This page provides a list of monasteries and meditation centers in Sri Lanka, published by Nyanatusita Bhante in 2018. The guide has been updated with new entries and revisions in 2024.
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| name | area | affiliation | description | directions / location | contact | other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pagoda Meditation Centre | Colombo City | Ven. Olanda Ānanda | A well-known senior Dutch monk who speaks fluent Sinhala and has been teaching meditation for a long time in Sri Lanka and abroad. There are meditation retreats held by Ven. Ānanda and there is accommodation for laypeople. | 49/2, 1st Cross Street, Pagoda Road, Nugegoda | Tel: 011–281-2397 (8am-9am, 8pm-9pm only) | Website: http://www.olandeananda.org |
| Shri Kalyāṇī DA | Colombo City | Galduwa | Main Galduwa monastery in Colombo, thus sometimes crowded with visiting and sick monks. Guest monks normally stay in a dormitory. Clean and tidy. Between a major road and school, so it can be fairly noisy. | 418/31 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07, 00700 | Tel: 011–269-6494, Abbot: Ven. Nanda thera | |
| Lankā Vipassanā MC | Colombo City | Galduwa | Good support, tidy, clean, quiet. In Colombo’s diplomatic quarter. The current abbot is connected to the Galduwa tradition. Visiting monks can stay here. | 108 Wijerāma Mawatha, Colombo 7 | ||
| Dharmāyatana Bhikkhu Training Centre or Siri Vajiranyāna Dharmāyatanaya | Colombo City | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Major training centre, pirivena, for young Sinhalese monks. There is a 'meditation-section' in the back where foreign monks who come to renew their visas occasionally stay. Over 25 branches throughout the country. Few forest monasteries with stricter vinaya standards are connected to this tradition; Bowalawatta Aranya being the main one. | Siri Vajiranyāna Mawatha, Maharagama | Tel. 011–285-0305 or 011–285-0207 | |
| Sri Vajirārāmaya | Colombo City | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | An old and renowned monastery with a famous tradition of scholars like Ven. Nārada, Soma, Kheminda, and Ven. Piyadassi. Good library, which has recently been renovated. Venerable Ānanda, Anunāyaka of the Amarapura Nikāya is staying here and is helping to revive this tradition. | Vajira Road, Bambalapitiya. Colombo 4 | Tel. 011–258-4202. Email: vajiraramaweb@gmail.com | Website: www.vajirarama.lk |
| Nārada Bauddha Dharmayatana | Colombo City | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Small monastery where one can't stay. The Danish Ven. Mettavihāri who resides there can be helpful to new foreigners but is usually only there at night. | 380/9, Sarana Road, Colombo 00700. Opposite the back entrance of the BMICH. | Email: mettavihari@gmail.com | |
| Buddhist Cultural Centre (BCC) | Colombo City | Comprehensive selection of Buddhist Books. Branch bookshops are at the junction of Baudhaloka Mawatha and Sarana Road in the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress compound, and 2 smaller centres, one in Kelaniya, one near Lake House alongside the cetiya opposite the Hilton and one at Jayanthi Madira 32, Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha, Colombo 5. | 125 Anderson Road, Nedimala, Dehiwala | Tel. 011–273-4256, 011–272-6234, or 011-272-8468. Fax. 011–273-6737. E-mail: info@buddhistcc.com | Web Site: http://buddhistcc.net Open all days from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Director: Ven. Vimalajoti thera. | |
| Central Hospital Vajirārāmaya | Colombo City | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Small vihāra in the General Hospital. One can eat lunch here when going to the hospital for treatment or when visiting the nearby police mortuary (on St. Francis St.) or hospital mortuary (off Kinsey Road). | Central Hospital, Colombo | Tel. 011–269-2018 | |
