Explore UNESCO World Heritage Dambulla Cave Temple
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka • INR 1980 approx.• 
Must Do
Must DoSigiriya, Sri Lanka
• INR 1980Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
20°C – 30°C, january offers pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
20°C – 30°C, january offers pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Steep climb with many stairs; not wheelchair accessible.
Steep climb with many stairs; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Entry fee is reasonable, but crowds can diminish value.
Entry fee is reasonable, but crowds can diminish value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples found the serene atmosphere and historical significance deeply moving and romantic.
Breathtaking Murals
Visitors were captivated by the stunning murals and the stories they told. A must-see.
Spiritual Journey
Couples enjoyed the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity for a shared spiritual experience.
Tiring Climb
Travelers found the many steps challenging, especially in the heat, making it less accessible.
Overcrowded Site
Some couples noted the crowds detracted from the experience, especially during peak season.
Dress Code
The strict dress code was inconvenient for some, requiring extra planning for a visit.
Hours of operation
Monday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday
07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A duo embarks on a journey to Dambulla Cave Temple.
Join a traveler on a captivating visit to Dambulla Cave Temple.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
20-32°C
February continues the dry season with warm temperatures and low chances of rain.
February continues the dry season with warm temperatures and low chances of rain.
Open
High demand may limit availability; advance reservations are advisable.
High demand may limit availability; advance reservations are advisable.
Recommended
February offers warm and dry weather, suitable for exploring Dambulla Cave Temple. Be prepared for significant crowds and elevated prices during this peak season month.
February offers warm and dry weather, suitable for exploring Dambulla Cave Temple. Be prepared for significant crowds and elevated prices during this peak season month.
March
MEDIUM
20-35°C
March experiences higher temperatures with continued dry conditions, ideal for sightseeing.
March experiences higher temperatures with continued dry conditions, ideal for sightseeing.
Open
No significant restrictions; more options available as crowds lessen.
No significant restrictions; more options available as crowds lessen.
Recommended
March provides warm and dry weather with moderate crowd levels, making it a favorable time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
March provides warm and dry weather with moderate crowd levels, making it a favorable time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
April
MEDIUM
22-35°C
April marks the beginning of the inter-monsoon season, with increased rainfall and higher temperatures.
April marks the beginning of the inter-monsoon season, with increased rainfall and higher temperatures.
Open
Some outdoor activities may be affected by rain; check local forecasts.
Some outdoor activities may be affected by rain; check local forecasts.
Recommended
April offers warm temperatures and moderate crowds, but increased rainfall may impact outdoor plans. It's advisable to plan activities accordingly.
April offers warm temperatures and moderate crowds, but increased rainfall may impact outdoor plans. It's advisable to plan activities accordingly.
May
LOW
25-32°C
May marks the beginning of the monsoon season, bringing increased rainfall and humidity.
May marks the beginning of the monsoon season, bringing increased rainfall and humidity.
Open
No specific restrictions, but weather conditions may affect travel plans.
No specific restrictions, but weather conditions may affect travel plans.
Not recommended
May is characterized by the start of the monsoon season, leading to higher chances of rain and humidity. Tourist numbers are lower, and prices may be more favorable. However, the wet conditions can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
May is characterized by the start of the monsoon season, leading to higher chances of rain and humidity. Tourist numbers are lower, and prices may be more favorable. However, the wet conditions can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses arrive at Dambulla Main Bus Station on the Kandy-Jaffna Highway. From Colombo, take direct buses (routes 48, 48/3, 49). From Kandy, it's a 2-3 hour ride. From Sigiriya, buses run every 30 minutes.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available from Dambulla and surrounding areas. From Sigiriya, a taxi ride takes about 30 minutes. Within Dambulla town, taxis quickly transport visitors to the temple entrance.
Car
Driving to Dambulla is convenient. From Colombo, take the A1 and A9 highways (3-4 hours). From Kandy, it's a 2-3 hour drive. From Sigiriya, it's about 20 minutes. Parking is available near the temple.
Walking
Visitors must walk up a series of stone stairs to reach the cave temples, a 10-20 minute climb from the base of Dambulla rock.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
