Dambulla

The Caves of Dambulla were originally used as a refuge for King Valagambahu who was seeking exile and was protected by the Buddhist monks of Dambulla. Later, once he regained his throne in Anuradhapura, the king converted the caves into a magnificent temple complex. The colourful frescos which cover the ceiling of the caves date back over 2,000 years. The Dambulla cave temple houses the largest number of statues of the Lord Buddha found in a single location.