| Vishva Niketan International Peace Centre | Colombo City | Sarvodaya | Programs for males and females of all religions. Also anti-stress programs for businesses and other organisations. | 72/30 Rawatawatte Road, Moratuwa | Tel/Fax: 011-265-5653 E-mail: vishvaniketan@mail.ewisl.net | |
| Gilan-āvāsaya | Colombo City | Galduwa | Small place, conveniently located, where sick Galduwa monks can stay in Colombo. Opposite Pan Asia Bank, lane just before Kirimandala Mawatha and large Bodhi tree. There is a tyre shop at the entrance to the lane. | 525/3 Elvitigala Mawatha, Narahenpita, Colombo 5, 00500 | Tel. 011-236-8254. Abbot: Ven. Rahula | |
| Vipassanā Bhāvanāyatanaya | Colombo City | An urban meditation and Dhamma centre at Rajamalwatta in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Published centre material identifies Ven. Erapola Vipassī as its head and documents a ten-day meditation programme held in 2013. The centre also appears in connection with the Sugatha Sasana Sīla Bhavana Pinkam organization; its built-up location near Raja Saba Mawatha provides convenient city access rather than forest seclusion. | Rajamalwatta Vipassana Bhavana Centre, 1294/8A Diyawanna Road, off Raja Saba Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Coordinates: 6.8993962, 79.9117428 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8993962%2C79.9117428 | Tel: 011 286 3635; alternative directory listing: 011 304 7302 | Published teacher/head: Ven. Erapola Vipassī. Sources: https://punyabhoomi.lk/colombo/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3Ln1RXRGxM | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPt2j20Q5P6riU_CzEl5nzbTVQuaANRRF | https://rainbowpages.lk/religious/buddhist/rajamalwatta-vipassana-bawana-centre/ | |
| Sri Kavidhaja Vachissara MC | Colombo City | A monastic meditation centre directly on the High Level Road in Meegoda. This is a built, road-accessible centre in a dense suburban corridor, useful for appointments, teachings and short visits but exposed to traffic and nearby development. | Sri Kavidhaja Vachissara Bhavana Bhikkhu Centre (mapped as Sri Kavidhajawachissara Meditation Center), High Level Road, Meegoda 10504. Coordinates: 6.8536781, 80.0533390 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8536781%2C80.0533390 | Tel: 011 285 5234 | The same directory lists related centres at Rawathawatta, Moratuwa (011 264 7247) and Galagedara, Padukka (036 568 9921). Sources: https://punyabhoomi.lk/colombo/ | https://sinhala.lankainformation.lk/directory/religions/meditation-centres/4143-sri-kavidhaja-vachissara-meditation-centre-bhavana-madhyasthanaya | https://www.dinamina.lk/2024/01/24/featured/57952/ | |
| Arana Bhikkhu Gimanhala | Colombo City | An apartment with two rooms located near the office district in Colombo, in Battaramula. There are rules for staying here, including going on pindapata as required and having a reference from a known monk. Monks from any Nikaya are welcome, provided they follow the rules, which include not handling money, not eating in the afternoon, and going on pindapata daily to receive their food. | Located in Battaramula, Colombo. Google Maps Link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cjn2XJCDwnAfjN527] | |||
| Sumathipāla Nāhimi Senasun Arana | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Large, established meditation centre in a warm, humid, semi-forested former coconut estate. Founded in 2001 and associated with the Kanduboda Mahāsi tradition. Separate areas accommodate men, women and nuns in kutis or dormitories; facilities include toilets, showers, electricity, fans and mosquito nets. Samatha and Vipassanā instruction, food and lodging are available to local and foreign meditators. Ten-day retreats are held. Ven. Vinīta, a Czech monk, assists foreign meditators. | Sumathipala Nahimi Senasun Arana, Heelbathgala Road, Kanduboda, Delgoda 11700, Gampaha District. Coordinates: 6.9752583, 80.0262427 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9752583%2C80.0262427 | Tel: 011 240 2805. Email: info@sumathiarana.com. Website: https://www.sumathiarana.com/ | Ven. Gampaha Pemasiri died in August 2024. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://www.sumathiarana.com/ | https://www.sumathiarana.com/about-center.html | https://www.sumathiarana.com/accommodation.html | https://www.sumathiarana.com/teachers.html | https://photodharma.net/Sri-Lanka/Sumathipala/ | https://lk.near-place.com/sumathipala-nahimi-senasun-arana-heelbathgoda-road-kanduboda-delgoda |
