Dating back to the 1st C BC, these 5 cave temples have an interesting history. Ancient king Valagamba hid from invaders amongst the Buddhist monks for 15 years. He repaid them by having the caves carved larger by hand and even later subsequent kings added cave walls to this impressive sight. There are many Buddhist statues, intricate paintings, small stupas, impressive artifacts and much gold around. It is an impressive complex which has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. But be warned, watch your belongings. No, not from pickpockets, but from thieving monkeys that during our time there had snatched a snack from an unsuspecting tourist on the steep walk uphill to get to the Temple.

Paid entrance for tourists, you have to cover your legs and barefoot inside (it is mandatory) out of respect. Temples are surprising by their creation in stone directly, the small downside is that the purchase of tickets is not indicated everywhere we arrived at the top we all had to go down to look for tickets for sale opposite the main entrance .. One thing we could add is a little maintenance on the paintings and statues to keep the “Golden” side and that light of the blow that is missing Very nice work for the rest

I visited on New Year's Day. I was impressed to see the traditional ceremony, which was like visiting Ise Shrine on New Year's Day in Japan. The Buddha statues were so amazing that I think they were well preserved, and I just held my breath and fell in love with them.

A very large and beautiful golden Buddha as well as a golden stupa. There is also a museum of Buddhism here too. There is a large car park available just before, free to enter but 50LKR to leave. If you want to go to the cave temple then there are a lot of steps to the left of the Buddha that you need to go up. About half way up, as the terrain levels off, foreigners are directed to a ticket office. This is a good 5 minute walk away, out of the compound and down a road. Tickets are 2000LKR per person, you need to get one here or you won’t be allowed entry to the caves.

The temple is well worth a visit but we entered through the front ( Golden temple entrance) at 7am when the caves open and the ticket office was closed. This may have been because it was so early. We thought perhaps as it was early we could buy a ticket at the top. After climbing a lot of very steep steps ( we were sweating profusely as it was already hot) we got to the top entrance to be told we had to go back down to the ticket office which was off the main road ( think it said near the car parking area) nearly gave up but went and found said ticket office. Climbed the steps again and glad we did. Very ancient caves and well worth a visit. A guide joined us ( without asking) which we needed to pay for and we had to make a donation to store our shoes. Cost was 2000 lkr to get in and 2000lkr for the guide. ( he told us the price after giving the tour so if you don’t want it be firm!) but it was useful to understand the history. Don’t make the save mistake as us and ensure you have a ticket before you start climbing the stairs.

Absolutely worth seeing, beautiful temple complex! Visit either in the morning or late afternoon is recommended as it is very hot in Dambulla. Take good shoes and water with you. To visit the temple you have to take your shoes off and deposit them for a small amount of money! Great view from above!

A truly incredible site! We arrived at 8am and were among the first to get our tickets (currently 2000lkr). The walk up the stairs (kings way route) was shaded and not nearly as arduous as Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala Rock. About 10 - 15 minutes max even with a couple of photo stops. You wear your shoes up the stairs and leave them at the top just before you enter the temple area. My shorts (just below the knee) were fine. His shorts (just on the knee) were deemed insufficient and so he had to borrow a sarong. The caves are all immediately adjacent to each other. We started at 5 (the furthest) and worked back. Even for people with zero interest in religious art, the caves were just amazing. Walls and ceilings are painted, and in good condition and there are a large number of Buddha figures. Caves 3 and 2 are the most impressive (1 is the smallest). The lighting was well done and allowed for beautiful photographs. What really made the experience for us was the fact that we had the caves (very nearly) to ourselves. As we were leaving, the hordes were streaming in which would definitely detract. There were a few touts outside the gates (not inside). If you are not interested, a simple no, thank you suffices, they are no big deal.

This is an amazing temple with huge Golden Buddha and Stupa seen from far. The place is teeming with devotees. There is adequate parking space for tourist vehicles. There are also interesting statues of monks in line going to the temple which looks very attractive. There is a paid toilet facility here.

Brilliant visit to the golden temple to learn about the history of Buddhism. Bring socks as you must take off your shoes. Give the shoe man a tip too l, out tour guide suggested 100RS. You can take photos and make sure you’re wearing clothes that is below the knee, for men and women.

The ascent to the site is lined with beautiful trees The temples are still in very good condition and very impressive. There are 5 temple complexes depicting the life of Buddha Considering that the plant is already 2000 years old how well preserved it is Long trousers and covered shoulders are a must