Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya
සිතුල්පව්ව රජමහා විහාරය
A 2,000-year-old temple inside Yala National Park, with a white stupa on a rocky hilltop surrounded by jungle. Ten thousand monks once practiced here.
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya was founded in the 2nd century BCE and is one of Sri Lanka's oldest Buddhist monastic centers. At its height, it was said to be home to 12,000 arahants. The monastery is spread across several giant boulders in the jungle. Caves hold ancient murals and Brahmi inscriptions. The white stupa on the main rock offers 360-degree views over Yala's jungle and lakes. The temple lies inside the park, about an hour's drive from Tissamaharama or Kataragama. Wildlife often appears along the road, so do not get out of your vehicle. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. Visitors must go barefoot and should bring drinking water.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Yala National Park
- Kataragama Temple (Ruhunu Maha Devalaya)
- Kiri Vehera
- Sella Kataragama
- Tissa Wewa
- Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
- Yatala Vehera
- Kirinda Temple