Kudumbigala Monastery
Kudumbigala Monastery
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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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hayat tours and taxi service arugambay
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka11 contributions
Dec 2018
Kudumbigala Monastery lies eleven miles from Panama and seventeen miles away from the Kumana Village.
Kudumbigala monastic complex was built in 246 BC, during the time of King Devanampiyatissa. It was first established as a refuge for the Buddhist monks who wanted to get away from the busy Cities. Archaeologists had recovered over 200 rock caves belonging to this forgotten monastery.
Kudumbigala monastic complex was built in 246 BC, during the time of King Devanampiyatissa. It was first established as a refuge for the Buddhist monks who wanted to get away from the busy Cities. Archaeologists had recovered over 200 rock caves belonging to this forgotten monastery.
Written December 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Purni D
Milton Keynes, UK44 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
Our recent visit to Kudumbigala Monastery made me sad to see how resident monks are struggling to control bad behaviours of some foreign visitors with local guides disrespecting & disobeying rules of this valuable, peaceful & beautiful scared place...
Among those,
•Visiting the monastery out of visiting hours.
•Taking & Drinking Alcohol in the Monastery area which is totally prohibited by the monastery rules.
•Taking pictures while climbing on Stupa (Ancient scared Ruins) & show disrespectful.
• Dress inappropriately (not covering your self properly)
•Entering the premises to the Monastery (Where the monks live & Scared Stupa situated) with shoes on (clearly mention on boards the areas that you should remove your shoes)
As a traveller I have been to many countries & have been visited beautiful places. Every country got their own rules & regulations should obey by the foreign visitors to protect their valuable places,
Every visitor must respect the places where ever you visit by obeying the rules. This way you will be protecting these beautiful places for the future travellers.
If you are a foreign traveller planning to visit this Monastery please respect the rules even though the local guides go easy on Monastery rules.
BE A RESPECTABLE TRAVELLER NOT A SELFISH TRAVELLER !!!!!!!!!!!!
Also remember this attraction is not a place for the fun & boozing, if you are after those, please find another place....plenty out there other than this scared place where monks are meditating all the time in the jungle area in their Kutis that they need peace & quite all the time.
Thank You
Among those,
•Visiting the monastery out of visiting hours.
•Taking & Drinking Alcohol in the Monastery area which is totally prohibited by the monastery rules.
•Taking pictures while climbing on Stupa (Ancient scared Ruins) & show disrespectful.
• Dress inappropriately (not covering your self properly)
•Entering the premises to the Monastery (Where the monks live & Scared Stupa situated) with shoes on (clearly mention on boards the areas that you should remove your shoes)
As a traveller I have been to many countries & have been visited beautiful places. Every country got their own rules & regulations should obey by the foreign visitors to protect their valuable places,
Every visitor must respect the places where ever you visit by obeying the rules. This way you will be protecting these beautiful places for the future travellers.
If you are a foreign traveller planning to visit this Monastery please respect the rules even though the local guides go easy on Monastery rules.
BE A RESPECTABLE TRAVELLER NOT A SELFISH TRAVELLER !!!!!!!!!!!!
Also remember this attraction is not a place for the fun & boozing, if you are after those, please find another place....plenty out there other than this scared place where monks are meditating all the time in the jungle area in their Kutis that they need peace & quite all the time.
Thank You
Written October 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Purni D
Milton Keynes, UK44 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
This visit was our 4th Annual arms giving to the monastery.
Like I mentioned several time when reviewed about this place,
This place is a monastery which has got full of ancient ruins & caves like olden days,still monks live & meditating there & our visits have to be respect for the rules that are given by the monastery.
This place is not a place you can go there and have fun!!!!
You can visit there & enjoy the beauty of this place but always try to obey the rules which are going to be favor for the monks who live there and meditate.
🌹So dress properly
🌹No alcohol be taken to the premises
🌹Visit appropriate times noted
🌹Respect surrounding environment by not standing on Stupa that we are worshipping & other ancient ruins....
🌹Always try to be quiet when visiting
Like I mentioned several time when reviewed about this place,
This place is a monastery which has got full of ancient ruins & caves like olden days,still monks live & meditating there & our visits have to be respect for the rules that are given by the monastery.
