Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, in Bandarawela

Mahamevnawa Monastery: Essential Information

These are the key details listed for the monastery. My own visit is described at the end of this page.

• Location: Kumbalwela-Bandarawela, on a hilltop near Ella, Sri Lanka.
• History: A Theravāda Buddhist monastery housing over 30 monks, dedicated to preserving the Buddha’s original teachings.
• Open Hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Key Activities:
  • Talk with monks and receive meditation guidance.
  • Join the evening chanting at 6:00 p.m.
  • Observe or participate in the monks’ meal offering at 10:45 a.m.
  • Make offerings at shrines, visit the Buddhist bookshop, and receive a blessing thread.
• Etiquette: Wear modest, light-colored clothing, remove shoes before entering, and maintain a respectful silence.
• Contact: +94 76 82 55 729 | [email protected]

For more information please get in touch with the official tourism board at:

What is the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery?

Mahamevnawa is a network of Theravada Buddhist monasteries founded in 1999 by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. The main monastery is in Polgahawela, and there are more than 70 branches in Sri Lanka and abroad, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, South Korea and India. Its stated aim is to teach the Buddha’s words in plain language, and it welcomes visitors with no background in Buddhism.

The organization also runs community projects such as blood donation drives, disaster relief and scholarships, publishes books and translations, and operates a TV channel, Shraddha TV. Monks are trained at Polgahawela and are reassigned between monasteries from time to time. The branches range from city centers to forest retreats.

Where is the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery located?

The main monastery is in Polgahawela. The one in this guide is the Bandarawela branch, near Ella, which was newly built when I visited. The organization lists branches around the world.

Etiquette and Respect at Mahamevnawa Monastery

A few rules apply when you visit the monastery in Bandarawela:

• Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Tank tops, short pants and revealing outfits are not allowed. I saw the office where visitors can borrow long-sleeved garments.
• Sacred Conduct: A billboard at the entrance reminds visitors: “This is a Sacred Place – Behave Decently.” Please follow it:
• No smoking within the monastery grounds.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the stupa or other sacred areas. Our group left its shoes by the shuttle and walked up barefoot.
• Photography: You can take photos unless a sign says otherwise, but avoid selfies with Buddha statues behind you.
• Interacting with Monks: If you want a photo with a monk, ask permission first and avoid physical contact such as hugging.

What are the visiting hours for Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery?

Hours differ by branch. These are the times listed for the main branches; I visited only the one in Bandarawela.

Polgahawela Monastery (Main Monastery)

• Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Buddha Mansion closed on Mondays for cleaning)
• Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Evening Puja: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Anuradhapura Monastery

• Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Monk’s Meal Offering: 10:45 AM
• Evening Chanting: 6:00 PM

Bandarawela Monastery (New Monastery)

• Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Monk’s Meal Offering: 10:45 AM
• Evening Chanting: 6:00 PM

Pinnawala Monastery

• Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Monk’s Meal Offering: 10:45 AM
• Evening Chanting: 6:00 PM

Kundasale, Kandy Monastery

• Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Matara Monastery

• Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Meal Offering to Monks: 10:45 AM
• Evening Chanting: 6:00 PM (Thursday – Sunday) (Arrive at the front gate by 5:30 PM to be guided up the hill to the stupa and Bodhi tree – it is a strenuous walk but worthwhile.)

Malabe Amawatura Monastery

• Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Monk’s Meal Offering: 10:45 AM
• Evening Chanting: 6:00 PM

If you plan a visit, confirm the schedule with the monastery beforehand, because times can change for special events and ceremonies.

What should I expect when visiting Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery?

The monastery is quiet and built around practice. At Bandarawela a resident monk guided our group through the main temple, explained the Buddha statues and the paintings on the walls, and afterward served us tea in a separate building. Devotees arrived with offerings and sat in prayer at the Bodhi tree. Visitors can also talk to the monks and ask for meditation guidance, and I met an Englishman volunteering at the monastery who had planned a short stay and was still there months later.

The organization also runs community activities such as blood donation drives, so ask at the monastery what is on the day you go.

The History of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monasteries

Mahamevnawa was founded on 14 August 1999 at Polgahawela by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. Its teaching centers on meditation, mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths.

