Rarely visited Dimbulagala near Polonnaruwa

vantage point of Dimbulagala

Dimbulagala, though not far away from Polonnaruwa, is rarlely visited by tourists. This contributes to ist charme. Most people don’t know that Dimbulagala is not a small attraction but crowded with charming places of interest. The ridge is a good place for a hike. A new dagoba that can be climbed offers a perfect 360 degree panorama to the plains of Polonnaruwa and Maduru Oya National Park. The living monastery just below it is one of the largest in the Cultural Triangle and the monks are open-minded and welcome foreign visitors who find their way to this remote side. The Vihara has a small museum an colourful caves. However, the main attraction of Dimbulagala is the ancient monastery of Namal Pokuna. It played an important role in the development of Theravada Buddhism in the Polonnaruwa kingdom as well as in Southeast Asia. The ruins are a pleasant sight. At the opposite southern side of the ridge are remnants of ancient cave paintings, the Pulligoda frescoes.

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Namul Pokuna at the northern slopes of Dimbulagala

Pulligoda fresco