Kudumbigala Rock Monastery

view from Kudumbigala rock to Okands beach

Kudumbigala is one of our favourite places in Sri Lanka’s coastal region. Every visitor falls in love with it. The reason is the blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Kudumbigala is the largest complex of cave temples in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, revived by Buddhist forest monks in the 20th century. Situated within the boundaries of the Okanda-Kudumbigala sanctuary, the flora and fauna is quite similar to that of the adjacent Kumana National Park (Yala East). Boars can often be observed within the precincts of the large monastic complex. The highest peakof the granite rocks carries an ancient brick dagaba of a shape quite unusual in Sri Lanka, resembling the chortans of the Himalayas. The view from the stupa platform is magnificent. Overlooking the national parks of Kumana and Lahugala and the coastline near Okanda and Panama, Kudumbigala is definitely the best vantage point in southeastern Sri Lanka. There is more good news for independent travellers: The place is not yet on the itineraries of busloads. It’s a calm place most of the year. The best time to climb Kudumbigala rock is in the early morning or late afternoon. 

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