Explore the Mulkirigala Rock Temple. The temple stands at the tip of the rock of Mulkirigala that rises approximately 676 feet from the surrounding land mass. The complex is home to seven cave temples situated in five terraced areas of different altitudes. They are the Lower Terrace (Patha Maluwa), the Bo Tree Terrace (Bodhi Maluwa), the Great King’s Temple Terrace (Raja Maha Vihara Maluwa), the Upper Bo Tree Terrace (Uda Bodhi Maluwa) and the Chetiya Terrace (Chaitya Maluwa).

The Bo tree at the Upper Terrace is considered be a shoot from one of the 32 saplings of Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maga Bodhi planted at the said terrace during the rein of King Devanam Piyatissa. The Mulkirigala Temple is also considered to be one of the 64 temples constructed by King Kawantissa during the 3rd Century BC and was called as Muhudu Gira at the time. The Chetiya at Uppermost Terrace is considered to house relics of the Lord Buddha offered by King Saddhatissa.

According to historical manuscripts, King Mahanaga, King Kawantissa, King Dutugemunu, King Parakramabahu the Great, King Saddhatissa, King Valagamba, King Jetta Tissa I, King Parakramabahu I are credited with the construction work of the temple during each of their rein.

The temple remains at present date back to the Kandyan Kingdom, and the Buddha images and many cave paintings depict magnificent examples of this time and its decorative arts and crafts. It is one of the few Raja Maha Vihara or Temples of the Great Kings, discovered from the height of the then Kandyan Kingdom. King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 AD) gave his patronage to reconstruct this temple after it was neglected for centuries since the rein of the Parakramabahu the Great.

The cave temples are home to images of a Reclined Buddha, Seated Buddha and Standing Buddha, multiple paintings of Buddhas, Arhaths, Gods and Jataka Stories.

Price :

$30 for first two guests
Groups of 2-15 : $35 per group

Entrance Ticket Per Guest : $2

Road Transfer from Kayaam House to Mulkirigala and back USD 45 (per vehicle)

Start Time : 0600 hrs or 1600 hrs
Duration : 120 minutes
Seasonality : Conducted year around
Location : Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

INCLUSIONS

• Guided Tour of the Temple

THINGS TO NOTE

• Recommended for ages 5 and above
• 30 minute drive to location
• Cancellation Policy 

If cancelled before 5 days there are no cancellation charges.
Bookings cancelled between 4 – 2 days prior , 50% cancellation applies.
Booking cancelled within 24 hours before the tour, full cancellation applies.