Dimbulagala Monastery
North Central Province
About Dimbulagala Monastery
Dimbulagala - the British called it Gunners Quoin - rises in a long blue wall east of the Mahaweli, twenty kilometres from Polonnaruwa, and has sheltered meditating monks nearly continuously since the 2nd century BC. Its slopes and cliffs are honeycombed with more than five hundred drip-ledged caves bearing early Brahmi donor inscriptions; its medieval heyday under Polonnaruwa's kings left painted fragments and the memory of the forest-dwelling lineages that reformed the island's Buddhism. The modern Raja Maha Vihara at the base - a major pilgrimage centre - launches the stepped path up the mountain: past cave shrines, a vast rock-shelter congregation hall, and hermit kutis to upper terraces where white stupas stand against the cliff and the view sweeps the tank country to Polonnaruwa's distant domes. Sunrise climbs beat the heat; resident monks and troops of langurs supervise all ascents.
Top Activities
- ✓The stepped pilgrimage climb
- ✓Ancient caves and Brahmi inscriptions
- ✓Upper-terrace stupas and views
- ✓The living hermitage tradition
- ✓Combine with Polonnaruwa
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Dress as pilgrims do; this is an active monastery, not a viewpoint.
Carry water for the climb - none is sold above the temple.
Poya days bring crowds and ceremony in equal measure.
Quick Info
Best Time
May to September; early morning
Weather
Hot; the climb is exposed in stretches - start early.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.8600°N, 81.1219°E
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