Dunhuang of Sri Lanka | Dambulla Cave Temple

Starting from Colombo (Negombo), the first stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple. Before arriving at the Dambulla Cave Temple, my expectations were not high, but it turned out to be my favorite attraction. The ticket for the cave temple is 2000 rupees, cash only. To reach the cave temple, you need to climb a long flight of stairs, and near the entrance, you need to store your shoes (or put them in your backpack), which costs 50 rupees per pair. We paid 100 for three pairs. Inside the cave temple, there are five caves in total, each with a reclining Buddha statue in Nirvana pose. Depending on the size and shape of the cave, various Buddha statues of different sizes are also sculpted. The first and fourth caves are smaller, while the second cave is the largest and most impressive. Buddha statues in various poses are arranged on three sides, and on the left side of the cave near the outer wall, there is a stupa with eight Buddha statues sitting around it, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The walls and ceilings of all the caves are covered with colorful paintings, including large Buddha statues and rows of small Buddha statues. Some decorative patterns resemble deformed grids, giving a rather fashionable feel. The Buddha statues are in the style we call 'Cao Yi Chu Shui,' indicating that the Buddha statues in Qingzhou, China, were influenced by South Asian Buddha statues. However, the expressions and facial features of the Buddha statues are somewhat naive and not as compassionate and generous as Chinese Buddha statues. These sculptures date back about 2100 years, roughly equivalent to the Han Dynasty in China. The ancient Sri Lankans, driven by their faith and effort, carved such exquisite cave temples out of hard rock, which is commendable.