This place is not a place you can go there and have fun!!!!
You can visit there & enjoy the beauty of this place but always try to obey the rules which are going to be favor for the monks who live there and meditate.
🌹So dress properly
🌹No alcohol be taken to the premises
🌹Visit appropriate times noted
🌹Respect surrounding environment by not standing on Stupa that we are worshipping & other ancient ruins....
🌹Always try to be quiet when visiting
Written February 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FredNeMiller
19 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Nthing to add to all other reviews. Apart from the fact that it's far better to climb up during any of those fine, mild and usually dry Winter months!
Summers are simply too hot and sticky.
Summers are simply too hot and sticky.
Written October 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JimD
181 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Imam and Mahroof from Mooneyes sorted this spectacular trip out for us.
Quick aside I recommend you use Mahroof of Kiwi safari for any of the local trips. He is a wonderful guy and his English is fantastic.
This is a climb. You drive half way into the national park on a bumpy road. From here you take a side road through dense forest. All around the insects, monkeys and birds make the kinds of noises you've only ever heard in jungle films.
Upon arrival lock up anything safe as if you don't the monkeys will have it. The monkeys are very tame and will come extremely close to you but do beware. These are still wild animals and they've been known to jump on people and on rare occasions to bite. Neither happened to us but it is worth being mindful of the possibility.
We started with a gentle incline through forest and rock to get to the current monastery. This is gorgeously situated at the top of a medium sized hill. Along the way you see and hear amazing scenes of nature and the old buildings.
The view is spectacular with ponds full of frogs, forest, valleys and more.
We then headed back down and at the cave entrance we took a different fork and headed up a much steeper climb.
As we turned the corner from a tough bit of flat rock and forest we were greeted with an extremely steep set of very small stairs heading up flat rock. My youngest son and my wife got half way up the first small section before having to turn back. The rest of us pressed on. Now I'm a little out of shape but not unfit (I've completed 3 triathlons and a couple of 5k runs this year) but this was quite tough. When we got half way I had to take a break. The heat and humidity didn't help but... the views...
At the top you see the ancient stipa and you get the most amazing views I've seen in a very long time. This is totally worth it. I would happily have simply sat there meditating on the view alone for hours if it wasn't for my middle son wanting to get back down (plus those left behind getting restless).
This is beautiful and worth it.
Quick aside I recommend you use Mahroof of Kiwi safari for any of the local trips. He is a wonderful guy and his English is fantastic.
This is a climb. You drive half way into the national park on a bumpy road. From here you take a side road through dense forest. All around the insects, monkeys and birds make the kinds of noises you've only ever heard in jungle films.
Upon arrival lock up anything safe as if you don't the monkeys will have it. The monkeys are very tame and will come extremely close to you but do beware. These are still wild animals and they've been known to jump on people and on rare occasions to bite. Neither happened to us but it is worth being mindful of the possibility.
We started with a gentle incline through forest and rock to get to the current monastery. This is gorgeously situated at the top of a medium sized hill. Along the way you see and hear amazing scenes of nature and the old buildings.
The view is spectacular with ponds full of frogs, forest, valleys and more.
We then headed back down and at the cave entrance we took a different fork and headed up a much steeper climb.
As we turned the corner from a tough bit of flat rock and forest we were greeted with an extremely steep set of very small stairs heading up flat rock. My youngest son and my wife got half way up the first small section before having to turn back. The rest of us pressed on. Now I'm a little out of shape but not unfit (I've completed 3 triathlons and a couple of 5k runs this year) but this was quite tough. When we got half way I had to take a break. The heat and humidity didn't help but... the views...
At the top you see the ancient stipa and you get the most amazing views I've seen in a very long time. This is totally worth it. I would happily have simply sat there meditating on the view alone for hours if it wasn't for my middle son wanting to get back down (plus those left behind getting restless).
This is beautiful and worth it.
Written July 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
barefootmart
Toronto, Canada297 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We booked a 2 pm tuk tuk to do an afternoon tour. Its about 16 km on paved rd to Panama from Arugam Bay. It is then another 10 km on very bumpy dirt road to the Kudumbigala Monastery. A 1600 year old Budda sits in a cave. You then walk/climb the side of a huge boulder/rock to the stuppa at the top. Do-able in flip flops. The view up there is amazing. We then went to the beach just past the Kumana National Park entrance another 5 km. We started back about 4:30 seeing elephants, mongoose, wild boar, deer, many birds and crocodiles. All for 2,500 Rs. The dirt road was the biggest challenge.
