Dambulla is a town situated in the north of Matale District, in Sri Lanka's Central Province.  Sitting almost at the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is a bustling town famous for its incredible five cave temples that house over 150 exceptional works of art. Dambulla is the Sri Lanka’s Largest Rock Cave Temple protecting the world’s images of Budhdha and paintings of thousands of years of age. The temple was constructed in the time of King Valagamba (103 BC and 89-77 BC), who lived in these caves for 12 years hiding from the Indian invaders. After getting his throne back, the King built the caves into a Buddhist temple. The caves built by him were named as Devarajalena, Maharajalena and the Paccimalena. Later on many other Kings including King Vijayabahu, King Keerthi Sri Nissankamalla, made additions and renovations to the temple. It is said that the King Keerthi Sri Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD) added many Buddha images being and gold plated seventy three Buddha statues inside the caves.