This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.It is situated in the Matale district,43 km from north of Matale.The shortest way lies from Colombo to Dambulla via Kurunegala.
There was a proof that prehistoric Sri lankans were lived in these caves before their first King, Vijaya arrival to Sri lanka.There are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old near this cave complexes,at Ibbankatuwa.
King Valagamba sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years.
He converted these caves to a temple after reclaiming his capital in first century BC.King Nissankamalla(Polonnaruwa) gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190.In Kingdom of Kandy, these caves were restored and painted.(During the 18 th centuary).
More than 80 documented caves are in this area.Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are described about the life of Lord Gauthama Buddha. There are 153 buddha statues,3 statues of sri lankan kings and 4 of gods and goddesess.
There is a carved with a drip line under the vast overhanging rock to the interiors dry.
There is a perpetual dripping of water in here that filters through the hollows on the top of the rock. The drops of water are caught to a vessel placed on the floor.
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