Explore the Tranquil Serenity of Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya Caverns
Discover the sacred serenity of Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya Caverns in Mihintale, a hidden gem of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage.
Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya Caverns, located in the historic town of Mihintale, is a mesmerizing site that transports visitors into the heart of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage. The caverns, believed to date back to ancient times, serve as a sacred retreat for monks and spiritual seekers alike. Visitors are greeted by the serene ambiance created by the lush foliage and the gentle sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot for meditation and reflection. The site features several caves adorned with fascinating rock formations and remnants of ancient Buddhist art. As you wander through these caverns, you'll discover the remains of monastic cells and meditation halls, invoking a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in today's bustling world. The air is filled with a sense of peace, inviting you to pause and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Kaludiya Pokuna is not just a historical site; it is also a spiritual sanctuary. Tourists often find themselves captivated by the serene environment, making it a perfect place to practice mindfulness or engage in quiet contemplation. The site is also surrounded by beautiful walking paths that lead to scenic viewpoints, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Mihintale. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to escape the rush of everyday life, Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya Caverns offers an unforgettable experience that resonates with peace and history.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are uneven paths and steps within the caverns.
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited in the area.
- Respect the sacred nature of the site by maintaining silence and being mindful of your surroundings.
A brief summary to Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns
- 8GX2+X2X, Mihintale, LK
Getting There
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Walking
Start from the Anuradhapura Railway Station. Head southwest on Station Road towards 5th Lane. Continue straight until you reach the junction with the A9 highway. At the junction, turn right onto the A9 and walk towards Mihintale. It's approximately a 12 km walk, which may take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the way, enjoy the lush greenery and local scenery.
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Bus
From Anuradhapura town, head to the bus station located near the Independence Square. Look for buses heading towards Mihintale. The bus fare is very affordable, usually around 30-50 LKR. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive in Mihintale, ask the driver to drop you off near the Mihintale Temple area.
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Tuk-tuk
You can hire a tuk-tuk from various points in Anuradhapura. Simply tell the driver you want to go to the Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns in Mihintale. The fare should be negotiated beforehand and typically costs around 500-800 LKR. The drive takes about 30 minutes, providing you with a comfortable and quick option to reach your destination.
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Bicycle
For an adventurous option, you can rent a bicycle from a local shop in Anuradhapura. Head towards Mihintale via the A9 road, which is about 12 km away. Riding a bicycle may take around 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Ensure to carry plenty of water and take breaks as needed while enjoying the journey through the countryside.
Attractions Nearby to Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns
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Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns
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Rajagiri Caves
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Kaludiya Pokuna rock inscription
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කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
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Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
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Archaeological Museum Mihintale - මිහින්තලේ පුරාවිද්යා කෞතුකාගාරය
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Mihintale Junction | මිහින්තලේ හංදිය
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Mihinthale Udamaluwa
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The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
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Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
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Mihindu Pagoda | මහා මහින්ද මහ රහතන් වහන්සේ ගේ ස්තූපය
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Maha Stupa මිහින්තලා මහා සෑය
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Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
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Sela Chetiya Mihintale - සේල චෛත්ය
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Mihintale Rock
Landmarks nearby to Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns
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Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
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Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
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North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
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Buddhist Railing
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Anuradhapura Newtown
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Isurumuniya clock Tower ඉසුරුමුණිය ඔරලෝසු කණුව
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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WAWE
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Unidentified structure
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]