Athugala Viharaya
Athugala Viharaya things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Awesome place to Visit. This is situated in Kurunegala District and town area. If you have a vehicle , then it will be easy to visit this place since roads are ok. Ideal with the site for panoramic views of Kurunegala city. I do have many ancient ruins and old temples to visit. no restaurants or lodging close to this place. recommend to travel with some snacks and drinks. do have road access and separate foot path to the top of this rock. Whenever I stayed at Kurunegala or passed through it in the last 15 years or so, I admired the iconic, landmark statue in pure white sitting on top of the Ethagala rock and visible from almost anywhere in Kurunegala city. Ethagala takes its name from the elephant shape of the rock. (Etha in Sinhala means elephant). Finally, on the evening of 5th January 2018, my wife and I drove along the narrow steep road leading up to the top of the hill. There were people trekking up the hill too. We parked the car at the little parking lot below the communication tower and walked up about 100 metres to the statue. There were a few little shops along the road selling flowers and other knickknacks for visitors. The top of Ethagala is 700 metres above the city. From this vantage point, the panoramic view of the city and beyond was a treat to the eyes. Since we were there in the evening the views of the sky were breath-taking and spectacular. The Samadhi statue, in the posture of meditation, painted in pure white, sits on its own at the very top of the rock overlooking the Kurunegala city. We walked a little away and lower along the almost flat hilltop and the 21 metre tall statue looks awe-inspiring. The statue sits on a 9 metre tall platform. Under the platform is a museum and a temple for the devotees. There were monkeys too playing around the statue and on the hill. On our way down, we gave a lift to a lady running one of the shops. She said that there were many visitors both hiking up and driving up to see the statue as well as the new temple that had come up adjoining the statue and the communication tower. If you are in Kurunegala town this is an enjoyable and a pleasant trip that will take you a little more than an hour in the evening. Unlike many other statues, this had been constructed in recent times having been completed in 2003.
Amith RandikaAmith Randika
20
Athugala also called as ethagala is a very splendid rock that overlooks the Kurunegala town in Sri Lanka. Athugala is situated just around 1km away from Kurunegala town. The rock gets the name “athugala” due to its shape of an elephant. This is "the" iconic landmark of Kurunegala. You could select two ways to reach to the top of the rock. Either following the steps in the rock or riding your vehicle to the top. Walk to the top of the rock is little tiring and take around 15-20mins, but you'll forget that by watching around. Sometimes, you can find few monkey groups in the middle of the rock. So, it is always better to watch out your stuff. As you reach to the top of the rock you could see the temple (Athugala Viharaya) and massive snow white Buddha statue. This temple houses to the huge 88 ft Buddha statue. The great bare rock mountain provides a perfect setting for the Buddha statue. The night view of the Buddha statue from Kurunegala town is simply a breath taking view. Only the snow white Buddha statue can be seen in the sky while the whole surrounding is in dark. It is like the Buddha statue is floating in the sky. It is a worth visit view and these views make the place memorable. If you are to get the perfect view you need to start climbing the rock in the evening. Stay there at the top of the rock till it gets little dark. The view of Kurunagela city from the top of the rock is panoramic and a treat to the eyes. If you are passing the busy Kurunegala town athugala is a must visit place. Also, if you are to say you visited Kurunegala you need to climb athugala.
Kushan KaushithaKushan Kaushitha
00
A most beautiful and religious place at kurunegala Town.has A marvelos view on the rock.The idol of Lord Buddha add a beautiful whole town To reach the top of Athugala, visitors have two options: ascend by climbing the stairs or use a vehicle for convenience. While the vehicle may provide a quicker ascent, many individuals, both young and old, prefer the adventurous journey of hiking to the summit. Hiking towards the top of the hill allows one to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and experience the surrounding environment more intimately. The best time to visit Embarking on the hike up Athugala Rock during or after sunset offers a truly magical experience. As the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of pink and purple, the panoramic view of Kurunegala city unfolds before your eyes. The once bustling lights of vehicles and vibrant shops illuminate the cityscape, creating a breathtaking vista. This time of day adds an extra layer of enchantment to the journey and rewards hikers with a truly memorable sight. The Athugala Rock Temple offers a unique blend of natural wonders, religious significance, and adventure. The myth surrounding its formation, the temple perched atop the rock, and the magnificent Samadhi Buddha statue all contribute to its allure. Whether you choose to hike or take the vehicle, the journey to the top promises to be an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the panoramic view of Kurunegala city at sunset and encountering the ethereal snow-white Buddha statue will leave you in awe of the beauty that unfolds at Athugala Rock Temple.
