An ancient rock monastery of caves and stupas set deep within Yala National Park, once home to thousands of meditating monks.

Overview

Sithulpawwa, 'the hill of the quiet mind', is a remote and atmospheric rock-temple complex rising from the scrub jungle inside the boundaries of Yala National Park. Stupas crown its granite summit, reached by rock-cut steps, and over 160 caves honeycomb the surrounding rocks, some preserving very ancient paintings. It remains an active pilgrimage site and offers sweeping views over the wilderness, often reached by continuing along the safari road from Tissamaharama.

History

The monastery is believed to have been founded by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BCE and grew into one of the great forest-monastery complexes of the Ruhuna kingdom, said at its height to have housed thousands of monks. Its cave paintings and inscriptions rank among the oldest in the country. After centuries of abandonment in the jungle it was rediscovered and restored as a place of Buddhist worship.