temple · Yala · 185km from Colombo

Sithulpawwa is a Buddhist monastery from the 2nd century BC, founded under King Kavan Tissa and set on rock outcrops inside the Yala park boundary. A climb up bare rock leads to a white stupa with views over the forest, and the caves below hold old paintings and Buddha images. It is a working temple and a major pilgrimage site.

Best time to visit

Late afternoon, when the rock is cooler and the pilgrim crowds thin out.

Typical visit duration

1 to 2 hours

Tips

Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off at the shrines. Wear socks for the hot rock. Combine it with an afternoon safari.