Mulkirigala Rock Temple

One of the oldest and recognized archeological sites in Sri Lanka, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple is located 16km northwest of Tangalle and is home to seven ancient cave temples. Much like the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Golden Temple, Mulkirigala takes a significant place in both Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture. Standing at a height of 600ft, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple has an imposing and impressive architectural style. With over 500 carved steps leading up to the cleft-like cave temples and the beautiful summit, Mulkirigala also houses a considerable number of reclining Buddha statues. Along with these are the age-old murals and Buddhist texts that adorn the temple walls; depicting chapters of Lord Buddha’s life and tales from the famous Jataka.

Mahavamsa, the great Sri Lankan chronical records that the stupa on top of the Mulkirigala Summit was first built by King Saddatissa (137 BC-118 BC). Over the years the temple complex have grown under royal patronage, with many Sinhalese kings adding to the caves and enshrined relics of Buddha. Today the centuries old monastery is one of southern Sri Lanka’s most outstanding places of worship and is more commonly referred to by the locals as the Raja Maha Vihara (Great Royal Temple) and Little Sigiriya. Tucked away amongst the forest of coconut trees, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple is a great cultural and refreshing break from your beach excursion to Tangalle.




Written By: Kavisha Perera