Temple Exploration – Yatagala Rock

While the Cultural Triangle is best-known for its historic relics, there are ancient sites dotted around the island. One such site is Yatagala Rock Temple near Unawatuna which dates back to the Anuradhapura era, Sri Lanka’s foremost civilisation. Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient history just moments from the beach.
  • Discover the 1,500-year home of Buddhist monks
  • Explore incredible ancient artwork from the Anuradhapura era
  • Enjoy peace and quiet just moments from the Galle Coast

What's Included ?

Host

Conservative clothing

Explore a quaint and quiet Buddhist temple with an extraordinary history just moments inland from the busy Galle Coast. Led by your host, unearth the centuries of heritage and traditional architecture that makes this temple so note-worthy. Its secluded position means that it’s mostly visited by locals, so you’ll be able to enjoy this restful site largely in peace. Highlights include the image house with 9-metre reclining Buddha statue and a ceiling adorned with intricate paintings depicting significant events of Lord Buddha’s life and floral motifs added in the Kandyan era. Surrounding the temple are lush paddy fields and small villages if you want to extend your off-the-beaten-track experience.

What are the main highlights of the Buddhist temple mentioned in the description?

The main highlights of the temple include a 9-meter reclining Buddha statue housed in the image house, adorned with intricate paintings depicting significant events from Lord Buddha’s life and floral motifs dating back to the Kandyan era. Visitors can also explore the traditional architecture and centuries-old heritage of the temple.

The temple is primarily visited by locals, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and restful experience away from the crowds typically found at tourist destinations. As a result, visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the temple and explore its surroundings largely undisturbed.

Surrounding the temple, visitors can explore lush paddy fields and small villages, extending their off-the-beaten-track experience and immersing themselves further in the natural beauty and local life of the region. This offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the essence of Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape beyond the temple grounds.

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A truly serene and enlightening experience

“Our visit to the Buddhist temple near the Galle Coast was a truly serene and enlightening experience. Led by our knowledgeable host, we were captivated by the centuries-old history and traditional architecture of the temple. The reclining Buddha statue and intricate paintings inside the image house were breathtaking. We appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, away from the tourist crowds, allowing us to connect with the essence of Buddhism. Exploring the surrounding paddy fields and villages added to the charm of the off-the-beaten-track experience. Overall, it was a memorable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.”

Review by Alisha Thompson
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A culturally enriching journey

“Our family enjoyed a tranquil visit to the Buddhist temple inland from the Galle Coast. The temple’s serene ambiance and centuries-old heritage were truly captivating, and our host provided insightful explanations about its significance. The reclining Buddha statue and intricate paintings inside the image house were highlights of our visit. We appreciated the opportunity to explore the temple away from the tourist crowds, allowing us to experience a peaceful connection with Buddhism. While the surrounding paddy fields and villages added to the authenticity of the experience, we wished for more interactive elements to engage younger visitors. Nonetheless, it was a culturally enriching journey that we highly recommend to others.”

Review by Neha Sharma
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