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Dimbulagala Rock Monastery (Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara) — Polonnaruwa

Cover photo: sander traa (Unsplash)

District

Polonnaruwa

Province

North Central

Best for

Monastery and viewpoint seekers; hilltop dagoba with sweeping plains views

Map

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About this place

Forest monastery mountain southeast of Polonnaruwa town with ancient caves, a white dagoba and resident monks. Climb in the morning (1-2 hours up and back) in dry months; the trail is steep with monkeys about. Free or small donation; modest dress and a local guide recommended for the upper path.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Climb in the morning (1-2 hours up and back); the upper path is steep with rough steps, so wear grippy footwear.
• Active forest monastery with resident monks: modest dress, low voices, no drone without permission.
• Monkeys around the trail; secure food and small items.
• Free or small donation; a local guide is recommended for the upper path.
• Dry months easiest; rock is slippery in rain and the summit is exposed.

How to travel there

Southeast of Polonnaruwa town in the Dimbulagala range; tuk-tuk to Dimbulagala junction then ~2 km to the temple; no direct public transport to the summit trail.

Where to stay

Polonnaruwa town guesthouses and mid-range hotels; day-trip from Habarana safari lodges.

Nearby places

Namal Pokuna archaeological complex, Parakrama Samudra Reservoir, Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Maduru Oya National Park

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