Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
4.5
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites
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Mulgirigala Is call as small sigiriya . it is situated just 15 KM far from tangalle . one of king was control the big rock long time ago . now its call mulgirigala Rajamaha viharaya.
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2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
723 reviews
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397
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248
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62
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DTGalle_1
Sri Lanka72 contributions
Oct 2019
It's almost 16km away from Tangalle main city and only half an hour drive to the temple. you can park your vehicle next to the temple and need to climb around 500 steps to the top of the rock where you reach beautiful place you can see morning sunrise and evening sunset both.
The temple is more than 150 years old and still it maintaining with good condition. It you're a foreigner you can always hire a guide who will well explain every valuable points. If you are passing by Tangalle this place is must visit
The temple is more than 150 years old and still it maintaining with good condition. It you're a foreigner you can always hire a guide who will well explain every valuable points. If you are passing by Tangalle this place is must visit
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Its 30min Drive from Tangalle City.we must Climb 500 stairs to Top. We went Evening Amazing Sunset View Point Top Of The Rock.there have Few Caves , And Historical Statues Lord Buddha. More than 150 years old.if you staying tangalle you must visit.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nilmini D
Colombo, Sri Lanka253 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Presently this is called "Mulkirigala" but there were several other names such as "Mulgirigala", "Samudda Pabbatha", Muhudu Giri", "Giriba Vehera" "Giriba Lena" etc., etc.,
You will find seven Cave Temples in five terraces in different heights, Lower Terrace, Bo Tree Terrace, King's Temple Terrace, Upper Bo Tree Terrace and Chitya Terrace.
During the time of "King Devanampiyatissa" the Bo Tree Terrace and the Upper Terrace was done.
Passing the Bo tree you can reach the lower terrace with two caves. One is called " Cobra Cave Temple" which supposed to be built in 1800 AD. There is a large Reclined Buddha statue inside the cave. Walls were painted with the pictures of "God Saman", "God Kataragama" , God Vibhishana" etc., Also the roof was painted beautifully with Buddha's pictures and floral designs.
Next cave is called "Paduma Rahath Temple". Inside this cave too there is a large Reclining Buddha Statue.
Then you reach the next cave with " Buddha Parinirvana Statue" which gives the last moments of "Gauthama Buddha". It also displays statues of grieving Bikkus, Gods and also the king. In addition to that there are paintings on "Distribution of Buddha Relics by Drona Brahmin"
The path to top most Terrace has two routes, made by cutting the steps on the rock itself. Although it seems to be very difficult to climb the rock at fist, with the help of the hand rail it is exciting.
The highest level of the rock gives an excellent view and very quite, calm and peaceful environment, it is advised to climb the rock in early morning or in the evening, then you can stay and relax for a while. Since we climb it in day time it was very hot and we wanted to come down soon.
You will find seven Cave Temples in five terraces in different heights, Lower Terrace, Bo Tree Terrace, King's Temple Terrace, Upper Bo Tree Terrace and Chitya Terrace.
During the time of "King Devanampiyatissa" the Bo Tree Terrace and the Upper Terrace was done.
Passing the Bo tree you can reach the lower terrace with two caves. One is called " Cobra Cave Temple" which supposed to be built in 1800 AD. There is a large Reclined Buddha statue inside the cave. Walls were painted with the pictures of "God Saman", "God Kataragama" , God Vibhishana" etc., Also the roof was painted beautifully with Buddha's pictures and floral designs.
Next cave is called "Paduma Rahath Temple". Inside this cave too there is a large Reclining Buddha Statue.
Then you reach the next cave with " Buddha Parinirvana Statue" which gives the last moments of "Gauthama Buddha". It also displays statues of grieving Bikkus, Gods and also the king. In addition to that there are paintings on "Distribution of Buddha Relics by Drona Brahmin"
The path to top most Terrace has two routes, made by cutting the steps on the rock itself. Although it seems to be very difficult to climb the rock at fist, with the help of the hand rail it is exciting.
The highest level of the rock gives an excellent view and very quite, calm and peaceful environment, it is advised to climb the rock in early morning or in the evening, then you can stay and relax for a while. Since we climb it in day time it was very hot and we wanted to come down soon.
