Sithulpawwa Rock Temple - Ancient Buddhist Monastery

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple: Essential Information

The key details for visiting Sithulpawwa Rock Temple:

• Location: Inside Yala National Park, about 18 km east of Kataragama, Sri Lanka.
• History: An ancient Buddhist monastery dating back over 2,000 years, said to have housed thousands of arahants (enlightened monks).
• Open Hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (listed hours, confirm before you go).
• Key Attractions:
  • Large stupa on the rock summit with panoramic views.
  • Ancient cave temples featuring murals, buddha statues, and inscriptions.
  • Ruins of meditation chambers and monastic structures.
• Spiritual Significance: A major pilgrimage site where monks once practiced deep meditation.
• Wildlife & Nature: We saw an elephant near the temple, and monitor lizards, wild boars, crocodiles, deer and langurs on the road in.
• Etiquette: Wear white or modest clothing, remove shoes before entering sacred areas, and maintain silence.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat.
• Contact: +94 473 489 550

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

What is the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist monastery in southeastern Sri Lanka, inside Yala National Park. It is believed to have been built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BCE as a hermitage for monks. Today it has stupas, rock caves, Dhamma halls and stone Buddha statues, and it is still a place of worship and pilgrimage.

The History of the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Sithulpawwa dates back more than 2,000 years, to the reign of King Kavantissa of the Rohana Kingdom, who is credited with building stupas and facilities for monks. Among the monks who lived there was the arahant Venerable Sahedawa Arahat Maha Thera. Two monks from the monastery are said to have taught Prince Gemunu and Prince Tissa, the sons of King Kavantissa. Gemunu later became King Dutugemunu.

Later rulers supported the monastery. King Gajabahu (2nd century CE) issued a decree allocating royal tax revenue to the monks, and the inscription is still on a rock at the site. Our guide showed it to us. King Wasabha (1st century CE) is credited with building ten small stupas around the main stupa, and their remains can still be seen. During the Baminitiya famine in the 1st century BCE, the monastery reportedly sheltered 12,000 arahants.

The monastery declined after the 12th century and was revived in modern times.

The Meaning Behind the Name Sithulpawwa

The name Sithulpawwa comes from the Pali Cittala Pabbata, meaning “the hill of the quiet mind.” It reflects the temple’s role as a retreat where monks came to meditate in a secluded spot.

Visiting the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

The visit takes about half a day: a drive through the park, a climb up the rock and a walk down to the cave temple. Here is what you need to know before you go.

Where is Sithulpawwa Rock Temple Located?

Sithulpawwa is in the Hambantota District in the southeast, inside Yala National Park, about 18 km east of Kataragama. The remote setting is part of the visit.

How to Get to the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

To reach Sithulpawwa Rock Temple you have several options. The road runs through Yala National Park, so check with the park office or your driver how entry works before you set off. I went by shuttle with the press group, so the times below are estimates from listings, not my own. 12Go is a partner of this site and I have not used it. Private Car/Taxi:

• Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes from Kataragama
• Details: The most flexible option, especially for families or groups. The road runs through Yala National Park, so you may see wildlife on the way.

Tuk Tuk:

• Time: 60–75 minutes from Kataragama
• Details: A cheaper option than a taxi, but slower, and the road can be rough.

Safari Jeep (Recommended for Wildlife Lovers):

• Time: 60–90 minutes, depending on wildlife encounters
• Details: Since the temple is inside Yala National Park, many visitors combine the trip with a safari. A jeep lets you look for wildlife on the way, including elephants and, with luck, leopards.

Public Bus:

• Time: Varies (no direct bus to Sithulpawwa)
• Details: There is no direct public transport to the temple. You can take a bus to Kataragama and then hire a tuk-tuk or taxi for the remaining 18 km. This is the cheapest option and the least convenient, because it needs several transfers.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

The best time to visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple depends on both weather conditions and spiritual significance:

• Early Morning (6:00-9:00 AM): The coolest part of the day, and a good time for photos.
• Late Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM): Cooler again, with good light for photos before closing time.
• Avoid Midday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM): The heat can be intense, and there is minimal shade. If visiting during this time, bring sun protection and water.
• Pilgrimage Season (mid-year, Kataragama Festival): The temple sees more devotees during the annual Kataragama Festival, so expect a busier visit. The dates change each year.

What to Expect When Visiting the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

The climb to the top is a bit challenging, but at the first plateau the view opens up: a stupa on the summit and other rocks crowned with stupas rising out of the jungle. Along the way you pass ancient ruins, stone Buddha statues and inscriptions.

The site is still a place of worship, so keep your voice down and respect the monks and devotees.

Spirituality and History at the Sithulpawwa

Sithulpawwa has long been a center of Buddhist learning and worship, and it is still an active monastery. It sits among ancient ruins and jungle, which is why meditating monks chose it.

The Role of Arhats at the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

The monastery housed many monks and arahants over the centuries and was a center for studying the scriptures and meditating. Arahants are the enlightened monks of Theravada Buddhism.

