Dambulla

As the largest cave temple in the world, Dambulla Rock Cave is packed with ancient murals and artworks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves thousands of Buddhist paintings, murals, and carvings from the 2nd Century BC. The large caves sit atop a granite hill. Easily accessible from the Colombo–Anuradhapura road, Dambulla Rock Cave attracts many pilgrims. They come to view the magnificent murals, carvings, and Buddha statues in this 2000-year-old cave temple.

Visitors climb moderately to the top, passing lush dry zone forest. They see wood apple trees, flowers, and medicinal plants. Quiet Buddhist monks cultivate these plants while meditating. Most steps to the temple are carved into granite rock. The temple is near Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala. The area often features hot air balloons floating over the green plains.