DAMBULLA

Dambulla is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, located north of Kandy in Matale district. The town of Dambulla is built around a large granite outcrop, concealing an impressive Buddhist cave complex, Raja Maha Vihara, dating from the 1st century BC. It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The murals, covering an area of 2,100 square metres, include depictions of Buddha's temptation by Mara, and Buddha's first sermon. Statues of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Saman are also present, reflecting the arrival of Hinduism in Sri Lanka during the 12th century