Dhowa Rock Temple Tourism

Type of destination: Historical & Cultural Site

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

Dhowa Rock Temple is a significant heritage site located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, near the town of Ella. The temple is renowned for its large unfinished Buddha statue carved into the rock face, which dates back over 2,000 years to the Anuradhapura era. This historical site is associated with the ancient Ravana mythology and is thought to have been a sanctuary for King Walagamba during his period of exile from Anuradhapura. The rock temple boasts traditional Buddhist murals and exquisite frescoes that echo the craftsmanship and culture of ancient Kandyan-era artists. The site's peaceful ambiance is augmented by the surrounding lush vegetation, a gently flowing stream, and the scenic beauty of the central highlands. Despite its antiquity, Dhowa Rock Temple continues to be a place of worship and a repository of Buddhist culture, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich historical tapestry. It not only serves as a spiritual center but also as an enticing destination for those interested in archaeology, history, and art.

Top 5 Reviews on Dhowa Rock Temple

falp2016

Wrote on 16th Dec, 2023

Nice small temple with fresco

A nice place to spend an hour or so here. Has a lot of fresco and the back end of Ravana cave and a small waterfall. You can talk to the person in charge there and he will explain the stories behind t..

robertsM5252SR

Wrote on 6th Oct, 2023

Lovely old temple and very Tranquil

We were suggested this place from our host Gayan at Coconut Island cabanas.It is off the beaten track so Gayan said we could take a tuk tuk or go by bus.So we took the bus there and a tuk tuk to retur..

151ravink

Wrote on 15th Apr, 2023

Dhova temple at badulla

I have visited this temple a couple of times. This temple was built by King Valagaba, and it has a cave that was built those days but can not be exploratory at present. Ghis temple has a statue that ..

Christian_ald

Wrote on 17th Apr, 2022

Hidden gem

Beautiful and serene temple a couple of kilometers outside of Ella town. Very nice scenery alongside a river and much green surrounding the temple area. We walked up until there, which gives you beaut..

kevins684

Wrote on 15th Feb, 2022

Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya

Roadside is a small stupa, nothing special at all. Walk down the entrance driveway and down some 70 steps and you come to the temple and the image of the Buddha is carved out of a granite boulder. Thi..

Dhowa Rock Temple Tourism

Dhowa Rock Temple Tourism

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