Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
MULKIRIGALA
Mulkirigala
BUDDHIST
(Mulkirigala Rd;admission Rs 200; dawn-dusk)
Dangling off a rocky crag 16km northwest of Tangalla and nestled away among a green
forest of coconut trees are the peaceful rock temples of Mulkirigala. Clamber in a sweat
up the many steps and you'll encounter a series of seven cleft-like caves on five different
terraced levels. You'll discover a number of large reclining Buddha statues interspersed
with smaller sitting and standing figures.
Vying with these for your attention are some fantastical wall paintings depicting sinners
pleasuring themselves with forbidden fruit on Earth and then paying for it with an afterlife
of eternal torture - apparently it was worth it! Further on up, and perched on top of the
rock some 206m from the base, is a small dagoba with fine views over the surrounding
country.
Temples, in some form or another, have been located here for over 2000 years but the
current incarnation, and their paintings, date from the 18th century. Nearby is a Buddhist
school for young monks.
Pali manuscripts found in the monastic library here by a British official in 1826 were
used for the first translation of the Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle), which unlocked Sri
Lanka's early history for Europeans. For much more info on the site, see the website
Mulkirigala can be reached by bus from Tangalla via either Beliatta or Wiraketiya.
(Depending on the departures, it might be quicker to go via Wiraketiya than to wait for the
Beliatta bus.) A three-wheeler from Tangalla costs about Rs 2000 for a return trip.
Dikwella
041
Little more than a wide spot in the road with a few shops useful to locals, Dikwella -
22km east of Matara - is close to a couple interesting sights and some fine beachfront ho-
tels.
