About Kudumbigala Monastery
Concealed in the thick jungle on the Panama-Kumana road lays the magnificent Kudumbigala monastery of nearly 3000 years old, built in the times of king Devanampiyatissa. This monastery which is today cloaked in silence and secluded from the other parts of the world was once used to be the accommodation of Buddhists monks.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the surrounding landscapes, this picturesque place is one of the chief attractions of Arugam Bay. Archaeological studies claim that there are more than 200 caves. Maha Sudharshana Lena is the largest one and a cave named Giant is the second largest. Inscriptions in Brahmi on the rock in the cave Maha Sudharshana Lena reveals it to have been gifted to Arahats by a great warrior named Nandimitra. The monastery has many large Buddha statues and murals inside the caves that speak of the glorious times.
Kudumbigala monastery is of a cylindrical shaped dagoba which is one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is 11 miles from Panama and close to it is the Yala National Park. Most of the monastery is damaged but still has the old enigmatic charm that makes it a must visit.
Location & Places to Visit on Kudumbigala Monastery Map
View destinations and attractions nearby Kudumbigala Monastery, on an interactive map.
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Places to Visit near Kudumbigala Monastery
Arugam Bay Beach, Eastern Province
26.3 km from Kudumbigala Monastery - See map
A surfer’s kingdom and a foodie’s dream, Arugam Bay beach is a crescent shaped region that is internationally recognized. Thousands of...
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Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Eastern Province
29.1 km from Kudumbigala Monastery - See map
Pottuvil is a small town which is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Arugam Bay. The major tourist destination of this town is Muhudu Maha...
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Whiskey Point, Arugam Bay, Eastern Province
38.9 km from Kudumbigala Monastery - See map
Whiskey point is one of the best bays for surfers at the beginning and intermediate level. It is located 12 kilometres to the north of Arugam Bay....
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Gal Oya National Park, Uva Province
*42.7 km from Kudumbigala Monastery - See map
Surrounding an enormous reservoir, the Gal Oya National Park is famed for its peaceful and serene surroundings. Distinct from other national...
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Wasgamuwa National Park, North Central Province
*93.6 km from Kudumbigala Monastery - See map
Wasgamuwa National Park is a peaceful inland nature reserve, where one is assured to spot large herds of elephants and buffalos. Unlike other...
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