- Okkampitiya - MALIGAWILA RUINS
The chronicle Mahavamsa mentions that the Buddha image in the site had been sculptured during the reign of King Agbo and the Bodhisatva image during the reign of King Dappula. The Buddha image is the tallest in the world while the largest Bodhisatva image is located close to Maligawila. Apart from the two statues, the premise is strewn with a cluster of ancient ruins.
- Okkampitiya - DEMATAMAL VIHARA (TEMPLE)
The monastic site is 12km from Buttala on the Okkampitiya road. It has an ancient Dagoba, a Bo tree, a House where the monks receive their higher ordination, an Image House and an educational institution for the monks. It consists of all accompaniments of a monastery. The Dematamal Viharaya is known in history to have been the monastery where Prince Saddhatissa, Prince Dutugemunu’s younger brother hid himself from been apprehended by Prince Dutugemunu and where Prince Dutugemunu mustered 500 monks to accompany his army north to Anuradhapura. This act of reconciliation between the brothers, facilitated by the monks of Dematamal Viharaya, laid the foundation for Dutugemunu’s successful campaign to reunite the island and revive Buddhism.
- Buttala - YUDAGANAWA
The Stupa in Yudaganava depicts abundantly the excellence of the Sri Lankan Buddhist architectural capability. Yudaganawa Stupa is the biggest stupa found in the Badulla District. In the Stupa terrace is an Image House with paintings and images depicting the Kandyan period. Culanganaya where Prince Dutugemunu and Prince Saddhatissa waged a war for the crown is believed to be in the vicinity of the Yudaganawa Stupa.
- Wellawaya - BUDURUWAGALA
The site is reached at a distance of 4.5 Km along a by road from the Buduruwagala junction on the Wellawaya Tanamalwila highway. The remnants of the rock carvings visible at the site reveal the image of the Buddha in the standing posture in full relief and seven standing Buddha images of much lesser size engraved from a vertical rock face in semi relief form. The features of the images are enhanced by the application of stucco, finally impregnating their surfaces with different hues pigments. In addition to these rock carvings believed to belong to the 7-8c A.C. a large number of ruins are seen scattered around the site.
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Gratuities
This exclusive tour for cruise passengers takes you on a journey through time, exploring some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable ancient temples.
Witness the world’s tallest Buddha statue and the largest Bodhisattva statue, both sculpted centuries ago. Explore the ruins scattered around these majestic figures.
Marvel at the architectural brilliance of Yudaganawa Stupa, the largest in the Badulla District. Discover Kandyan era paintings and images within the Stupa terrace.
Be mesmerized by the colossal rock carvings depicting the Buddha and other figures. These intricate carvings are believed to date back to the 7th-8th centuries.
Uncover the historical significance of this monastery. Explore the ancient Dagoba, Bo tree, and other monastic buildings.
This tour allows you to experience the artistic mastery, religious significance, and historical importance of these ancient Sri Lankan temples.
- Please note: Appropriate (non revealing) attire is required for visiting the temples.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
