The classical temple paintings of Sri Lanka are vibrant and imbued with life. Revolving around teachings of Buddha, these murals are a clear reflection of the skill and the piety of the painters of a bygone era. The finest among such intricate paintings are the ones of the Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya. Hidden away in the quaint village of Amunugama in Kandy, this serene rock temple is famed for its brilliantly drawn wall murals, depicting scenes from the Buddhist Jataka stories.

Experience Overview

Visit the Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya built into a rock amidst tropical foliage. Immerse yourself in the calm environs of the temple premises and its accompanying stillness. Explore the ancient rock temple built during the Kandyan era (1469–1815) of the island. Witness the ceiling of the main building adorned with beautiful frescoes of the Kandyan epoch featuring vibrant hues. The walls of the adjoining cave are embellished with murals featuring the Buddhist Jataka stories. A reclining Buddha statue takes pride of place for its sheer size and beauty in this temple. The immaculate white stupa on the summit looks over the rolling mountains of Central Highlands, painting a picture-perfect scene. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders – and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks. You will find socks in the basket inside the vehicle and a sarong in case you need one.

Includes:

We provide a guide, water, socks, shawl and vehicle.

Duration:

Approx. 1 hour.

Difficulty:

Easy.

In the know:

Remember you are not allowed to take pictures with your back to Buddha.

Suitable for children:

Good for children.

What to wear or bring along:

Light, cool clothing. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders – and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks.

Private or not?

The visit is private, guided by your chauffeur guide, national guide or site guide. That said, there may be other people around at the site.

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A Visit to Degaldoruwa Temple - Experience - Sri Lanka In Style

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Managing Expectations

“ It is important to remember that, whilst they are experts in their field, the people who run or host our experiences are not necessarily used to working in the tourism industry and may not offer the level of service you would find at a five-star hotel. For example, instead of a formal lecture, you may get a relaxed conversation where open discussion is encouraged. All of our hosts are, however, extremely engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about educating visitors about their chosen subject and we have worked with them to ensure that they deliver worthwhile, fulfilling experiences. We welcome feedback, so please let us know what you thought and if you think any improvements could be made to the experiences we offer. ”

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A Visit to Degaldoruwa Temple