Situated in the Matale district, this area boasts several major attractions, chief among them being the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Additionally, it serves as the central hub for vegetable distribution in the country. Notably, Dambulla features the South Asian region’s largest rose quartz mountain range and the intriguing Iron Forest, also known as Na Uyana.

The cave complex is a historical marvel, with statues and paintings dating back to the 1st century. However, these artistic wonders underwent reconstruction in the 11th, 12th, and 18th centuries. King Walagamba, ruler of Anuradhapura, dedicated 14 years to safeguarding this site. In gratitude upon returning to the throne, he transformed the magnificent rock into a temple, now known as the Golden Temple. This expansive cave complex stands as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and finest.

Comprising five major caves, the complex is adorned with numerous statues and paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Among the treasures are 153 statues of Buddha, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses. Covering an area of 2100m², the paintings narrate stories related to Lord Buddha.

The first cave, named “Devaraja Lena,” houses a 14-meter-long statue of Lord Buddha. The second cave is adorned with 16 standing Buddha statues, over 40 seated statues, and more. An additional highlight is the temple-maintained museum, providing visitors with a face-to-face encounter with historical artifacts. Ensure you do not miss the opportunity to explore this remarkable Golden Temple during your tour.