Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Historical Site Complex of cave temples with ancient Buddhist murals
On a rock outcrop near Dambulla, five caves hold over 150 Buddha statues and extensive painted murals; the site is UNESCO-listed. Visitors come for the ancient cave art, carved reliefs and the short climb that opens views over the central plains.
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a rock-cut Buddhist temple complex in central Sri Lanka notable for its cave shrines filled with statues and wall paintings. The complex occupies a low granite outcrop and is one of the island’s major temple sites.
The caves were converted to religious use in antiquity and are associated with royal patronage from the early centuries of the common era, with successive kings and local patrons maintaining and decorating the site over many centuries. The complex has remained an active temple and pilgrimage site.
The temple sits on a rocky hill above the town of Dambulla in central Sri Lanka, visible from the surrounding plains and reached by a short climb from the base of the hill.
- Also known as: The complex is commonly called Dambulla Cave Temple or Rangiri Dambulla and is one of the island's best-preserved rock-temple sites.
What to See #
- The five caves: A sequence of five rock caves arranged along a raised ridge, each containing interior chambers with seated, standing and reclining Buddha images and painted ceilings.
How to Get to Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple #
Dambulla is well-connected by road on the A9 and A6 highways; it lies roughly 70 km north of Kandy and 150 km from Colombo. Regular buses and tourist shuttles serve Dambulla town, from where the cave temple is a short taxi ride or a 1-2 km uphill walk.
Tips for Visiting Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple #
- Wear good shoes - the cave floors can be uneven and steps are steep in places.
- Arrive early to avoid the busiest hours and to see the main caves before large coach groups arrive.
- Bring a respectful silence - the caves are active religious sites and photography rules apply in inner sanctums.
Best Time to Visit Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple #
Best visited in the dry season for easier access and clearer conditions inside the cave complex.
Weather & Climate near Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple #
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1618 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The driest month with just 18 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (273 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (297 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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