Discover Tranquility at Budugallena Forest Monastery
Experience peace and spirituality at Budugallena Forest Monastery, an authentic Buddhist temple nestled in nature's embrace in Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Budugallena Forest Monastery - බුදුගල්ලෙන ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය.
- Kataragama Rd, LK
- +94552270542
- Visit website
Budugallena Forest Monastery, known as බුදුගල්ලෙන ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය in Sinhala, is a hidden sanctuary that embodies the essence of tranquility and spirituality. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, this monastery serves as a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The site is renowned for its authentic Aranya-type monastery setup, which allows visitors to experience the serene lifestyle of the monks residing here. As you wander through the peaceful pathways of the monastery, you will encounter the beautiful architecture of the temple, which exudes a sense of calm and reverence. The monastery is not just a place of worship but also a center for meditation and mindfulness. Visitors are encouraged to engage in moments of reflection and to participate in the serene practices that the monks follow. The simplicity and beauty of the surroundings enhance the spiritual experience, making it a perfect spot for both meditation and photography. As you explore, take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and Buddhist art that adorn the temple, each telling a story of devotion and tradition. Beyond its spiritual significance, Budugallena Forest Monastery is an ideal place for nature lovers and those interested in Sri Lankan culture. The tranquil environment offers opportunities for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna. The monastery is a testament to the harmony that can exist between spirituality and nature, making it a must-visit location for tourists seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a serene experience and the best lighting for photography.
- Dress modestly to respect the sanctity of the monastery.
- Engage with the monks if possible; they often welcome visitors and share insights about their practices.
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited in the area.
- Consider spending some quiet time meditating in the forest for a deeper connection with the environment.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the nearest major city, Badulla. Take the A5 highway towards Ella and continue until you reach the junction for the B33 road towards Kataragama. Follow the B33 for approximately 20 km until you reach Kataragama Road. The Budugallena Forest Monastery is located just off Kataragama Road. There is a small sign indicating the monastery entrance. Ensure your GPS is set to the coordinates: 6.7062401 latitude and 81.2669528 longitude.
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Public Bus
For public transportation, take a bus from Badulla to Kataragama. Buses depart regularly from the central bus station in Badulla. The journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive in Kataragama, you can either walk or take a tuk-tuk to the monastery. The tuk-tuk ride should cost around 300 LKR and take about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to show the driver the name 'Budugallena Forest Monastery' or the coordinates to ensure you reach the correct location.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you are already in Kataragama, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you directly to Budugallena Forest Monastery. The fare will typically range from 200 to 400 LKR depending on your starting point in Kataragama. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.
Attractions Nearby to Budugallena Forest Monastery - බුදුගල්ලෙන ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය.
- Dematamal Viharaya| දෙමටමල් විහාරය
- Maligawila Buddha Statue
- Ruhuna National Park
- Pareiyan Ella Falls | පරෙයියන් ඇල්ල
- Veheragala Temple / වෙහෙරගල ඉපැරණි විහාරය
- Buduruwagala Ancient Monastery
- Thissa Len Arannya Senasanaya
- Alikota Ara Reservoir
- Monaragala Clock Tower
- Buduruwagala Raja Maha Viharaya
- Buduruwagala Rock Carvings
- Ellewala Waterfall
- Visari Water Falls
- Pilkington Point
- Rakkiththa Kanda Rajamaha Viharaya
Landmarks nearby to Budugallena Forest Monastery - බුදුගල්ලෙන ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය.
- Mahagodayaaya
- Therappahuwa Rajamaha Viharaya
- Monaragala Ganapathi Kovil
- Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, ශ්රි සම්බෝධි යෝගාශ්රමය
- Seethakanda Ancient Monastery at Monaragala
- Maragala mountain view point (siripathula)
- Mayuragiriya Ancient Temple
- Siripathula Mountain, Moneragala
- Mayuragiri Len Sthoopa
- Uma Oya surge tank (උමා ඔය කැලඹුම් ලිඳ)
- Kurullangala Prehistoric Cave Art Site
- Ancient Ponds
- Ravana Waterfall
- Little adam's peak View Point
- Flying Ravana Mega Zipline