Kudumbigala Monastery: Ancient Cave Temples In Panama

Description

Situated on a beautiful rock in the middle of a very quiet natural reserve about 22KM from Yala Kumana Sanctuaries in the Eastern Province and about 22 km from Pottuvil, Ampara, this is a place of worship where the monks meditate. It is a once in a lifetime must visit place and if you go there do not forget to take alms or dry food and other necessities to the monks who live there.

Located in the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat in the Ampara District. Kudumbigala belongs to the highlands between 100-500 feet above sea level in the plains between the Moneragala Range in the North West and the coast in the South East.
This sacred place is a very valuable place in Sri Lanka and was sacred to the touch of about 12000 great Arahants. The Chethiya Pabbata Viharaya which is believed to have been made and offered to the Maha Sangha during the reign of King Kavantissa is considered to be the Kudumbigala Thapowana Sanctuary. It is said that it was later renovated by General Nandimithra who contributed to the unification of the country with King Dutugemunu.

This area is made up of large boulders and rocky outcrops and is located in the middle of a dense forest. The Chethiyagiri Stupa, which is cylindrical in shape, is similar to the Dharmarajika Stupa in India. Here is a cave inscription of King Dutugemunu which is believed to be that of Nandimithra who was one of the ten great giants.

There are large dripstone caves here and in some places they date back to BC. Brahminical inscriptions from the period 2-5 can be seen. Remains of buildings and remains of ancient paintings can be identified on some of the rocks.

Remains of a dagoba on Kudumbigala, a large rock that can be seen here, and the natural stone chem used to retain water since ancient times can be seen here. It is also clear that Kudumbigala is another unique archeological site in the Eastern Province with archeological ruins spread over 700-800 acres. This is because the shrine is located far away from the cities in the dry zone. We as Buddhists are reminded that it is our duty and responsibility to protect our temples !!!

Legend has it that this sacred place which was later defaced was renovated and protected by Thambugala Anandasiri Thero in 1954.

How to reach: The closest city to this place is Arugam Bay.

Traveling Time: The journey by tuk tuk takes about 45 minutes

Things to Do in Kudumbigala Monastery :

Observe the Brahmi inscriptions
Take a look at the only cylindrical dagoba in Sri Lanka
It is obscure and has more than 200 caves
It's walls are covered with plaster and the wall has a series of murals and paintings
A visit to Kudumbigala Monastery allows you to see the beauty of spirituality and see part of the religious culture of the country

Special Remarks:

This place is special because of the pagoda, the only cylindrical dagoba in Sri Lanka.
Avoid arriving at the hottest time of the day as there is minimal shade
Admission to the monastery complex is free
Panama Road, with its occasional pits and ditches, offers a great opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and large birds.
There are many paths, caves and rocks to explore
Climb to the top of the hill and enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding coastline and lush green countryside.

Google-Map

Photos Gallery

Related videos for Kudumbigala Monastery

Best campsites - Sri Lanka

Love camping and glamping?

Camping in natural areas is another wonderful experience you can get while touring Sri Lanka. There are plenty of natural places to camp throughout the island. At your discretion we have categorized them as follows.

Things To Do in Badulla - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Badulla

Badulla District is considered the main city of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. The uniqueness of this district is that it is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the district. Very scenic environment, parking facilities, rural environment has won the tourist attraction. There are many places to visit in Badulla. They are listed below. Go visit those places of your choice.

Things To Do in Haputale - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Haputale

Haputale is a beautiful town located in the Badulla District of the Uva Province. Haputale town is very close to Bandarawela and Diyatalawa. Haputale is the best place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a quiet environment.

Things To Do in Wellawaya - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Wellawaya

Wellawaya is a beautiful district in the Uva Province. The uniqueness of this district is that it is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the district. Very scenic environment, parking facilities, rural environment has won the tourist attraction. There are many places to visit in Wellawaya.

Things To Do in Trincomalee - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is another beautiful district in the Eastern Province that has won the hearts of local and foreign tourists. All three ethnic groups, Hindus, Muslims and Sinhalese, live here and you may be familiar with the Hindu cuisine and Hindu culture of the Hindu-majority Trincomalee. There are many places to visit in Trincomalee.

Things To Do in Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya attracts tourists from Sri Lanka as well as many other parts of the world due to its mild climate and favorable environmental conditions for the tourism industry.

Best Waterfalls In Sri Lanka

Best Waterfalls

If you love mountaineering, Sri Lanka is a great place to be. Sri Lanka is a unique mountaineering destination, it is the perfect landmark for all kinds of experiences, from easy walks to more intense trekking.

The Best Hiking and Trekking in Sri Lanka

Best Hiking and Trekking

Things To Do in Ella - Sri Lanka

There are many things
to see in Ella

Ella is a small green village surrounded by lush green hills in the Uva province. It is known as the heart of Sri Lanka. It is a paradise for foreigners. It is also known as the tourist destination as you can travel anywhere in Sri Lanka. There is so much you can do there. The surrounding hills are rich in tea plantations, paddy fields and vegetable gardens. Those scenes create beautiful views for the eyes.

Things To Do in Arugam Bay

The world's most famous
surfers' paradise

Arugam Bay is a beautiful beach located in the town of Pottuvil in the Ampara District. Suff is one of the most popular beaches around the world. Suffering is one of the main attractions of this beach. Same as