The caves of Dambulla
A predominately Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is home to various religious sites that have been built in homage to this faith. The Caves of Dambulla join the ranks of the most prominent on the island and it achieves this with good reason.

Designated as a World Heritage Site, it is the single most well preserved and largest cave temple complex in the country. The temple itself consists of a series of 5 caves that have been converted in shrine rooms. Each of these are filled with paintings and statues which relate to Lord Buddha who is the principle figure of the Buddhist faith making the temple of great significance to Buddhists. However in the midst of the 153 statues of the Buddha there are three of past kings and four statues of gods two of which are actually from the Hindu faith.

Passing through each of the caves will enlighten visitors with information regarding the life and practices of Lord Buddha. The number of statues is quite impressive and presents quite a diverse offering. One other attraction is a dhagaba and a spring that drips its water from a crack in a ceiling which is said to have special healing powers. There is also a bell that can be rung, and all who visit the temple are most certainly encouraged to do so. Due to the impressive array of statues that are housed here in addition to its being a mountainside temple, the Caves of Dambulla have always been one of the more prominent Sigiriya attractions after the Lion Rock itself. Guests of Jetwing Vil Uyana situated conveniently close this destination providing easy access.