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Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Buduruwagala Temple stands as a remarkable testament to the island's rich history and spiritual heritage. Situated south of Wellawaya, this sacred site, located en route to Yala, entices travelers with its awe-inspiring collection of ancient rock-carved statues, offering a captivating journey through time and devotion.
Buduruwagala is surrounded by a tranquil dry-zone forest. The picturesque journey leading to this historical treasure takes you past a dammed lake, where the landscape is alive with the presence of birds and butterflies.
At the core of Buduruwagala lies a unique assembly of seven colossal statues, meticulously chiseled from a single rock face. The centerpiece is a towering standing Buddha figure, the tallest in all of Sri Lanka, exuding a profound serenity that captivates all who behold it. Flanked by smaller figures, including bodhisattvas and attendants, this ensemble radiates a deep sense of spiritual devotion.
While the origins of the Buduruwagala Temple remain shrouded in the mists of time, its existence serves as a testament to the enduring cultural and religious heritage of the island.
Buduruwagala offers a tranquil oasis for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The statues, intricately carved with expressive features, provide a glimpse into the artistic and religious pursuits of a bygone era.
This isn't just a journey through history; it is an opportunity to embrace the spiritual and artistic legacy of Sri Lanka. Its remote location, amidst lush greenery, adds an element of mystery and adventure to your travel experience. Buduruwagala stands as a hidden gem, inviting you to explore the depths of Sri Lanka's ancient past and embrace the spiritual essence that has permeated the island for centuries.
Buduruwagala is a significant archaeological site, home to seven ancient statues associated with the Mahayana school of Buddhism, believed to date back to the 10th century. The most prominent statue, a colossal Buddha, still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe, a testament to its once vibrant appearance.
Central Buddha Figure: Among these statues, there is a magnificent Buddha figure that stands tall, measuring approximately 51 feet from head to toe. This awe-inspiring statue demands attention and evokes a deep sense of respect.
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: Positioned to the right of the central Buddha figure, there stands another figure believed to be Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. This revered figure holds great significance in the realm of Mahayana Buddhism.
Consort Tara: On the left side of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, a female figure is depicted in a thrice-bent posture. This figure is thought to be Tara, the esteemed consort of Avalokitesvara.
Mysterious Carved Shape: Within the same rock that houses these sculptures, there is a peculiar carved shape resembling a flame. What makes it truly intriguing is the continuous exudation of an oil-like substance with the distinct aroma of Mustard oil. This phenomenon remains shrouded in enigma, leaving observers perplexed.
Buduruwagala is a place where history, spirituality, and mystery intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on those who venture here. It offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient past of Sri Lanka, captivating the soul and stirring the imagination.
"Thank you so much for wonderful Sri Lanka trip.We had a great time. The trip was very relaxing as well as fun. My daughter MAHI who lovingly started calling you "Cyril Dada"(grand farther) Had a memorable trip. She cannot stop talking about elephants. Our trip to Sri Lanka will be full of great memories, its because of you. Thank you for showing us your beautiful country the way we wanted, eating local food, lots of King coconut and Corn stops. We will be surely coming back to see rest o..." Mithil Patel
"We had a great time on last 10 days in on our honeymoon in beautiful Sri Lanka. Thank you very much for the stories, the explanations, driving, tips, care and always with a smile. Big thanks for you Cyril. We had an amazing honeymoon in this beautiful island! and you are the best guide and friend that we could have here!!! We will sure tell our friends and family about the trip and you!!! We will stay in touch and may be one day meet you again. Oded & Carol Israel 10 Oct 2014" Naim & Coral Fisher from Israel
" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY
"If you ever plan to visit Sri Lanka (and I think you should) this is your guide!!! Martha Iordanidou - Thesoloneki - Greece " Martha Iordanidou
"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
"We found Cyril on-line and after checking with lots of other guides we decided he is the one for us, that decision was the best one we did for our trip From the beginning, in our emails, Cyril listen to us and was very helpful, he gave us information and helped us to create the best trip for us.We had 10 days trip, for our honeymoon, to many parts of Sri-Lanka. the country is amazing, green, nice people and good food.Cyril was a great driver and even greater guide, he has so much knowledge and e..." Coral and Oded from Israel
"Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK
"We came for a wedding and then embarked on an amazing holiday. Cyril show us magnificent sights and scenery of Sri Lanka. To do the country just we need to return with more time. Many of the sites we visited just made us want to know more about them, even though Cyril was a fountain of knowledge. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Cyril and his excellent company, and it was so nice to go home a guardian angel looking after us. He is consistently courteous & good humored and now fe..." Andy Powell UK
"Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
" Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
