Dambulla Golden Cave Temple

The Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, also known as the Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

Over the centuries, successive kings and rulers have contributed to the embellishment and maintenance of the temple complex, making it a cultural and religious treasure trove. Today, the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple remains a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich heritage and artistic legacy.