Matale Aluviharaya Rock Temple
About This Place
Matale Aluviharaya Rock Temple
An ancient cave temple complex carved into a dramatic grey granite rock face near Matale, believed to be where the Pali Canon — the written record of Theravada Buddhist scripture — was first committed to writing in the 1st century BC. The caves contain colourful frescoes, reclining Buddha statues, and a remarkable museum. A separate cave depicts the suffering of sinners in hell — one of the most vivid such displays in Sri Lanka.
Difficulty
🧭 easy
Best Time
📅 Year-round; best in morning before midday heat.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Near Matale town; accessible by bus from Kandy (26 km); steps lead up to the main caves; guide available on site.
📖 Legends & Stories
Prior to 100 BC, Buddhist teachings were transmitted orally. During a severe famine under King Vattagamani Abhaya, monks feared the knowledge would be lost. A council of 500 monks gathered at Aluviharaya and spent years writing the entire Tripitaka on palm leaves — an act considered one of the most significant events in Buddhist history. The original palm-leaf manuscripts were destroyed when British troops burned part of the temple complex during the 1848 Matale rebellion.
Location
📍 Find It Here
7.483300, 80.616700
Community
Visitor Comments (0)
No comments yet
Be the first to share your experience!