Dambulla is situated 148 km (92 mi) north-east of Colombo. The area is thought to be inhabited from as early as the 7th to 3rd century BC. Statues and paintings in caves date back to the 1st century BC. At the Prehistoric burial site near Dambulla, (2700 years old) human skeletons were found on scientific analysis to give evidence of civilizations in this area. Its main attraction is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock tower 160 m (520 ft.) over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings.