The Dambulla Cave Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary that has been in use for more than 2,000 years. Five caves beneath a huge granite outcrop are filled with more than 150 Buddha statues and painted from floor to ceiling, and the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The caves are reached by a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes up the rock. As at all temples in Sri Lanka, cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and hat before going in.
Allow one to two hours. Dambulla is easy to combine with Sigiriya, about 30 minutes away. Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat on the rock.
Every tour can be tailored — combine it with other destinations, add nights or change the pace.
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Climb the Sigiriya rock fortress, explore the carved sanctuaries of Polonnaruwa and pay respects at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth on a 4-day journey through Sri Lanka's UNESCO heartland.
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