The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.

The magnificent cave temple of Dambulla dates back to the 1st century BC, when King Valagamabahu took refuge there from invaders from South India. Once he regained power, under his edict the caves were painted with frescoes and a Buddhist temple established in the caves. These frescoes still retain their freshness and the ...