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Maligawila Buddha Statue — Monaragala

Cover photo: Tharaka Jayasuriya (Unsplash)

District

Monaragala

Province

Uva

Best for

Buddhist pilgrims and history fans; 7th-century standing Buddha in forest clearing

Map

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About this place

Near Buttala in Monaragala district; the 11 m limestone standing Buddha carved under Prince Aggabodhi is Sri Lanka's tallest free-standing ancient statue. Combine with Buduruwagala as a half-day heritage circuit from Monaragala town by tuk-tuk or car. Free or small donation; cover shoulders and knees and arrive mornings for soft light.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• The 11.5 m limestone standing Buddha (7th century, Prince Aggabodhi) is Sri Lanka's tallest ancient free-standing statue.
• Active worship site: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, keep voices low.
• Free or small donation; mornings give the softest light for the forest clearing.
• Combine with nearby Buduruwagala carvings in one tuk-tuk/car circuit.
• Carry water; the clearing is exposed and the dry zone is hot by midday.

How to travel there

Near Buttala in Monaragala district; reach by car or tuk-tuk from Monaragala town or Wellawaya. Combine with Buduruwagala as a half-day heritage circuit.

Where to stay

Buttala or Wellawaya: budget guesthouses; Monaragala town for mid-range hotels.

Nearby places

Buduruwagala Ancient Monastery, Buttala town, Wellawaya, Lunugamvehera National Park

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