Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bandarawela
Sleeping
1
Bandarawela Hotel
B2
Eating
2
Mlesna Tea Centre
A2
Transport
3
Buses to Ella, Badulla & Wellawaya B2
4
Buses to Haputale & Colombo B2
5
Buses to Welimada B2
6
Long-Distance Buses A1
7
Taxis B2
8
Taxis B3
9
Three-Wheeler Stand B2
Dowa Temple
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
The highlight of the charming Dowa Temple, 6km east of town, is a 4m-high standing
Buddha cut into the rock face. The walls of the adjacent cave shrine, carved from solid
rock, are covered with excellent Sri Lankan-style Buddhist murals. It's said that King
Valagamba (Vattajamini Ahhya) took refuge here in the 1st century BC during his 14-year
exile from Anuradhapura. Legend also has it that a secret underground tunnel stretches
from this temple all the way to Kandy.
The temple, which is on the road to Badulla, is easy to miss (and the tunnel even easier)
if you're coming by bus, so ask the bus conductor to tell you when to alight. A three-
wheeler or taxi from Bandarawela should cost Rs 500 return.
Sleeping & Eating
