Dambulla is an impressive 1 st century rock temple located within Sri Lanka 's Cultural Triangle. The temple consists of a network of caves that house over 150 statues of the Buddha, along with several art works of Hindu gods and goddesses. According to history the caves were once a hiding place for King Valagambahu, who had fled his kingdom of Anuradhapura after having been defeated by invading armies from India . Once he had regained his kingdom, the King established a temple within the cave system.