The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, located in the central part of the island, 148 kilometres east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy, has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991. kilometres north of Kandy, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. This still-active monastery attracts many pilgrims from different countries.
It is the largest and best preserved cave complex of temples in Sri Lanka. It rises 160 metres above the surrounding plain. In the vicinity There are more than 80 caves, but the 5 that attract the most tourists are the 5 that contain statues and paintings. which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and sculptures relate to the Buddha and his life.
The prehistoric population of the island lived in these caves even before the arrival of before Buddhism came to Sri Lanka. This is evidenced by burials with human skeletons that are over 2,700 years old.
The cave temple dates back to the 1st century B.C. It consists of five caves under a huge overhanging rock. huge overhanging rock, with drip lines carved out to keep the interior to keep the interior dry. In 1938, the complex was decorated with arched colonnades and pediments. Inside the cave, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images to match the contours of the rock. There are images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. as well as various gods and goddesses.
The Dambulla Cave Monastery is still functioning and remains the most well-preserved ancient buildings in Sri Lanka.
