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Glam Journal

How many steps are there in Dambulla Cave Temple?

Author

Matthew Perez

Updated on March 03, 2026

How many steps are there in Dambulla Cave Temple?

364 steps
There are 364 steps in the Dambulla cave.

Is Dambulla worth visiting?

Tucked in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the humble town of Dambulla is a treasure trove of historical monuments that are definitely worth a visit. Of all the places to visit in Dambulla, the amazing Dambulla cave temple complex must be first on your list.

In which island country would you find the Dambulla Cave Temple?

Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains….Dambulla cave temple.

UNESCO World Heritage Site
LocationDambulla, Matale District, Sri Lanka
Reference561
Inscription1991 (15th Session)
Coordinates7°51′24″N 80°38′57″ECoordinates: 7°51′24″N 80°38′57″E

Who built Dambulla Cave Temple?

King Valagamba
When King Valagamba returned to the throne at Anuradapura kingdom in the 1st century BC, he had a magnificent rock temple built at Dambulla in gratitude to the monks in Dambulla.

How old is Dambulla Temple?

The Buddhist temple complex of Dambulla consists of five cave temples carved under a very large overhanging rock. The temples were carved out over several centuries, but the oldest dates back to the 1st century B.C.E.

Who was the last ruler in Anuradhapura Kingdom?

Mahinda V
By the time of Mahinda V (982–1017), the last king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, the rule of the king had become so weak that he could not even properly organize the collection of taxes.

Why is Dambulla famous?

About dambulla Located in the Matale District, Central Province, Dambulla is famous because it houses the Dambulla Cave Temple – the largest, best-preserved, cave-temple complex in the country. Also known as Golden Rock Temple, this World Heritage Site comprises of a cave monastery and five sanctuaries.

What is special in Dambulla?

Dambulla is famous for being the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. The place is also famous for Dambulla International Stadium that was built in a record time of 167 days. You will also find plenty of beautiful places to visit in Dambulla.

Why is the Dambulla Cave Temple important?

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.

Who was the king of Dambulla?

In 1st century BC, King Valagamba used the caves for refuge during his 14-year exile from the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Buddhist monks who meditated in the caves of Dambulla provided the king protection from his many enemies – a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.

Who is King Pandukabhaya?

Pandukabhaya (474 BC – 367 BC) was King of Upatissa Nuwara and the first monarch of the Anuradhapura Kingdom and 6th over all of the island of Sri Lanka since the arrival of the Vijaya; he reigned from 437 BC to 367 BC.

What is the first kingdom in Sri Lanka?

Kingdom of Anuradhapura
Kingdom of Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa was named as The Anuradhapura Kingdom (Sinhala: අනුරාධපුර රාජධානිය, translit: Anurādhapura Rājadhāniya, Tamil: அனுராதபுர இராச்சியம்), named for its capital city, was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka and Sinhalese people.

How many caves are there in Dambulla?

Dambulla cave temple. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings.

Why visit the Dambulla cave temple in Sri Lanka?

About 17km away from Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple holds much cultural and historical significance to Sri Lankans. The temple is one of the best-preserved cave temples of many in Sri Lanka, and so, is certainly the place to go for a clear glimpse at Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist history.

What is the name of the Golden Temple of Dambulla?

Dambulla cave temple (Sinhalese: Dam̆būlū Len Vihāraya, Tamil Tampuḷḷai Poṟkōvil) also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country.

How big is the golden Buddha statue in Dambulla?

The Golden Buddha statue, Dambulla golden temple, just downhill from the Cave temple. Within these shrine rooms is representative of many epochs of Sinhala sculpture and Sinhala art. The Buddha statues are in varying sizes and attitudes – the largest is 15 meters long.