Dambulla

Administrative Information

• Province: Central Province

• District: Matale District

• Administrative Type: Municipal Council / Divisional Secretariat

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes (The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple was inscribed in 1991)

Geographic Information

• Coordinates: 7.8608 N, 80.6517 E

• Elevation: 160 meters (525 feet) above sea level

Main Attractions

• Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla): Five majestic, interconnected natural caves carved into a massive overhanging rock face, containing 153 Buddha statues and stunning ceiling frescoes depicting his life.

• The Golden Temple & Museum: Located at the base of the rock, featuring a colossal 100-foot-tall golden seated Buddha statue and a quirky, neon-lit museum entrance.

• Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs: An ancient burial site located nearby, dating back to the prehistoric Iron Age (around 700 to 400 BCE), offering a rare look into pre-Buddhist Sri Lanka.

• Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre: A massive, bustling commercial market where tons of fresh vegetables and fruits from all over the island are traded daily.

• Kandalama Lake: A serene, picturesque reservoir located a short drive away, famous for birdwatching, scenic boat rides, and the eco-luxury Heritance Kandalama hotel built into the cliffside.