Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a bustling town and relatively few, but resplendently unique historical sites that must not be missed. Dambulla is most renowned for the impressive cave temples – officially known as the Royal Rock Temple. The temple is located atop a massive hill on the edge of the town. It has been traced back to the 1st century BC and is considered the most treasured cave temple in Asia. . The largest cave consists of 48 impressive 48 statues of Lord Buddha. The story that King Walagamba in trying to escape the invading army, sought refuge in these caves in the 1st or 2nd century BC, adds to the historical significance of these caves. The cave monastery remains as the best preserved historical structure in Sri Lanka. Before you climb the steps and slope of the Dambulla rock that leads to the cave temple, you are met with a gigantic statue of a Golden Buddha, which belongs to the much newer Dambulla Golden Temple. Dambulla provides easy access to many tourist attractions and significant destinations in the nearby areas such Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya etc.