The name recalls the ancient Mahamevnawa garden in Anuradhapura, which tradition links to Arahant Mahinda, the monk who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Today the organization runs more than 70 branches worldwide.

The Founding and Mission of Mahamevnawa Monasteries

Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero founded Mahamevnawa to teach the Buddha’s words in simple language. Its programs include classes, Dhamma books, meditation retreats and translations of the Pali texts (the suttas) into Sinhala and English.

How Mahamevnawa Monasteries Preserve Buddhist Teachings

The organization says it follows the Theravada tradition and teaches the Buddha’s words as recorded in the Pali texts, with books and translations in Sinhala and English. The monasteries also build stupas and temples. The Bandarawela temple had new carvings on the walls and stucco pillars, and some of its paintings were still being finished when I visited.

How Mahamevnawa Differs from Other Buddhist Monasteries in Sri Lanka

The organization describes its focus as presenting the Buddha’s teachings in everyday language, and it has a large international network. I have visited only this one monastery, so I cannot compare it with others in Sri Lanka.

Spiritual Practices at Mahamevnawa Monastery

Daily practice at Mahamevnawa follows the Theravada tradition: meditation, study and chanting, for both monks and lay visitors.

Pabbajja (Novice Ordination) and Upasampada (Higher Ordination)

Monks and nuns are ordained within the Theravada tradition, first as novices (pabbajja) and later with higher ordination (upasampada). I did not see an ordination during my visit.

Meditation Practices and Dhamma Talks

Mahamevnawa teaches mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) and loving-kindness (metta) meditation, and monks and nuns give Dhamma talks on the teachings in the Sutta Pitaka. Visitors, including beginners, can join the sessions listed by the monastery.

Community Life and Monastic Routine

Daily life at a Mahamevnawa monastery is organized around meditation, study, chanting and community service. Visitors can observe some of it, such as the monks’ meal offering at 10:45 a.m. and the evening chanting at 6:00 p.m. listed for the Bandarawela branch.

Opportunities for Lay Devotees at Mahamevnawa

Mahamevnawa branches offer several ways for visitors and lay devotees to take part. Check with the Bandarawela monastery before you go to confirm what is on.

How Can Lay Devotees Participate at Mahamevnawa Monastery?

Activities listed for lay devotees include:

• Meditation Programs: The monasteries run meditation sessions for beginners and experienced practitioners, covering mindfulness and loving-kindness (metta).
• Dhamma Talks and Sermons: Monks give regular talks and sermons on subjects such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• Volunteering and Service: Lay devotees can help with events, look after the grounds or support outreach projects. The Englishman I met at Bandarawela had come to learn about Buddhism and was volunteering at the monastery.
• Residential Retreats: Some branches offer residential meditation retreats. I did not stay overnight, so I do not know what Bandarawela offers.

Spiritual Tours and Pilgrimages to Mahamevnawa Monasteries

Mahamevnawa also organizes pilgrimages to Buddhist sites.

• Pilgrimages to Sacred Buddhist Sites: Pilgrimage groups visit places such as the Sri Angulimala Maha Stupa in Chilaw, which houses relics of the Buddha and of the arahant Angulimala Maharahath Thera.
• Guided visit from Ella: A booking-partner listing offers a guided visit to the temple from Ella. It is a partner link of this site and I did not book through it.
• Retreats and Workshops: Some branches host retreats and workshops on mindfulness, ethical conduct or study of the texts.

Best Time to Visit the Mahamevnawa Monastery in Bandarawela

The Bandarawela area has a cool climate. Guides give January to March as the driest stretch and October to December as the wettest. I went in October and it rained during the visit, so the sunset we had hoped to see did not happen.

Check the monastery’s schedule for special events and Dhamma talks, which can bring more visitors.

Vesak, usually in May, celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, and is typically a busier time at Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.

How to Get to the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

To reach the monastery from Ella you have a few options. I went by private shuttle with the press group and did not time the drive, and listings give very different times for a tuk-tuk (from under an hour to about two hours), so ask your driver before you set off. Private Car/Taxi:

• Time: varies, ask your driver
• Details: The most flexible option, especially for a group or with luggage. A private car takes you directly to the monastery.

Tuk Tuk:

• Time: varies, ask your driver
• Details: A tuk-tuk is a common way to reach the monastery from Ella and costs less than a taxi. Agree on the fare and the waiting time before you go.

