Dambulla Royal Golden Cave Temple

Towering 160 meters above the surrounding plains, the Royal Rock Temple of Dambulla is the largest and most intact cave monastery in South Asia and an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dating back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba sought refuge here from invading armies, the monastery comprises five distinct cave sanctuaries carved under an immense overhanging granite cliff. Inside, over 150 serene statues of the Buddha, Hindu deities, and ancient kings sit beneath ceilings adorned with 2,100 square meters of vibrant religious murals.

The climb up the sloping stone mountain passes troupes of playful monkeys and rewards travelers with sweeping panoramic vistas across the cultural plains towards the dramatic silhouette of Sigiriya Rock.