Located in the Central Province in Sri Lanka, the city of Dambulla is a well-known hub for the tourists. Reputed for its caves and temples, this place forms an attractive destination for the vacationers. The Dambulla Caves feature a marvelous sight for the numerous tourists visiting this region every year. There are five majestic Dambulla Caves which strongly demand tourist visits.
Dambulla Caves in Dambulla can be noticed in the Dambulla Cave Temple. Owing to its central position in the nation, this temple is quite a significant spot among the other tourist attractions in Dambulla. Maintained and conserved nicely, this cave temple features the largest complex in Sri Lanka. Tourists can get to see various rock towers and 80 caves around the cave temple.
The five caves which form integral parts of this temple, comprise of splendid statues and magnificent murals. All such paintings and figures indicate the life of Lord Buddha. Visitors can also get to view the portrayals of Buddha's enticement by the demon, Mara and also his first preaching. There about 153 statues of Buddha, 4 statues of several gods and goddesses, and 3 statues of kings of Sri Lanka. Among the statues of gods, one will notice two are of Hindu deities - one of Lord Ganesha and one of Lord Vishnu.
The Dambulla Caves in Sri Lanka are constructed on a foundation featuring a rock of 150 meters height. The caves were built during the period of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. At dusk hours, tourists will get to see many swallows making their way towards the caves. The largest cave stretches about 52 meters from east to west, and with a breadth of about 23 meters. The maximum height of this cave reaches to about 7 meters. Figures and images of the King Valgamba and Nissankamalla, and, Buddha's follower Ananda can be noticed in here.
The first cave is the "Cave of the Divine King" or Devaraja lena. A detail portrayal of the discovery of the monastery can be seen and admired at the entrance. It is here where tourists can view the statue of Buddha which has a height of about 14 meters.
The second cave is the "Cave of the Great Kings" or Maharaja lena. Apart from the statues of Buddha in various postures, the other figures indicate Lord Vishnu and Saman, King Vattagamani, and King Nissanka Malla.
The Great New Monastery or the Maha Alut Vihara is the third cave. Here tourists can see the Buddha statues and paintings depicted in the Kandy style of art.
The fourth and fifth caves are comparatively smaller than the rest three.
During your trip to Dambulla, a visit to the Dambulla Caves is a must in order to make your tour complete and memorable.
travel.mapsofworld.com offers online information on Dambulla Caves.
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