Visible for miles in all directions this vast isolated rock mass which is 175 feet in height, stands high above the surrounding plain. This is known as the Dambulla rock and it is a magnificent pilgrim’s site. Located in central province in Sri Lanka about 148 km from Colombo. Dambulla is very popular for the most magnificent preserved cave temple complex which is known as the “Golden Rock Temple”.

There are more than 80 caves located here, five main caves hold the most magnificent paintings and statures of lord Buddha. The ceiling too is covered with frescoes in which depict great events on the life of load Buddha. There are about 153 statures of Lord Buddha and 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings.In one cave there is a image of god Vishnu (a god who is associated with Buddhism). In another cave there is a amazing spring. Drops of water coming from this spring never dries even in a long dry season or increase during the rainy season. To collect the water from the spring there is a large bowl kept.

It is said that this cave sheltered King Valagamba during his years of exile. Once he regained the throne he built this magnificent cave temple in 1st century BC.