Dambulla’s well preserved reclining buddhas and stunning murals are some of the best examples of the island’s rich ancient religious art.
The ancient cave-temple complex was founded in the 1st century BC, and has been a pilgrimage site ever since. Out of over 80 caves in the complex, five dimply-lit atmospheric caves hold a breath-taking array of murals and Buddhist statuary, and these are the main historic and tourist focus. Some murals are over 2,000 years old, and the 14 meter long recumbent Buddha is an impressive sight to behold.
As an active religious site, you may see Buddhist pilgrims worshipping, or yellow-robed monks, adding to the peaceful ambience.