Nalan DhanushkaNalan Dhanushka
00
Good place in Kurunegala.The rock got the name as Ethagala meaning Elephant rock merely because of its shape like a Elephant. There is a statue of massive Lord Buddha on the Ethagala and it is spiritual object rather than another construction. Any one of any religion or race can freely visit the site. Best time to visit is 5.30 pm as the environment as well as the rock would be cooler. You will enjoy a panoramic view from the top.it is Beautiful view. There are 3 access ways to top of the mountain. You can go there by your vehicle or use little bit difficult but adventures way. On your way to Dambulla, Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, you can have a quick but valuable view from the top of the rock. It takes about maximum of 1 ½ hours and the minimum being 15 minutes. Ethagala is within 5 minutes’ drive on a safe road from city center. . You can also walk through green jungle which takes little time. Avoid walking in the night on the excellent place to discover the city of Kurunagala as well as the ancient capital. Hill top temple is a serene place. Be there and enjoy the natural surroundings and feel the spiritual environment.very high wind here. Avoid going on a vehicles on full moon poya days as there are no sufficient parking at the top as a lot of people visit the temple to do worshiping. Even don’t do night visits. Lt can be a bit windy at the top. The Buddha statue is beautiful. Be careful with monkeys if you travel with kids. The monkeys come near you and take your little baggage..its a good place in කුරුණෑගල.
Clifford FernandoClifford Fernando
10
My visit to Athugala Viharaya was a spiritually enriching experience, leaving an indelible mark on my journey through Sri Lanka. The serene ambiance and breathtaking surroundings made it a sanctuary of tranquility. The awe-inspiring Buddha statue carved into the rock face stood as a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess. The intricate details and the sheer magnitude of the sculpture left me in awe, emphasizing the dedication and craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. Climbing the stairs to the top provided not only a physical challenge but also a rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding landscape (if needed, one can drive in on to the top of the rock). The sense of peace and spiritual connection at the summit was truly profound. The meticulously maintained grounds and the respectful atmosphere fostered a sense of reverence, creating a space for quiet contemplation. Athugala Viharaya is more than a historical site; it's a sacred haven that offers visitors a chance to connect with both nature and spirituality. For those seeking a blend of cultural exploration and spiritual reflection, Athugala Viharaya stands as a must-visit destination. Its unique charm and historical significance make it a treasure trove for those exploring the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.
Hasitha PriyashanthaHasitha Priyashantha
10
The rock is 325meters high and resembles the gigantic shape of an elephant. According to myths, the area around the elephant rock experienced a severe drought which resulted in scarcity of water for animals and those endangered animals later turned into large rocks. Athugala also called as ethagala is a very splendid rock that overlooks the Kurunegala town in Sri Lanka. Athugala is situated just around 1km away from Kurunegala town. The rock gets the name “athugala” due to its shape of an elephant. This is "the" iconic landmark of Kurunegala. You could select two ways to reach to the top of the rock. Either following the steps in the rock or riding your vehicle to the top. Walk to the top of the rock is little tiring and take around 15-20mins. As you reach to the top of the rock you could see the temple (Athugala Viharaya) and massive snow white Buddha statue. This temple houses to the huge 88 ft Buddha statue. The great bare rock mountain provides a perfect setting for the Buddha statue. The gigantic Buddha statue was carved out of a huge rock in the premises itself. The base of the statue is nicely carved with a series of elephants, swans and flower buds. The beautiful granite pond surrounding the statue which is 7 feet in depth makes the statue more pleasing to the visitors.
Senura NayanajithSenura Nayanajith
00
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