Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is located in the central part of in Sri Lanka. The site is located 148 kilometers (92 mi) east of Colombo and 72 kilometers (45 mi) north of Kandy. This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, and declared as world heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
More than eighty caves have been discovered and documented in the area. Major attractions are spread over five caves which contain statues and paintings of Lord Buddha and his life. A total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses also stand in the site. The murals found there cover an area of 2,100 square meters (22604 sq ft). The statues and art found within the cave truly highlight the artistic abilities of those living in the past. It is well persevered and a walk through the caves will prove to be both insightful and a very memorable experience.
