Discover the Tranquility of Pothgul Vihara
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Pothgul Vihara, a stunning Buddhist temple in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
- M9JF+6JX, Pothgul Vihara Mawatha, Ratnapura, LK
- Monday 6 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
- Thursday 6 am-9 pm
- Friday 6 am-9 pm
- Saturday 6 am-9 pm
- Sunday 6 am-9 pm
Pothgul Vihara, a stunning Buddhist temple in Ratnapura, invites tourists to immerse themselves in its rich history and breathtaking architecture. Established as a place of worship and peace, this temple is renowned for its intricate wall paintings and ancient architectural designs that reflect the artistry of a bygone era. As you wander through the temple grounds, you'll find yourself surrounded by tranquil ponds and lush greenery, creating a perfect backdrop for contemplation and reflection. One of the most striking features of Pothgul Vihara is its cave complex, which houses ancient relics and artifacts significant to Buddhist heritage. Visitors can explore these caves to gain insights into the spiritual practices of monks who once inhabited this sacred space. The serene atmosphere is complemented by the gentle sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot for meditation or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. The temple is open daily from dawn to dusk, allowing ample time for exploration. It is advisable to dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting, and do take a moment to appreciate the dedication of the local community in preserving this historical site. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a history enthusiast, Pothgul Vihara promises an enriching experience that will linger in your memory long after your visit.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and witness the morning rituals.
- Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and serene landscapes.
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering sacred areas.
- Engage with local monks if possible; they often share fascinating stories about the temple's history.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, from the center of Ratnapura, head southeast on Main Street (A4) for about 1.5 km. Continue straight, then turn left onto Pothgul Vihara Mawatha. Follow this road for approximately 300 meters, and you will find Pothgul Vihara on your right. There is parking available near the temple.
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Public Transportation
To reach Pothgul Vihara using public transportation, first take a local bus from the Ratnapura Bus Station towards Colombo. Get off at the 'Pothgul Vihara' stop, which is approximately 1.5 km from the bus station. From there, you can either walk or take a tuk-tuk to the temple, which is about a 10-minute walk or a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride. The tuk-tuk fare should be around 100-200 LKR.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you are in Ratnapura and prefer a more direct route, hiring a tuk-tuk is a convenient option. Simply flag down a tuk-tuk or arrange one via your hotel. The fare from central Ratnapura to Pothgul Vihara should be approximately 300-500 LKR, depending on your starting point. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
Attractions Nearby to පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
- Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya
- Balibathgoda Thotupola
- Bo Tree - Hospital Ratnapura
- Rathnapura National Museum
- Dhanaja Gem Museum
- පතල් වාඩිය
- Bo Tree
- Ratnapura | Gem City Tour with Sampa Wayo Sri Lanka
- Demuwawatha Bridge
- Samanala Mountain view point
- Dimiyawa View Point
- Katugas Ella Waterfall
- Hathbamba Ella Waterfall
- රත්මල් ඇල්ල
- Wanaidalaketiya Sri Ariyagnana Temple
Landmarks nearby to පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
- පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
- පොත්ගුල් විහාරය - Cave
- Ratnapura Portuguese Fort – රත්නපුර පෘතුගීසි බලකොටුව
- Rathnapura Clock Tower (රත්නපුර ඔරලෝසු කණුව)
- Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Complex
- Ministry of Tourism - Sabaragamuwa
- Irrigation Circuit Bungalow
- The Royal Peak Resort
- Gemmological musemum
- Faculty of Medicine (Pre clinical complex)-Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
- Lihiniyan Kelina Ella Falls
- To Sripada
- Wathura tenkiya ( වතුර ටැංකිය)
- Kunu Diya Parwathaya, කුණු දිය පව්ව.
- Dehena Waterfall