Public Bus:

• Time: 1 hour
• Details: Take a local bus from Ella to Bandarawela, then a bus to Kumbalwela Junction and a tuk-tuk to the monastery. This is the cheapest option and the slowest, so allow plenty of time.

How to travel from Colombo to Ella

From Colombo, the usual options to reach Ella are below, with approximate times from listings. I traveled by private shuttle with the press group, so none of these times are my own. 12Go is a partner of this site and I have not used it. Private Car/Taxi:

• Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Details: The most flexible option, especially for a group or with luggage. A tuk-tuk is possible, but it takes longer and is less comfortable.

Public Bus:

• Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Details: Buses leave from the Pettah Bus Terminal in Colombo. They are the cheapest option, but expect crowds and delays.

Train:

• Time: about 8 to 10 hours
• Details: Some trains run through from Colombo Fort to Badulla on the Badulla line, and the Kandy to Ella stretch is the scenic part. Ella has its own station on that line, so you do not need to change at Nanu Oya, which serves Nuwara Eliya. Check schedules here.

Private Tour (Shuttle):

• Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Details: If you are on a guided tour, the transfer is often included.

Can You Fly Drones in the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery?

In Sri Lanka, drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), and a monastery is a sacred site, so ask the monks before you fly.

Here are some key regulations to keep in mind:

• The maximum height is 150 feet (about 46 meters) above ground level.
• Operators must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone.
• Drones are prohibited near airports, military zones, and no-fly zones.
• Flying drones at night requires prior authorization.
• Insurance is required for camera drones over 200 grams.

Drones must be registered with the CAASL, and foreign visitors can get a temporary registration. Check the latest rules at caa.lk before you fly.

Accommodation and Food Near the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

Ella is the usual base for visiting the monastery, and it has guesthouses, resorts and restaurants for most budgets.

Where to Stay Near the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

These picks come from research and listings, not from my own stays. I stayed at Ella Mount Heaven during the press trip with the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and found it a bit rundown.

The Halpewatte tea factory is a short drive from Ella. Luxury:

• 98 Acres Resort & Spa – On a tea estate, close to Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, with an outdoor pool.
• EKHO Ella - Near the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, with views of the Ella Gap. The boutique hotel has 14 rooms, including Junior Suites with private Jacuzzis.

Boutique:

• Arawe Retreat – A renovated 150-year-old cottage with views of rice paddies.
• Tea Cabins – Rooms, a garden and a pool, a short walk from the Nine Arch Bridge and Ella Spice Garden.

Mid-range:

• Green Nature Paradise Ella – Near Nine Arch Bridge, with views and breakfast on offer.
• The Black Stone – A guesthouse with a roof terrace and easy access to Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.

Budget:

• Eagle View Villa – A budget option with views and breakfast, about 25 minutes from Ella Town Center.
• Ella Mount View Guest Inn – Close to Nine Arch Bridge, with free WiFi, on-site dining, a garden and bike rental.

Hostels:

• Wild Bee Hostel – A hostel near Ella’s high street with vegetarian breakfast and mountain views.
• Down Town Hostel Ella – A budget option with organized activities, close to the railway tracks and Ella Rock.

For more accommodation options across Sri Lanka, check out my articles on The 20 Best Hotels in Sri Lanka, The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka, and The 10 Best Hostels in Sri Lanka.

Best Restaurants and Food Options Near Mahamevnawa Monastery

The cafes and restaurants are in Ella town. The only Ella restaurant I ate at was the buffet at the Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel, after Little Adam’s Peak. Listings mention Cafe Chill for local and international dishes, Matey Hut for roti and kottu, Rainbow Inn for smoothie bowls and vegan salads, and MozzarElla by Nero Kitchen for pizza, but I have not tried them.

Local vendors near the sights sell drinks, snacks and fruit. I saw a snack and fruit vendor near Ravana Falls.

What Clothing Should I Bring to the Monastery?

