Exiled King’s Refuge

Dambulla Rock Cave Temples

Off Kandy-Jaffna Hwy

Dambulla  Sri Lanka

The temples date back to 1^st century BC. King Valagambahu sought refuge in the caves after being exiled from Anuradhapura. He regained his throne after 14 years converting the caves into temples to thank the monks who had offered him sanctuary.

Five caves are filled with statues of the Buddha of various sizes. The walls and ceilings are painted depicting religious and secular themes.

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