Seven 7th–9th century Mahayana Buddhist rock-cut figures near Wellawaya, including a 15m standing Buddha, the largest ancient rock relief sculptures in Sri Lanka.
Duration
1.5 hours
Entry Fee
$2 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
budget
Buduruwagala, 5km from Wellawaya in southern Badulla District, is a cluster of seven rock-cut Buddhist figures carved into a granite face between the 7th and 9th centuries AD during the Mahayana period, representing some of the finest surviving examples of Mahayana Buddhist art in Sri Lanka. The central figure is a 15-metre standing Buddha, the largest ancient rock relief in Sri Lanka, flanked by a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with a flame rising from one hand and a seated Maitreya (future Buddha) on the right. Traces of original paint remain on several figures, including a surviving patch of orange on the standing Buddha's robe. The site sits at the end of a short jungle track lined with paddy fields and is rarely busy, preserving an atmosphere of genuine discovery. Entry fee is low and the walk from the car park takes under 10 minutes.
Visit in morning light when the low sun angle picks out the carving detail on the figures
Combined with Wellawaya town (5km away) and the road south to Hambantota, this site fits naturally into a southern Sri Lanka circuit
Entry fee is approximately LKR 500 — carry small notes as no change is given at the site
Best time of day: Morning (eastern light on the rock face)
Want to include Buduruwagala Rock Temple in your Sri Lanka itinerary? Our team in Kandy builds personalised plans — no booking fees, no online payment.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Diyaluma Falls
Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall at 171m in a single unbroken drop near Koslanda, with natural rock swimming pools at the summit plateau reached by a 45-minute trail.
Explore →Sorabora Lake
An ancient reservoir near Mahiyangana said to have been built by a giant in the 1st century BC, where fishermen still use traditional dugout log canoes found nowhere else in Sri Lanka.
Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Our team in Kandy will build a personalised itinerary with accommodation, transport, and entry tickets — no booking fees, no online payment required.