Discovered by Maithree Upasaka in 1954, the Kudumbigala Monastery is the only hermitage in Sri Lanka that has a cylindrical dagoba. Hidden inside a dense jungle off the Panama-Kumana road, the monastery is located on the summit of a gigantic rock. Inside the many rocks are rock caves that were donated by the Army of king Dutugaimunu. According to historical records, the monastery was built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 2nd Century BC and spans a picturesque 600 acres. The complex is untouched and has over 200 caves, the walls of which are lined with plaster and have a series of frescoes and paintings painted on the wall.
The monastery is only 11 miles away from Panama and upon reaching you will trek through the jungle to get to the foot of the rock. After reaching the summit and the entrance, you will be welcomed with a dagoba and a statue of Buddha in a box. There will also be a sacred Bo tree that is honored by the Buddhists. Apart from that, you will also see a white statue of Buddha that stands tall, raising its hands as if in prayer. The monks survive with very basic facilities as there is no civilization anywhere nearby.
You can meditate in the calming environment and admire the surrounding views of the dense greenery. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Okanda beach in the horizon. The Kudumbigala Monastery Tour will allow you to view beauty with spirituality and give you a look into a fraction of the country’s religious culture.
Arugam Bay Office:
Main Street, Arugam Bay.
Pottuvil.
Hotline: +94 77 4448993
Email: contact@paddywaytours.com
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