Dress for a temple visit and for the weather. This is a general gear list with partner links. These are suggestions, not products I have tested. Essentials:

• Modest Clothing (covering shoulders, arms and knees, so lightweight long sleeves and pants)
• Comfortable Shoes (you’ll likely be walking around the grounds and on uneven paths, so sturdy footwear is ideal)
• Hat (for sun protection)
• Water Bottle (to stay hydrated during your visit)
• Sunscreen (for protection from the sun)
• Small Backpack (for carrying essentials)
• Light Waterproof Jacket (for cooler evenings or early mornings)
• Camera or Notebook (if you want to capture moments or take notes on the teachings)
• Insect Repellent (if you plan to walk through outdoor areas)

Dress respectfully, because the monastery is a sacred place.

Best Things To Do near the Mahamevnawa Monastery

Besides the monastery, these are the sights nearby. I did Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Falls and Cave and the tea factory on the same day as the monastery.

Little Adam’s Peak is an easy hike, and I did it the same day. Ella Rock is a longer hike that I did not do on the press trip.

The Halpewatte Ceylon Tea Factory Tour was the stop before the monastery on my day. I plucked tea and tasted several grades.

Ravana Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known waterfalls, and the Ravana Cave is nearby, about 600 steps up. I visited both on the press trip.

The Flying Ravana Zipline is the adventure option here; I passed it on the press trip but did not ride it. The Nine Arches Bridge is a colonial-era railway viaduct and a classic photo stop.

Best Tours in Ella, Sri Lanka

These are listings from a booking partner of this site, not tours I took:

• Ravana Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge Tour Covers the four sights in one tour.
• Join a Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class A hands-on cooking class.
• Take the Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Ella The train ride from Kandy to Ella through the hill country.
• Ceylon Tea Factory Tour A tea factory tour with tastings.
• Safari Adventure in Yala National Park A safari in Yala National Park.
• All-Inclusive Day Trip A day trip covering several sights in and around Ella.

My Experience at the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Bandarawela

We visited the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Bandarawela on the same day as our hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a visit to Ravana Waterfall and Cave, and a tour of the Ceylon Tea Factory & Plantation. The monastery was our last stop of the day, and we were hoping to catch the sunset there. Unfortunately, the clouds had other plans, but we still went ahead.

When we arrived, it was clear that this was a recently constructed monastery. All white and shining like a typical pagoda, it was perched atop a hill. Surrounding the central pagoda were smaller temples and structures. We left our shuttle and were warmly greeted by a resident monk who guided us through the monastery. He was dressed in traditional red robes, his head shaved, and barefoot, with an umbrella in hand to shield himself from the rain. The red of his robes beautifully contrasted with the white temple.

Walking Through Art and Devotion

We left our shoes by the shuttle and made our way up the stairs to the main temple. The rain had left the ground wet, which added a humbling touch to the experience of walking barefoot. It reminded me of my time in the Sinharaja Rainforest, where I had a similar experience walking barefoot in wet conditions, dodging leeches along the way. As we ascended, we joined a group of devotees entering the temple, many carrying offerings in their hands. Inside the temple, people reverently touched their offerings, either to be blessed or to bless the items themselves.

The monk guide began explaining the Buddha statues around the temple. The circular structure featured statues of Buddha in various teaching poses, with paintings depicting scenes from his life and teachings placed between the statues.

Some of the paintings were still being worked on, as the temple had just been completed. It was fascinating to see that much of the artwork, including the carvings on the walls and stucco pillars, had been recently sculpted by skilled artists. These handcrafts were so well-executed, a rare skill in modern-day religious art. It made me reflect on how, in contrast, it’s now difficult to find artists who can recreate entire religious works from scratch, like sculptures, paintings, and statues.

Tea, Conversations, and Spiritual Curiosity

We then visited the Bodhi tree, with many devotees seated on benches in quiet prayer. The tree was surrounded by a protective wall, likely for offering purposes, which we had seen in other Sri Lankan temples.

We stepped outside again to admire the temple’s grand entrance, flanked by elephant statues, and I struck up a conversation with an Englishman who was volunteering at the monastery. He had come to learn more about Buddhism and had already been there for a few months, despite originally planning a short stay.

Our visit concluded with a visit to another building, where we sat down on couches and were served freshly brewed Ceylon tea by the monk himself. It was a thoughtful touch, especially after our earlier tea plantation tour. The warmth of the room and the quiet discussions with fellow visitors, along with the informational pamphlets on meditation and cultural practices, made for a peaceful end to a jam-packed day.

This visit definitely sparked my interest in learning more about Buddhism and diving deeper into my own spiritual journey.