Explore Dambulla and the Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka’s Culture

One of the most culturally important landmarks in Sri Lanka can be found in the heart of the cultural triangle in the city of Dambulla. The cultural triangle includes the historically rich kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Pollonnaruwa, and Kandy, where Dambulla is situated in its heart. There are many sights to see when you explore Dambulla and its hidden gems! Read on what you can expect when you take a tour to explore Dambulla with Transco Travels.

One of the best-hidden gems of Sri Lanka’s culture are the golden cave temples of Dambulla. Known to the locals as the “Ran Giri Dambulu Viharaya” (/ran-geeree dha-m-bu-lu vee-haa-ra-ya/) or “Dambululy Len Viharaya” (/dha-m-bu-lu lɛn vee-haa-ra-ya/), is one of the many World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. It’s one of the most historically preserved and complex cave systems in Sri Lanka with over eighty documented caves within the towering rock that is 160 meters high. Out of those eighty caves, there are five of them that are the most famous for its contents, known as the Five Golden Caves. But before we talk about these five caves, we must go back to the history of the caves.

The rock caves dates as far back as 1BCE, and was one of the most important monasteries in the land. The monks of the rock monastery were instrumental in offering refuge to King Valagamba of the Anuradhapura kingdom in 1BC during the 15 years of rule by the South Indian usurpers. It was King Valagamba who converted the rock caves into a temple with more comfortable settings as a mark of his gratitude once he regained his throne. Many kings thereafter have followed in his footsteps paying homage and adding their own brand of worship to the rock temple. One such addition by King Nissankamalla of Polonnaruwa in 11^th century, who not only gilded the caves in gold but also added over seventy Buddha statues too. Apart from the statues, you will also find many beautiful and intricate designs and patterns painted all over the caves, including religious images of Lord Buddha and Bodhissatvas (enlightened practitioners), gods and goddesses too.

When you explore Dambulla, a visit to the five golden caves are a must visit. They include Cave I (Devaraja Viharaya/Cave of the Divine King), Cave II (Maharaja Viharaya/ Cave of the Great Kings), Cave III (Maha Aluth Viharaya/Great New Monastery), Cave IV (Paschima Viharaya/ Western Temple), and Cave V (Devana Aluth Viharaya/ Second New Temple).