Ancient Paintings, Statues, and Inscriptions

Paintings at Sithulpawwa are dated to the Anuradhapura era, and the site has stone statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. Outside the cave temple we saw ancient bodhisattva statues protected by glass, and a rock with inscriptions recording tax revenue allocated to the monks, which our guide showed us.

Exploring the Cave Temples

The cave temples were used by monks for meditation and study, and some carry inscriptions in early Brahmi script. We went into a temple built into the rock below the stupa, with a large painted reclining Buddha and a seated Buddha. We washed our feet at a fountain and went in barefoot.

Meditative Atmosphere at the Temple

The site is quiet, with jungle paths, the stupa and the caves, and visitors can sit and reflect. We spent time inside the rock temple taking it all in.

Nature and Wildlife Around the Temple

The temple sits among dense jungle, lakes and rock formations, inside a national park.

Wildlife Around the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

On the road in and around the temple we saw monitor lizards, wild boars, barn swallows, crocodiles, axis deer, mongooses, grey langurs, toque macaques, Malabar pied hornbills and black-necked hares, and an elephant near the perimeter. Sightings depend on the day.

Spirituality and Nature at the Temple

The temple’s seclusion suited the monks who came here to meditate, and it is still surrounded by jungle and lakes.

Rock Formations at Yala National Park

The rocks around Sithulpawwa are remnants of the island’s geological history, mostly ancient metamorphic rock dating back to the Precambrian era. The hardest of them have resisted erosion and stand alone above the jungle.

The best-known formation is the large rock called “Elephant Rock”, named because its shape resembles a bull elephant walking through the bush.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Practical notes for the visit: where to stay and eat nearby, what to wear, drones and how to get here from Colombo.

Where to Stay Near the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Yala and Tissamaharama are the usual bases for a visit to the temple. I stayed at Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama during the press trip with the Sri Lanka Tourism Board; the other hotels below come from listings and research, not from my own stays.

1. Uga Chena Huts On the edge of Yala National Park, with climate-controlled huts that have private pools.
2. Wild Coast Tented Lodge Just outside the park, with Cocoon-style rooms, some with private pools, and a restaurant and bar with ocean views.
3. Cinnamon Wild Yala At the edge of the park, with Jungle Chalets and Beach Chalets. Listings mention wildlife such as elephants, wild boars and peacocks near the hotel.
4. Jetwing Yala Near the Palatupana entrance of the park, with a 75-meter pool and beach access. Listings highlight its sustainability efforts.
5. Kithala Resort I stayed here during the press trip. The hotel is in Tissamaharama, and listings describe the setting among paddy fields and a large pond.
6. EKHO Safari In Tissamaharama, with views of Tissa Lake. Listings mention recent renovations, spacious rooms and modern amenities. The press group was split between Kithala and EKHO Safari, and I stayed at Kithala.

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 the Temple

Many hotels near the temple have buffet restaurants. I had lunch at Kithala Resort and at the Oak Ray Wild Yala Hotel during the press trip; the other places below are from listings and research, and I have not tried them:

• Kithala Resort: A buffet with local and international dishes. I had lunch here during the press trip.
• Ekho Safari Tissamaharama: Listings mention a buffet and a la carte dishes with lake views. The press group’s cooking class was held here.
• Smoky Kitchen: Listings mention rice and curry cooked in large pots in an open clay kitchen in Tissamaharama, but I have not tried it.
• Chef Lady Restaurant: Listed for seafood in Tissamaharama. I have not tried it.
• The Flavors Restaurant: Listed as family-run, with home-style Sri Lankan food. I have not tried it.
• Natural Fresh Juice Bar: Listed for fresh fruit juices. I have not tried it.

What Clothing and Equipment Should I Bring to the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

Dress for a temple and for walking on uneven rock. 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)
• Insect Repellent (if you plan to walk through outdoor areas)

Dress respectfully, because the temple is an active place of worship.

Can You Fly Drones at the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple?

On the press trip the monk at the temple approved our group flying drones at the top. Drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), and a temple is a sacred site, so always ask the monks first.

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.

How to travel from Colombo to Yala

From Colombo, the usual ways to reach Tissamaharama, the base for Yala, are below, with approximate times from listings. I traveled from Ella to Yala by 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: 4 to 5 hours
• Details: The most flexible option for reaching Tissamaharama and Yala. The route runs along the Southern Expressway, passing Galle.

Train & Bus Combo:

• Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Details: Take a train from Colombo Fort to Galle along the coast, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, then the 32 bus from Galle Bus Stand to Tissamaharama. Alternatively, take a bus to Matara and transfer to the 331 bus.

Private Tour (Shuttle):

• Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Details: If you are on a guided tour, the transfer to Tissamaharama is usually included.

Best Things To Do near the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

These are the places I visited around Yala on the press trip, plus the main safari option.

Yala National Park Safaris: Yala is known for leopards, elephants and many birds. I did a morning jeep safari the day after visiting the temple.

Kataragama Sacred City: A short distance from the temple, Kataragama is a sacred city for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. I saw a pooja ceremony there.

Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara Temple: One of the oldest and most important temples in the area, which we passed through on the way to Yala.

