Buduruwagala
Seven ancient figures carved into a rock face in the forest near Wellawaya, led by a standing Buddha around 15 metres tall, one of the largest rock carvings in Sri Lanka.
Buduruwagala is one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable ancient Buddhist sites, hidden in a quiet patch of forest a few kilometres off the main road near Wellawaya. The name means "the rock of the Buddha statues", and that is exactly what you find: a sheer granite face carved with seven figures, believed to date from around the 9th or 10th century.
At the centre stands a Buddha around 15 to 16 metres tall, often described as the tallest standing Buddha carved from rock in Sri Lanka. Traces of the stucco and orange paint that once covered it can still be seen in places. He is flanked by two groups of three smaller figures, thought to include Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, still showing remnants of white paint, and a female figure often identified as Tara. These figures point to the influence of Mahayana Buddhism, which makes the site unusual in a country where Theravada traditions dominate.
The setting adds to the experience. A short path leads past a small lake, often visited by water birds, to the rock face, and the forest around it is calm and shaded. There is a small archaeological museum near the entrance, usually closed on Tuesdays.
Buduruwagala is easy to add to a trip around Ella. It is a short drive from Wellawaya and works well on the same day as Diyaluma Falls or a stop at Ravana Falls. Dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered, since it remains a place of worship.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Around USD 2 for foreign visitors, paid in rupees. Sri Lankans enter free.
- Opening hours: Roughly 7:30am to 5:30pm. The museum is usually closed on Tuesdays.
- Time needed: About 1 hour
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon, when the light on the carvings is softest
How to get there
About 5km south of Wellawaya. Turn off the Wellawaya to Thanamalwila road and follow the side road to the site. Easy to reach by tuk tuk or car from Wellawaya or Ella.