Caves in Sri Lanka
Caves have sheltered Sri Lanka's monks and pilgrims for over two thousand years, and the finest of them are living temples. The Golden Cave Temple at Dambulla is the standout, five caves beneath an overhanging rock filled with more than 150 Buddha statues and ceilings painted with murals that follow the curve of the stone.
Elsewhere, drip-ledged rock shelters across the Cultural Triangle were home to forest monks, some still carrying ancient inscriptions above their entrances. Bring a torch for the darker shrines, watch your footing on smooth stone, and remember these are sacred spaces, so the temple dress code applies.
Caves to visit in Sri Lanka
- Ravana's Cave — A cave set high in the rock above Ravana Falls, tied to the Ramayana legend that King Ravana hid Princess Sita here. A steep stairway leads up to the mouth and valley views.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most famous cave in Sri Lanka?
- The Dambulla Cave Temple is the best known, a UNESCO-listed complex of five caves filled with Buddha statues and painted ceilings, set on a rock with wide views over the plains.
- Do I need to dress modestly for cave temples?
- Yes. Cave temples are active places of worship, so cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering the shrines.