Written January 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Min K
Edinburgh, UK42 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
If you need to fill half a morning/evening at arugam bay then would definitely recommend coming to visit the monastery!
It's an hour tuk tuk journey away and the drive takes you through the start of the national park so you get to see a variety of animals and birds along the way. A round trip should cost around 3000 rupees per tuk tuk.
It's not a hard climb up once you arrive, most of the way up is through tree cover though it is bare rock right at the top for the last five minutes of the climb. Make sure you take the path up from the red sign that tells you No hats shoes etc. If you go past the sign it takes you to another shrine (begumbala) which is worth visiting but doesn't have nice views.
The view at the top is amazing! We went up at around 8:30am and it was already scorching hot so would recommend getting there as early as possible. It would probably be amazing for sunrise/sunset.
You need to have your knees and shoulders covered as with all other temples in Sri Lanka.
It's an hour tuk tuk journey away and the drive takes you through the start of the national park so you get to see a variety of animals and birds along the way. A round trip should cost around 3000 rupees per tuk tuk.
It's not a hard climb up once you arrive, most of the way up is through tree cover though it is bare rock right at the top for the last five minutes of the climb. Make sure you take the path up from the red sign that tells you No hats shoes etc. If you go past the sign it takes you to another shrine (begumbala) which is worth visiting but doesn't have nice views.
The view at the top is amazing! We went up at around 8:30am and it was already scorching hot so would recommend getting there as early as possible. It would probably be amazing for sunrise/sunset.
You need to have your knees and shoulders covered as with all other temples in Sri Lanka.
Written April 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sameera Wanninayake
Colombo, Sri Lanka963 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Its near to the Kumana National Park.You should go in the morning or the evening to visit this place.Other times feel very hot.But don't go after 5 pm .You can faced with wild elephants.
You can find some historical ruins in side the area.You should wear proper dress & also should be silence.
Its really unique place .Surrounding is very beautiful and relaxing.
You can find some historical ruins in side the area.You should wear proper dress & also should be silence.
Its really unique place .Surrounding is very beautiful and relaxing.
Written October 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sophie
Canton of Geneva, Switzerland42 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Come here late afternoon with a motorcycle and on your way back to Arugam Bay you will see many elephants, crocodiles, dear, hare, rabits, etc. The animals get hydrated before the sunset. Be careful not to approach the elephants though!
Written April 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
George Alex F
Moneragala, Sri Lanka3 contributions
Apr 2014
I have been to this place few time with my friends from abroad and Sri Lanka.
we enjoy scenic view from the top of the rock.
The path that leads to where the ancient monastery is interesting.
If you like to listen to the sounds of nature this is one of the places I would recommend.
Dress modestly,respect the quietness and observe the beautiful place.
It is better if you can start to climb the rock early morning so as to avoid the heat.
Very good in evening to watch the sun sets.
You may able to see wild elephants if you do the trip evening.
You can travel by your own vehicle or rent a tuk tuk,don't try on motor bike in the evening.(because of the elephants).
Don't miss this trip if you are planning to come to Arugambay.
we enjoy scenic view from the top of the rock.
The path that leads to where the ancient monastery is interesting.
If you like to listen to the sounds of nature this is one of the places I would recommend.
Dress modestly,respect the quietness and observe the beautiful place.
It is better if you can start to climb the rock early morning so as to avoid the heat.
Very good in evening to watch the sun sets.
You may able to see wild elephants if you do the trip evening.
You can travel by your own vehicle or rent a tuk tuk,don't try on motor bike in the evening.(because of the elephants).
Don't miss this trip if you are planning to come to Arugambay.
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Backpacker1975
Madrid, Spain4,040 contributions
Hola.
¿Alguien me podrÃa decir la ubicación exacta? Aquà pone que está muy cercano a la playa de Arugam Bay y en google maps lo sitúa a unos 20 km al sur....
¿Cuál de las dos es la correcta?
Gracias
Kudumbigala Monastery (Arugam Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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