You are here: Home / Destinations / BUDURUWAGALA
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.
 "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 are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel
 "Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver
 "Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
 "Thank you so much for your great service and making our honeymoon in Sri Lanka, so special and joyful. Best regards from Yuffa and Elad Abbo – Israel- 10 July 2008 " Yuffa and Elad Abbo - Israel
 "Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia
 "Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda 08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout
 "We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia
 "We would like to say thank you very much Mr. Cyril for the excellent 7 night tour of Sri Lanka you provided us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and the itinerary you arranged. The four hotels (Earls Regency, Amaya Lake, Heritance Kandalama and the Colombo Hilton) were excellent and thoroughly deserved their 5 stars. Your driving skills was excellent. Also very friendly, calm, helpful, and courteous and always prompts. Sri Lanka is a lovely country and the people were very friendly. ..." Suresh and Prashanth
 "Thank you Cyril for making our Christmas holiday fun so smoothly and easy. We loved Sri Lanka and look forward to retuning again. Cyril, your knowledge and service was outstanding and it was so refreshing to have such a very highlevel of service. We will be sure to recomond your service and travel agency to our friends. Please feel free to use us as a reference, you can use my email or phone number to clients." Bruce Larson & family from USA