The Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Langka is a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. This cave monastery has 5 cave sanctuaries and the best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The mural paintings on the walls cover an area of 2,100 meters.

You start by climbing the stairs. You emerge from roads with magnificent views. You can leave your bags at the safe deposit box at the first entrance. When you reach the temple at the top, you will encounter a wonderful architecture. For a very small fee, you can have a local prayer to ward off bad luck read and a rope tied around your wrist.

As many reviews have described it is best to enter from the rear side (not the Golden Buddha side). There is ample parking then a sign indicating a few steps up to the ticket office. From there is 400 rough steps to the cave temples. Most stairs are under tree shade. Close to the top is an old local lady sells flowers to place at Buddha cost LKR200. We placed them then the cleaner picked them up and threw them in the bin - perhaps our timing was unlucky. Also at the top is a shoe kiosk where you pay by donation. Being our first day we had no idea of the local currency so paid a donation of LKR2000 for 2 pairs of shoes. The man was very pleased and shook my hand with a big smile as the going rate is probably 100. Oh well it was a good day for him and his family. A TIP is to keep your socks on as the stone ground gets hot. We also paid a local just inside the entry to the temple to give us a talk but it was fairly basic. I think getting some information from he internet would have been better. We then came back down the same stairs to the car park, meet our private driver who then drove us around to the Golden Buddha. We went up the stairs but really the best viewing is down the bottom. Didn't go in the museum so can't comment about that.

Incredible series of caves with frescoes and wood and stone statues. Very knowledgeable guide. We were a bit rushed to see it all because they were closing the doors for prayer. This was an extra on our tour and I'm so pleased we didn't miss it. Very reasonable tourist entrance fee compared to the better known sites. Don't miss it.

This is really a stunning site, an ancient cave full of statues of Buddha and other deities. Even more awe inspiring that it’s been around for 22 centuries. Definitely worth a visit! A couple of tips - there is a fair bit to climb, not really a hike but can easily get winded. Having said that, the views when you get to the top are lovely (including Sigiriya and Pidurangala). There are two entrances. If you enter from the temple side, you have to climb up, and then go all the way to the bottom of the other side to buy tickets (LKR 2,000 only for foreigners). The guy at the ticket counter didn’t have change and fairly dismissively told me to wait till someone else happened to come along so he could get change, so I wasn’t too pleased about that. There are no tickets at the top! Wonderfully majestic and really an impressive sight.

It was a pleasure to see this piece of Sri Lankan history. My guide was very knowledgeable and explained details of the Sri Lankan dynasty and culture of 'wishing' to give thanks after a wish has come true and donate an effigy of Budha. It is a long climb up large steps so do pace yourself. There is are places to rest on the way up. The views are spectacular and a serene place.

Most certainly worth a visit to this world heritage site. Just be aware of the climb up and the need to have knees and shoulders covered, so bring trousers, a sarong or similar. They ask you to put your shoes in storage, then 200 rupees to get them back at the end. That isnt much and our thoughts are, it goes towards the temple and creates jobs. You can take photos but not with your back to a Buddha, it is rude to do so as your backside is facing Buddha. Enjoy your visit.

Dambulla Cave Temple is a very peaceful and calm place. I really like visiting this temple. This is UNESCO world heritage site number 561. There is a bit of a steep hill to climb to get to the entrance, so if you are handicapped, you may not be able to do it. I just wanted to mention this because we had a person who walks with a cane and she could not do it. There is an entrance fee of Rs 2,000 for each foreigner (non Sri Lankan citizen) to enter, they will give you a ticket after you pay (see picture). My wife is a Sri Lankan citizen and there was no fee for her. I’m actually Sri Lankan, but if you look like you don’t live here, they will ask for proof that you live here. Don’t cause problems, just pay the Rs 2,000 or approximately USD $6, it’s worth it. Like all Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, you must remove your shoes before entering. This place can get crowded, so if you do not want to wait in line to leave your shoes with the people who will watch them for you or if you have some expensive shoes and you are worried about leaving them, then carry a simple shopping bag with you and place your shoes inside the bag before entering, you can carry the bag inside with no problems. Also, you cannot wear shorts and a tank top, you must have covered shoulders and your knees covered. If you attempt to go inside without these areas covered they will give you something that you must wear to cover up. These are handed from person to person, so if you are concerned about germs, then wear appropriate clothing before you go. The day we visited it started raining when we were about to leave and we got soaking wet because there is a bit of a walk down the hill to the car. I recommend you take an umbrella with you if it looks like it may rain. I have no complaints about this place and look forward to visiting again.

The walk up is a moderate one and can be done on two sides of the hillock. The paintings on the huge rock ceiling of the cave temple are fascinating. The ticket counter closes at 5pm. Shorts not allowed... advisable to carry a wrap-around cloth while visiting temples.

There are two ways to climb up to see the caves. The main entrance is where you will find the ticket office. Entrance is $10 per adult. You are then presented with a climb of 200 steps on stone steps. There are rest places along the climb but no bannister to hold on to. Some of the steps are quite steep. If you’re not good with doing this then buy your ticket and get your driver to take you to the Golden Temple ( just round the corner from the Rock Cave car park). To the left of the Golden Temple you will see a sign -To The Rock Temple- this is a more sedate climb and the steps are more even and made of concrete. Don’t make the mistake of heading to the Golden Temple steps without buying a ticket first otherwise you will get to the top and will be denied entrance and directed to go down the stone steps to the ticket office. It’s hot work without having to descend to buy a ticket!! Once you are at the top there is a spectacular view.