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blommekind
Cape Town Central, South Africa71 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Beautiful temple to visit and one that is important to Buddhist faith. There are many stairs to climb to go up but you dont need to be super fit to make it.
The views from up top is worth it!
I got a guide who was lovely and friendly but shared very little information with me and kept repeating the same facts. He became unfriendly when I tipped him saying its too little. Would have been nice to have a knowledgable guide as I am sure there is a lot to learn and see here.
The views from up top is worth it!
I got a guide who was lovely and friendly but shared very little information with me and kept repeating the same facts. He became unfriendly when I tipped him saying its too little. Would have been nice to have a knowledgable guide as I am sure there is a lot to learn and see here.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dingo_6152
Fremantle, Australia1,905 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
This temple is about a 30min tuk tuk ride (25km) from Tangalle but is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. Make sure you go in the afternoon as any other time and you'll be out in the hot sun.
At the entrance there is a small museum, which is quaint but probably not worth the visit. If you ignore the caretaker and proceed up the stairs you'll reach the entrance - Rs500 per person. When you arrive you'll also have lots of people trying to sell you flowers for offerings and there will be an occasional guide selling his services. I think that it was better and more relaxing to explore this site on your own.
You then climb more stairs to a group of rock caves, need to take of your shoes & hats and women should have their legs covered - for a small donation you'll receive a blessing & a white string bracelet. Climb the stairs to the top and there's a small temple - which for another small donation you get another string bracelet.
The rock caves all have Buddhist shrines, which immediately remind me of the rock temple at Dambulla but only a fraction of the people - when we were there, there was just over half a dozen people visiting the entire site. The caves have numerous statues of Buddha and amazing murals on the ceiling. The stair climbs are reminiscent of Sigiriya but there is only about 500 steps so it's not too strenuous. The views over the surrounding countryside is equally impressive.
It is one of those few must visit places if you are in the area - you'll be pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and unspoilt it is.
At the entrance there is a small museum, which is quaint but probably not worth the visit. If you ignore the caretaker and proceed up the stairs you'll reach the entrance - Rs500 per person. When you arrive you'll also have lots of people trying to sell you flowers for offerings and there will be an occasional guide selling his services. I think that it was better and more relaxing to explore this site on your own.
You then climb more stairs to a group of rock caves, need to take of your shoes & hats and women should have their legs covered - for a small donation you'll receive a blessing & a white string bracelet. Climb the stairs to the top and there's a small temple - which for another small donation you get another string bracelet.
The rock caves all have Buddhist shrines, which immediately remind me of the rock temple at Dambulla but only a fraction of the people - when we were there, there was just over half a dozen people visiting the entire site. The caves have numerous statues of Buddha and amazing murals on the ceiling. The stair climbs are reminiscent of Sigiriya but there is only about 500 steps so it's not too strenuous. The views over the surrounding countryside is equally impressive.
It is one of those few must visit places if you are in the area - you'll be pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and unspoilt it is.
Written January 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lahiru c
Tangalle3 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
The Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya is situated at Mulkirigala in the district of Hambantota. That is 21 km from Tangalle. So we'll call this temple as Little Sigiriya at Mulkirigala. Let's start the journey to Mulkirigala.
Written December 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anya L
Odesa, Ukraine40 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We've made one day trip from Tallala beach to Rekawa Lagoon, Mulkurigala, Blow Hole and Dickwella. The Monastery is a diamond of this trip.
Google maps show good road to choose, if some questions - ask locals about TEMPLE and they will show the way. Upon arrival we bought about 6 lotus flowers from locals for about 20 rupees, which is a good price. Also some boy started to offer his service as a guide, he wanted 2000 rupees, we gave 500 for 2 person and I might say that we laughed a lot because he knows only about 20 words in English like toilet, Buddha sleeping, meditation, legs, eyes, elephant and repeats them in each room. So I suggest to walk around this beautiful place with professional guide or alone with guide book. You will enjoy beautiful views, incredible paintings and sculptures, feel the spirit of buddhism. Don't forget to take some water because you will have to climb lots of steps on the top.
