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Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Buduruwagala Temple stands as a remarkable testament to the island's rich history and spiritual heritage. Situated south of Wellawaya, this sacred site, located en route to Yala, entices travelers with its awe-inspiring collection of ancient rock-carved statues, offering a captivating journey through time and devotion.
Buduruwagala is surrounded by a tranquil dry-zone forest. The picturesque journey leading to this historical treasure takes you past a dammed lake, where the landscape is alive with the presence of birds and butterflies.
At the core of Buduruwagala lies a unique assembly of seven colossal statues, meticulously chiseled from a single rock face. The centerpiece is a towering standing Buddha figure, the tallest in all of Sri Lanka, exuding a profound serenity that captivates all who behold it. Flanked by smaller figures, including bodhisattvas and attendants, this ensemble radiates a deep sense of spiritual devotion.
While the origins of the Buduruwagala Temple remain shrouded in the mists of time, its existence serves as a testament to the enduring cultural and religious heritage of the island.
Buduruwagala offers a tranquil oasis for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The statues, intricately carved with expressive features, provide a glimpse into the artistic and religious pursuits of a bygone era.
This isn't just a journey through history; it is an opportunity to embrace the spiritual and artistic legacy of Sri Lanka. Its remote location, amidst lush greenery, adds an element of mystery and adventure to your travel experience. Buduruwagala stands as a hidden gem, inviting you to explore the depths of Sri Lanka's ancient past and embrace the spiritual essence that has permeated the island for centuries.
Buduruwagala is a significant archaeological site, home to seven ancient statues associated with the Mahayana school of Buddhism, believed to date back to the 10th century. The most prominent statue, a colossal Buddha, still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe, a testament to its once vibrant appearance.
Central Buddha Figure: Among these statues, there is a magnificent Buddha figure that stands tall, measuring approximately 51 feet from head to toe. This awe-inspiring statue demands attention and evokes a deep sense of respect.
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: Positioned to the right of the central Buddha figure, there stands another figure believed to be Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. This revered figure holds great significance in the realm of Mahayana Buddhism.
Consort Tara: On the left side of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, a female figure is depicted in a thrice-bent posture. This figure is thought to be Tara, the esteemed consort of Avalokitesvara.
Mysterious Carved Shape: Within the same rock that houses these sculptures, there is a peculiar carved shape resembling a flame. What makes it truly intriguing is the continuous exudation of an oil-like substance with the distinct aroma of Mustard oil. This phenomenon remains shrouded in enigma, leaving observers perplexed.
Buduruwagala is a place where history, spirituality, and mystery intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on those who venture here. It offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient past of Sri Lanka, captivating the soul and stirring the imagination.
 "2nd to 15th November 2016 Dear Cyril, Thank you for arranging our first visit to your beautiful country. We had a very enjoyable, comfortable, safe, interesting and memorable holiday. All the accommodations you provided were very clean and comfortable and we will always remember the welcome, we felt when the smiling staff cheerfully looked after us and our every need. The itinerary you arranged was just right for us and made even better with the care you took whilst driving your very c..." Satwant and Doug from Australia
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 "Hello, We had 2 weeks exploring Sri Lanka and for most of that time Cyril drove for usto various towns, sites of interest. Cyril wsa a very pleasant chauffeur. Always prompt and greeted us with a smile. He was well informed about the sites we visited and pointed out many interesting historical buildings en-route. We had a great 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and Cyril's plesant and helpful nature contributed to this briliant holiday. Thank Cyril Sara and Steve from Birmingham, England" Sara and Steve
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 "We are an older couple celebrating a lot of years of marriage (and hiking) in Sri Lanka in February this year, for two weeks, and three days in the Maldives. Although we love to drive, we chose to go with a driver-guide, after planning the trip completely independently. (It turned out he might help us in the planning and selection of hotels, we own). The main advantage is reaching the sites, some of which are tired, refreshed after someone else used to bad roads, with bad signage - If you are i..." Sam
 "Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland
 "We found Cyril on-line and after checking with lots of other guides we decided he is the one for us, that decision was the best one we did for our trip From the beginning, in our emails, Cyril listen to us and was very helpful, he gave us information and helped us to create the best trip for us.We had 10 days trip, for our honeymoon, to many parts of Sri-Lanka. the country is amazing, green, nice people and good food.Cyril was a great driver and even greater guide, he has so much knowledge and e..." Coral and Oded from Israel
 "Cyril was our driver and guide for the last nine days. We had the comfortable white Toyota van shown in the pic - it was just as clean and shiny, and not a scratch on it. He is clearly a very skilled driver. He is particularly knowledgeable about the history of the many places we visited. We were pleased we had Cyril as our driver. He had been recommended to us by an acquaintance. Andrew Speirs Melbourne, Australia Travel period 04 Jan - 12 Jan 2018" Mr. Andrew an Mrs. Suzy Speirs from Australia