Mulkirigala, Sri Lanka

Description and is it worth a visit

Mulkirigala, Mulgirigala, Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple located 21 kilometers north of the resort town Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka (see Mulkirigala on the map of Sri Lanka).

Mulkirigala is a very beautiful and interesting attraction, which in terms of attractiveness quite competes with Dambulla, and, according to many tourists, even surpasses it. But Mulkirigala is a relatively obscure and unpopular tourist destination, partly because Dambulla is a UNESCO-recognized monument, and the cave temples of Mulkirigala have not yet reached this fate and the accompanying popularity.

Cave temples are located in a mountain 270 meters high, which is shaped like a rock Sigiriya. On its steep slopes in seven caves are temples that date back to the 13th century. But according to other sources, the temples were founded here in the 2nd century. A convenient but steep staircase leads to the caves. Inside the temples there are many statues of Buddha, small pagodas, and the walls are painted with beautiful frescoes. You can (and should) continue up the stairs further to the very top of the mountain, overcoming 533 steps. There is a Dagobah, a swimming pool and a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding forests.

The place is definitely worth a visit. It will take about 2 hours to visit the temples and climb to the top, and taking into account the travel time when traveling from the southern resorts Sri Lanka it is necessary to allocate a full day.