Cave temple of Dambulla, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is situated in the Central part of the island, 148 km East of Colombo and 72 km North of Kandy, since 1991, is a world heritage site by UNESCO. This is still a working monastery attracts many pilgrims from different countries.

It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. He rises up to 160 m above the surrounding plain. The area has more than 80 caves, but most tourists are attracted 5 of them in which there are statues and paintings. These sculptures and paintings related to Buddha and his life.

The prehistoric population of the island lived in these caves before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This is evidenced by the burial sites with human skeletons, which are more than 2700 years.

Cave temple dates back to the 1st century B. C. It consists of five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to the interior remained dry. In 1938, the complex was decorated with arched colonnades and pediments. Inside the cave ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images in accordance with the contours of the rock. There are images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.

Cave monastery of Dambulla is still functional and remains the best preserved ancient buildings in Sri Lanka.