Front view of Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya: Discover beautiful and rich cultural heritage.

Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya: Discover beautiful and rich cultural heritage.

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya in Kurunegala is a historic Buddhist temple renowned for its ancient cave paintings and serene atmosphere
  • Dambadeniya / Late Medieval Origins – Believed to date back to the Dambadeniya / late medieval period, this temple offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s historic cave-temple traditions and religious practices.
  • Cave with Writing Monk Carving – The entrance of cave temple number one features a distinctive Korawakgala carving depicting a Buddhist monk engaged in writing, fueling local beliefs about the Jathaka tales’ composition here.
  • Kandyan and Contemporary Art – The main cave shrine houses a collection of Buddha statues and diverse artwork that spans both the traditional Kandyan style and more recent artistic expressions.
  • Historical Royal Connections – The temple is mentioned in ancient chronicles and is believed to have received royal patronage during the Dambadeniya era, even providing accommodation for monks en route to Kandy in the 14th century.
  • Nineteenth-Century Rock Inscription – Adjacent to the main cave, a rock inscription from the 19th century provides historical information about land donations made to the temple.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Kurunegala

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Ancient Buddhist temple Athkanda Viharaya surrounded by greenery
Peaceful courtyard of Athkanda Viharaya with traditional architecture
Heritage site Athkanda Viharaya nestled in Kurunegala hills
Traditional Sri Lankan architecture at Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya

Guidelines

Dress Modestly and Respectfully: Cover shoulders and knees; avoid sleeveless tops or short pants. Light-colored, simple clothing is preferred. Show Respect to Religious Symbols: Do not turn your back to Buddha statues when taking photos.