Kirinda Beach: A beach near Yala with two sides: calm, bay-like water near a fishing port on one, and the Indian Ocean on the other, with rock formations crowned with pagodas.

Cooking Class at Ekho Safari Hotel: The Tourism Board arranged a cooking class for our group at this hotel, where we cooked Sri Lankan dishes.

Best Tours in Yalla, Sri Lanka

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

• Safari Adventure in Yala National Park A half-day or full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park.

• Explore the South Coast of Sri Lanka with Mr. Tuk Tuk A tuk-tuk tour of the southern coast, with Galle Fort, the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Rumassala, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock Bridge and the Sea Turtle Farm.

• Galle Fort Walking Tour A walk through Galle Fort, with stops such as the Star Bastion, the Dutch Reformed Church, the Old Dutch Warehouse and the Flag Rock Bastion.

• Day Trip from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, and Mirissa to Ella Highlands A full-day tour to the Buduruwagala Temple, Ravana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, the Flying Ravana zip line and the Halpewaththa tea factory.

• Traditional Jewelry Making Workshop in Galle A workshop where you make a silver jewelry piece, learning techniques such as metal fusion, gemstone setting and polishing.

My Experience at the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple was, without a doubt, the most mind-blowing place I visited during my 12-day journey through Sri Lanka. Having seen the itinerary beforehand, I expected another Buddhist temple with a stupa or pagoda, much like the temples at the base of the Ravana Cave or the Buduruwagala Temple near Ella. But nothing could have prepared me for what awaited at the top of Sithulpawwa Rock.

Wildlife Encounters and Jungle Rock Formations

To begin with, we took a shuttle through Block 1 of Yala National Park, passing right through the park itself, almost like a mini safari preview. On the way to the temple, we encountered a plethora of wildlife. Even if the temple had turned out to be just another stupa, the experience would have been worth it for the animal sightings alone.

We spotted monitor lizards, Sri Lankan wild boars, barn swallows, crocodiles, Sri Lankan axis deer, mongooses, Northern plains gray langurs, toque macaques, Malabar pied hornbills, and Sri Lankan black-necked hares. Honestly, if a leopard had appeared, we could have skipped the safari the next day! It was a wildlife lover’s dream come true.

After a 30-minute ride, we reached the Sithulpawwa complex and were greeted by the sight of a Sri Lankan elephant near the perimeter. We were then guided up the rock formation, shoes in hand, to reach what we had seen from a distance: a stupa perched atop the hill.

As we slowly climbed the stairs, we reached a plateau, and that’s when it hit us. The view was jaw-dropping. It wasn’t just a view of the jungle; it was a panorama of surreal rock formations reminiscent of Sigiriya or Elephant Rock, stretching out in all directions. The landscape felt like something out of Venezuela’s Amazon or Colombia’s Chiribiquete National Park. It was a sight I never expected, and one I won’t forget. We snapped hundreds of photos, trying to capture the beauty before continuing our ascent.

Ancient Temples, Statues, and Rock Carvings

At the top, we reached the stupa, and from there, we were treated to a 360-degree view that left us speechless. The surrounding lakes, lush jungle, and towering rocks with other stupas were absolutely mesmerizing. With the monk’s approval, we launched our drones into the air, capturing stunning shots of the temple and the surrounding landscape. The sight of the temple atop the rock, framed by lakes, jungle, and majestic rock formations, was breathtaking. After a while, our drone batteries were nearly depleted, so we brought them down and ventured to the opposite side of the temple.

On our descent, we encountered a monk being interviewed by the local media, and we continued to an area near a large lake, overshadowed by another massive rock formation with a similar stupa at its summit. There, we discovered ancient ruins, from what seemed to be the remnants of an old temple. Crocodiles drifted lazily in the lake, while Malabar pied hornbills perched on nearby trees

Continuing down the stairs, we were surprised to discover another hidden gem beneath the rock where the stupa stood: a temple carved into the rock. We washed our feet at a fountain and entered the temple barefoot, where we were greeted by a spectacular scene. Inside, we found a massive painted reclining Buddha statue and another sitting Buddha statue. The whole atmosphere was serene, and we spent time soaking it all in.

Outside, we discovered ancient bodhisattva statues, carefully protected by glass. A temple guide walked us through the site, explaining the history and significance of the temple, as well as Buddhist teachings. While I was fascinated by the temple’s architecture and its incredible surroundings, I must admit that I didn’t absorb as much about the monks’ daily lives—though I did pick up bits and pieces from our guide’s explanations.

After exploring the temple, we climbed back up to the plateau where the monk was being interviewed, and our guide showed us a rock with ancient inscriptions. The carvings detailed tax collection related to the monks of the monastery. We then continued our walk around the lake, retracing our steps back to the shuttle. On the way back, I had a bit of an unexpected adventure. I was almost caught off guard by the resident wild boars near the bathroom, but thanks to some barking dogs, they scurried off, and I was safe—thank you, little doggies!

As we left the temple, I kept my eyes peeled for more rare species of animals, eagerly awaiting the next surprise. If you’re visiting Yala, I can’t recommend a trip to the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple enough, it’s an unforgettable adventure you won’t regret, I promise!