Google maps show good road to choose, if some questions - ask locals about TEMPLE and they will show the way. Upon arrival we bought about 6 lotus flowers from locals for about 20 rupees, which is a good price. Also some boy started to offer his service as a guide, he wanted 2000 rupees, we gave 500 for 2 person and I might say that we laughed a lot because he knows only about 20 words in English like toilet, Buddha sleeping, meditation, legs, eyes, elephant and repeats them in each room. So I suggest to walk around this beautiful place with professional guide or alone with guide book. You will enjoy beautiful views, incredible paintings and sculptures, feel the spirit of buddhism. Don't forget to take some water because you will have to climb lots of steps on the top.
Written December 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
Montreal, Canada329 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We are very independent travelers and are used at organising things ourselves. This temple is amazing with 6 reclining Buddhas in caves that have been painted over 300 years ago. We decided to take a guide at the bottom of the steps to get detailed explanations and history about the sites. Unfortunately we paid 1000 rupees for a one hour tour. This was a total rip off as most guides simply walk you up the steps identifying some trees and giving you little information about the statues and painting. A total waste of money! Do not take a guide, no matter how much you are quoted!
Nevertheless, this place is a must-see attraction. Beautiful.
Nevertheless, this place is a must-see attraction. Beautiful.
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chinaharmony
Tangalle, Sri Lanka67 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Mulgirigala temple caves were first built in the 3 century BC;built on a 205 m (673 ft) high natural rock, surrounded with another four rocks known as Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala, the temple site is located about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Mulkirigala junction and can be reached from either Dikwella or Tangalle towns.
With its beautiful frescoes is a must if you stay in Tangalle and nearby areas.From the top you can have an amazing view until the southern coast, spacing from the paddy fields and the lush coconut plantation.
With its beautiful frescoes is a must if you stay in Tangalle and nearby areas.From the top you can have an amazing view until the southern coast, spacing from the paddy fields and the lush coconut plantation.
Written September 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn S
43 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
The temples and views themselves are amazing and understandably one of thee most popular things to see in Sri Lanka. Don’t miss it!
Sadly, it has obviously become a way to weasel a lot of money out of tourists, and the 1-hour visit become unnecessarily expensive. The 500lkr entrance fee per person is more than fair, but only half way up the cliff did our tour guide (that we never asked for) tell us that he would cost 4,000 rupees on top of this and that it was compulsory to buy flowers to give to Buddha and to donate money at many other points of thee tour. The tour itself was not at all informative (here said about 3 sentences just over and over again and then pointed at the viewing spot, then said the tour was over). It might sound a bit tight! But we’ve had some amazing and highly informative tours around temples in Sri Lanka which were included in the entrance price (for which we would then have the choice to give a tip at the end, which we always would!), and the quality of this tour, in hindsight, made this feel like quite a scam.
Sadly, it has obviously become a way to weasel a lot of money out of tourists, and the 1-hour visit become unnecessarily expensive. The 500lkr entrance fee per person is more than fair, but only half way up the cliff did our tour guide (that we never asked for) tell us that he would cost 4,000 rupees on top of this and that it was compulsory to buy flowers to give to Buddha and to donate money at many other points of thee tour. The tour itself was not at all informative (here said about 3 sentences just over and over again and then pointed at the viewing spot, then said the tour was over). It might sound a bit tight! But we’ve had some amazing and highly informative tours around temples in Sri Lanka which were included in the entrance price (for which we would then have the choice to give a tip at the end, which we always would!), and the quality of this tour, in hindsight, made this feel like quite a scam.
Written January 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ирина У
Mariupol, Ukraine35 contributions
Добрый день! Подскажите, каким автобусом туда добраться из Диквеллы?
United3millionmiler
Cupertino, CA166 contributions
How many steps are there to climb to the top?
SIIRIke
Lucens, Switzerland16 contributions
About 600, some of them are more high but it's OK!you must not hurry and it's better to go early in the morning=few people and not so hot!
Anorsel
1 contribution
Добрый день! Поскажите пожалуйста, где находится храм большого Будды? пересмотрела много источников, ничего рядом с Мулкиригала найти не могу
Mahesh Mapalagamage
Tangalle, Sri Lanka44 contributions
big budda is at waurukannala near the dikwella
Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara, Tangalle
Frequently Asked Questions about Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
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- Hotels near Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara:
- (5.74 mi) Villa Don Hendrick
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- Restaurants near Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara:
- (7.53 mi) Ceylon Excel
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