Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, located in the central part of the island, 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy, since 1991 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is still a working monastery attracts many pilgrims from different countries.

It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It rises 160 meters above the surrounding plain. The surrounding area has more than 80 caves, but most tourists are attracted five of them, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and sculptures that are associated with the Buddha and his life.

Prehistoric island's population lived in these caves before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This is evidenced by burial with human skeletons, which are more than 2,700 years.

Cave temple dates back to the 1st century BC It consists of five caves under a huge overhanging rock carved with drip lines to the interior remains dry. In 1938 the complex was decorated with arched colonnades and pediments. Inside the cave ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images in accordance with the contours of the rock. There are images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.

Dambulla cave monastery is still functioning and is the best preserved ancient buildings in Sri Lanka.