Mulkirigala Rock Temple
Pallikaduwa Beach is a tranquil coastal retreat located just west of Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Unlike the more frequented sandy stretches of Medaketiya and Medilla, Pallikaduwa is characterized by a series of picturesque rocky coves, offering a unique and serene atmosphere. The absence of beachfront construction allows for unobstructed views of the stunning coastline, preserving its natural beauty. While the beach’s rocky nature makes it less suitable for swimming, it provides an ideal setting for relaxation and solitude. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance
Weherahena Temple
Weherahena Temple, located just a short distance from Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka, is a remarkable Buddhist site that combines spiritual depth with artistic beauty. The temple is best known for its towering 39-meter (130 feet) seated Buddha statue, one of the largest in Sri Lanka, which dominates the landscape and draws both pilgrims and tourists from around the country and the world.
One of the temple’s most unique features is its long underground tunnel, stretching nearly 600 feet, which is believed to be the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. This passageway is richly decorated with thousands of vivid murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales, offering a visual journey through Buddhist teachings and stories.
Weherahena Temple was initiated in the early 20th century by Ven. Parawahera Rewatha Thero with support from Anagarika Dharmapala, a key figure in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Their vision helped create a place not only for worship but also for reflection and learning.
Surrounded by peaceful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, Weherahena Temple offers visitors a meaningful experience that blends devotion, history, and artistic expression. It stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and is a must-visit site for anyone exploring the southern region of the island.
Dewundara Devalaya
Dewundara Devalaya is situated in the little town of Devinuwara which means the “City of the Gods”. The meaning of Dewundara Devalaya is “The temple in the city of Gods”. Devinuwara is also referred to as “Dondra head” in English.
Devinuwara has been a busy seaport and a most renowned place of pilgrimage and worship in the 13th-15th centuries. It had a magnificent temple with a roof of copper flashing far into the sea, and it used to be of help to those who sailed in the Indian Ocean.
According to a legend, Devinuwara was a flourishing city in the time of King Rawana who is connected to the story of Ramayana. Also in Mahawamsa, it is mentioned that “Upulvan Deiyo” also known as Vishnu was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism at the time of Buddha’s passing away.
Wewurukannala Vihara
15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where there is one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 – 1798).
The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 150 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you don’t follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drowned in boiling cauldrons, sawn in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.
for unobstructed views of the stunning coastline, preserving its natural beauty. While the beach’s rocky nature makes it less suitable for swimming, it provides an ideal setting for relaxation and solitude. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance
