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The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a Sri Lankan Buddhist cave temple located in the central part of the island. Built in the 1st century BC, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most impressive of Sri Lanka's ancient cave temples and consists of five Buddhist temples.
There are 157 statues hidden beneath the rock, the largest of which is 145 meters wide and carved out of the rock. Inside the temple, there are 2,000 square meters of murals, which were painted with tree sap and remain as vivid as ever despite the passage of time.
It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. It has great religious and artistic value and showcases the charm of Buddhist art.
Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate and is summer-like all year round. September to October is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka as it is the dry season and suitable for travel.
1-2 hours
1500Rs/person, buy tickets on the left side of the museum at the foot of the mountain, and check tickets on the mountain.
07:30-18:00
The Dambulla Golden Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a significant Buddhist temple complex in Sri Lanka, famous for its extensive cave temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years. The temple complex is famous for its beautifully preserved murals and statues of the Buddha, making it one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka.
The Dambulla Golden Temple is located in the central part of Sri Lanka, in the town of Dambulla. The most common ways to get there are by taxi, bus, or private vehicle. Dambulla is easily accessible from other major cities in Sri Lanka, such as Kandy and Colombo. From the Dambulla town center, it is a short walk to the temple complex.
The Dambulla Golden Temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds. Early mornings also offer the opportunity to witness religious ceremonies.
The entrance fee for foreign visitors is around 1500 LKR, while Sri Lankan citizens pay a reduced fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance, and there is no need to book tickets online in advance.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for visiting the Dambulla Golden Temple. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit.
To fully explore the Dambulla Golden Temple, including the caves and surrounding areas, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time to appreciate the murals, statues, and panoramic views from the top of the temple complex.
Guided tours are available at the Dambulla Golden Temple, and guides typically speak English. Audio guides may also be available for self-guided tours, offering insights into the history and significance of the temple complex.
The best photography spot is at the top of the temple complex, where you can capture sweeping views of the surrounding area. Inside the caves, the golden Buddha statues and the intricate murals provide excellent opportunities for photography.
Start by visiting the Golden Buddha statue at the entrance, then proceed to explore the five cave temples. Take your time to admire the murals and statues, and finish your visit by climbing to the top of the temple complex for panoramic views of Dambulla and the surrounding countryside.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Dambulla Golden Temple. However, visiting the temple at sunset can provide a more peaceful and serene experience, as well as beautiful views of the landscape.
The Dambulla Golden Temple can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays.
The temple complex involves climbing some steps to reach the caves and top viewpoints, which might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is not fully wheelchair accessible, but children and elderly visitors can still visit the temple with assistance.
Cash is required for purchasing tickets and souvenirs. Credit cards or mobile payments are not widely accepted at the temple, so it’s best to carry local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) for transactions.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan food options are available at local restaurants and cafes near the temple. Halal food options can also be found in some of the nearby establishments.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the temple selling items such as Buddha statues, religious artifacts, handmade crafts, and traditional Sri Lankan textiles.
