Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

Mulgirigala is a breathtaking rock temple. The rock formation offers stunning views in all directions and features several levels, five temple halls, five enormous reclining Buddha statues, three stupas - and approximately 560 steps. Entry was 500 Rupies per person (1.50$). Those with limited time on a Sri Lanka tour can visit Mulgirigala instead of Sigiriya, saving a day of travel.

It is an ancient Buddhist temple, definitely worth visiting if you are nearby and love culture and/or nature. For example, it is only a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from Tangalle, and the road itself is very picturesque. The path is a pleasant walk; on the way to the top there are some stairs, but overall it is easy and suitable for almost everyone. The view from the top is truly breathtaking. At the police station within the temple grounds, they ask for donations for the local dogs, which I hope actually go to the dogs. They also ask for donations (presumably for the temple itself) at the lowest level. There are quite a few intrusive guides in front of the entrance, but honestly, I would recommend enjoying the tranquillity of this place on your own (just google some information about the temple before your visit). It would also be very polite to keep your voice down during the visit. This place is not for loud chit-chat, but for contemplation and meditation.

This temple complex is well worth a visit. The best part is the fantastic view that rewards you for the climb, and the troop of monkeys that adds to the fun. Parking a scooter costs 100 rupees, and the entrance fee is 500 rupees per person. We decided against hiring a guide, as we preferred to explore the site on our own.

Very peaceful place on a wet weekday morning. Atmospheric with the mist over the hill. Steps up to the caves with lovely paintings and reclining Buddha. Small entrance fee of 500LKR. Nice view from the top. Worth the effort of getting to this out of the way temple. Reasonable parking area.

This ancient temple with natural caves and having beautiful ancient paintings on the cave roofs is a must visit place if you are around Walasmulla, Southern Province Sri Lanka. It has several levels to climb where several buildings are built and inside there are beautiful statues of Lord Buddha and Gods. There are ancient carved stairs a rock when reaching the top. At the top there is a Stupa and also a platform from where you could get a magnificent sight of the whole village below. There is a parking place at the entrance for which you need to pay for parking. There are many street vendors at the entrance to the temple selling snacks and herbal tea which are worth trying.

Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya is a serene and spiritually uplifting place with deep historical significance. The ancient rock temple complex offers breathtaking views from the top after a rewarding climb. Beautiful cave temples, Buddha statues, and murals reflect Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. The surroundings are calm, clean, and well maintained, making it ideal for meditation and quiet reflection. It is a must-visit destination for both devotees and travelers seeking peace and history.

Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country full of kind people, but this is not the case at this Temple. -When you park your scooter you are immediately accosted to pay 100 ruppes, for "parking" in an empty non marked parking lot. Of course there's no real point arguing, I don't want to come back and have my scooter pushed over. If this is legitimate at last have a sing and a booth. Sellers outside temple very aggressive. -A horrible "guide" then starts talking to you (the man) while being very loud and super sexist. Do not book him unless you don't respect your partner. We were glad to be rid of him. -Ticket 500 rupees is totally OK imo, a foreigner is clearly much richer and we should pay more. Sadly this money clearly does not go I to upkeep, the whole place is super run down. I don't understand how the adjacent monastery doesn't maintain this place, isn't it shameful? This does not represent the beautiful Buddhism at all. -Cashier at ticket counter friendly, everybody else looked stoned/drugged out and tried to offer us blessings in a honestly scary way. -The animals are unhealthy, why is nobody taking care of them? A well dressed man came out of the police house and tried to scam us by telling us a sob story of a sick dog and showing us dog medicine. This is an age old lame scam and utterly shameful. Use the revenue to take care of the animals. Disgusting. -The place as very empty, only foreign tourists. This is not a valid critique but the vibe was terrible, felt like being in a horror movie. Super run down. -View on top (when you down the metal stairs to the politician sponsored Buddha) is nice. BTW this is the only place on Sri Lanka that made us super uncomfortable and where the people where pushy, scammy and scary. We love Sri Lanka and it's people.

Beautiful temple on top of a hill. We visited during the hottest time of the day and still managed, though there are a lot of steps to get on top (around 500). Remember to bring water with you if you decide to visit. All the steps were worth it, since the view on top was wonderful and the whole area was very peaceful. Temple itself was also very interesting and beautiful, and it was divided into different levels on the hill.