statues.
The caves are a steep ten-minute walk halfway up a gigantic granite outcrop that towers 160m above the dry plains below. Climb slowly and appreciate the surroundings because if you do it too quickly, it will leave you puffing for breath! From the terrace, the panoramic view of the tanks, jungle and even Sigiriya 19km away is breathtaking. The caves been repaired and repainted quite a few times over the years and Dambulla was designated a World Heritage Site in 1991.
Dambulla is famed for its opulently painted and highly decorated cave temples that date from the culmination of King Valagambahu's fourteen-year exile in the First Century BC. When he returned to the throne of Anuradhapura he had temples constructed within the caves at Dambulla in which he had taken refuge, in gratitude for the hiding place that the rock had offered him. Original murals and carvings illustrate Mahayana influences on Buddhism at the time, while succeeding kings over the centuries carried out further restorations, re-modelling and additions.
Prepare to be amazed at how this unique temple complex has been preserved while you will surely be astounded by just how many murals and carvings can still be clearly seen. Of these five dimly lit magical grottoes, Cave Two or Maharaja Vihara ("Temple of the Great Kings") is the most beautiful, and is the biggest by far. It contains in its cool hall-like dimensions more than 1,500 paintings of the Buddha and a magnificent 150 statues.
The caves are a steep ten-minute walk halfway up a gigantic granite outcrop that towers 160m above the dry plains below. Climb slowly and appreciate the surroundings because if you do it too quickly, it will leave you puffing for breath! From the terrace, the panoramic view of the tanks, jungle and even Sigiriya 19km away is breathtaking. The caves been repaired and repainted quite a few times over the years and Dambulla was designated a World Heritage Site in 1991.
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