Spiritual Journey to Yatagala Buddhist Rock Temple

Leave the crowds of Galle behind for a spiritual journey to this ancient Buddhist temple.

This excursion will take you away from the crowds in Galle on a spiritual journey down the coast through beautiful rural countryside to visit Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya Buddhist temple. The 20-minute tuk-tuk ride to get there is along little back roads through lush-green paddy fields, where you will see villagers harvesting their crops and going about their daily lives. Only four kilometres inland from the coastal town of Unawatuna, Yatagala is a peaceful rock temple with a nine-meter standing Buddha and mural-covered walls, typical of the Kandyan kingdom that dates back to the late 15th century. As you climb the long flight of stairs to the top you will enjoy some wonderful views overlooking the rice paddies. A temple where you seldom find any crowds, your guide will take you on a spiritual journey through Yatagala to purge your body and mind of negative thoughts, and to pay tribute to Buddha. You will offer traditional pichcha flowers, burn incense, light votive lamps and offer water to a sacred Bodhi tree. As you carry out these Hindu rituals, known as pujas, your guide will tell you more about their meaning and significance. You will then receive a blessing from the devoted monks, who have lived at this peaceful temple site for centuries.