Heritage

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

Cultural Triangle 4.6
07:00 to 19:00 LKR 2000 $ Family-friendly

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is five interconnected caves blanketed with golden Buddhas and centuries-old murals, set into a rock ridge above the plains. A short but steep climb. Getting there: On the Kandy to Anuradhapura road; 20 min from Sigiriya. Open 07:00 to 19:00. Entry LKR 2000.

A site of deep history, early mornings are cooler and quieter.

Good to know

Hours07:00 to 19:00
DressShoulders & knees covered; shoes off (socks help on hot stone).
Getting thereOn the Kandy to Anuradhapura road; 20 min from Sigiriya.
Get around Trains, buses & Metro · Journey times

Make a day of it

5 stops nearby · ~8 km · approx $43/person

  1. 1 Dambulla Royal Cave Temple You’re here
  2. 2 Simoya Nature Park 0.6 km
  3. 3 Dambulla Jumma Mosque 0.8 km
  4. 4 Dambulla Main Bus Station 1.5 km
  5. 5 Catch Up Dambulla 1.6 km

Rough per-person estimate from sourced rates (PickMe/km, meals, entry). Confirm locally.

Directions Open the route in Google Maps

Nearby

Simoya Nature Park0.6 kmSimoya Nature ParkDambulla Jumma Mosque0.8 kmDambulla Jumma MosqueDambulla Main Bus Station1.5 kmDambulla Main Bus Station Catch Up Dambulla ★ 4.5 · 1.6 km away Dambulla Bus Stand1.6 kmDambulla Bus Stand Jetwing Lake ★ 4.6 · 1.8 km away

More like this

Dambulla1.9 kmDambullaSigiriya Rock Fortress16.6 kmSigiriya Rock FortressPolonnaruwa39.2 kmPolonnaruwaPolonnaruwa Ancient City41.8 kmPolonnaruwa Ancient CityAnuradhapura Sacred City57.3 kmAnuradhapura Sacred CityAnuradhapura57.3 kmAnuradhapura

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Common questions

How do I get to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple?

On the Kandy to Anuradhapura road; 20 min from Sigiriya.

What are the opening hours at Dambulla Royal Cave Temple?

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is open 07:00 to 19:00. Hours can change on poya days and public holidays, so confirm before you travel.

How much is entry to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple?

Entry is LKR 2000 for foreign visitors at the last check. Ticket prices are reviewed periodically, so treat this as a guide and confirm at the gate.

Is Dambulla Royal Cave Temple suitable for children?

Yes. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple works well for families, though younger children will need supervision and shade breaks.

Is Dambulla Royal Cave Temple wheelchair accessible?

No. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple involves steps or uneven ground and is not step-free, so it is difficult for wheelchair users.

Is there a dress code at Dambulla Royal Cave Temple?

Shoulders & knees covered; shoes off (socks help on hot stone). This is enforced at the entrance, so carry a scarf or sarong if in doubt.

How current is this information?

These details were last verified in 2026-06. Time-sensitive details such as fees and opening hours should always be confirmed with the official source before you travel.

Last verified: 2026-06 Source ↗