Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist Temple dating back to the third century, Known as the Rock Temples of Mulkirigala, is an ancient collection of Viharas and Buddha Statues rises from the surrounding forest in stunning fashion. You’ll have to climb a seemingly endless span of around 600 steps to get there, but the effort is well rewarded.
The summit of the rock lies nearly 700 feet above the landscape and the views from this vantage point are simply breathtaking. However, the most extraordinary features of the temple are its seven cleft-like caves, which extend across five terraced levels. Go inside to find vibrant wall paintings that tell the ancient stories of Jakata. The journey may be rigorous, however, the chance to uncover 2,000 years of history hidden by a forest of coconut trees, is good reason to go for it.
Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara is an evidence to the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s a living monument to the timeless wisdom and artistic brilliance of generations past.
So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of wonder, and walk through time and spirituality unlike any other.
Source: ASTL team
