Ancient Buddhist monastery complex built into granite rock formations 15 kilometers inland from Arugam Bay. Dating from the 2nd century BCE, the site contains cave temples, meditation cells carved into rock faces, and a large dagoba. The monastery is still active with resident monks maintaining the ancient traditions. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Arugam Bay.
What It Is
You climb through granite boulders and ancient stone steps to reach cave temples carved into cliff faces. Resident monks in orange robes move quietly between meditation cells, while ancient Buddha statues gaze out from rock alcoves. The silence is broken only by chanting from the main temple and wind through the rocks.
Why Visit
One of Sri Lanka's most distinctive ancient monasteries in a striking natural setting. It is not the first thing you should see in Arugam Bay, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
More on Arugam Bay
It is one entry in our list of things to do in Arugam Bay.
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