| Kanduboda Siyane VMC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A meditation centre and monastery with a long tradition of offering meditation instruction. Besides monks and nuns, also lay meditators stay here and some take ordination. The abbot and teacher at present is Ven. Piyaratana Thera. A few large buildings with rooms and some kutis. The teaching is in the Mahāsi tradition and the monastery arose out of Mahāsi tradition Sayādaws teaching here in the 1950s or 1960s. One is expected to meditate more than 10 hours a day. The teachers speak little English. | Hilbatgala Rd, Kanduboda, Delgoda. The directions are the same as for Sumantiphala BM (see previous entry). | Tel. 011–244-5518; 011–257-0306. Website: http://www.insight-meditation.org E-mail: bhavanam@sltnet.lk | Kanduboda has more than 25 branches throughout the country but most have little to offer foreigners. |
| Nissarana Vanaya or Mītirigala | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | A large, 100 hectare, forest monastery 30 kms east of Colombo. Founded in 1968. About 40 resident monks, usually including a few foreign monks. There are about 20 secluded kutis, the remaining monks staying in guest kutis or rooms. The meditation teacher, Ven. Dhammajīva, speaks English and has meditated for a long time with Sayādaw U Paṇḍita in Burma. He mostly teaches Mahāsi method and offers several retreats every year in English (and many more in Sinhala). For the past years he has been teaching overseas for extensive periods and often is not there. When he is not there, the teacher is Ven. Chandaratana, who speaks English well and is helpful. The library has a good English and German section. Dense low-country jungle on a hill slope. Humid, windless and hot climate. Sometimes some loudspeaker noise from the village. | Mītirigala (Meetirigala) 11742. From Colombo take a Kirindiwela Bus at Central Bus stand in Pita Kotuwa (Pettah). The bus leaves close to the Bodhi tree outside the station. In Kirindiwella, ask for a bus to Ranwalla or Wedagama, get off at Mītirigala. It’s a 25 min. walk from the bus-stop to monastery. It is also possible to get off at Pallegama Junction (between Kirindiwela and Pūgoda) and catch buses to Mītirigala Junction. If coming from the Ratanapura side, one can take a bus to Amītirigala from Avissawella and get off just after having crossed the bridge over the Kelaniya river. It is about 40 minutes walk from there. If coming from Kandy, take a Colombo bus and get off at Nitambuwa, then go to Kirindiwela, etc. | Tel: 033-492-1135/ 033-333-9193. Email: nissaranavanya@gmail.com Website: http://www.nissarana.lk | |
| Sri Ñāṇārāma Dharmāyatana | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | A large Galduwa tradition study centre with a dozen monks. Large meditation hall; rooms in a compound, a few kutis; regrowth forest. Hot and humid climate. | Meetirigala 11742. On the hill adjoining and west of Nissarana Vanaya. The entrance road starts a bit beyond the Nissarana Vanaya gate. | ||
| Dikhena BM / Sri Lanka Myanmar Pa Auk Meditation Centre | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Meditation Centre. Facilities for laymen and laywomen. Set in coconut estate near Piliyandala, Kesbeva, south of Colombo. Facilities for about 12 monks. Two-week meditation courses for laymen and laywomen. Excellent meditation hall. Fairly quiet. Kutis/rooms are either close to each other or adjoining. It is reported that the former abbot, Ven. Mīthalave Vinīta Thera, who teaches Mahāsi Method, left in 2012 and only a few monks remain. Ven. Dasvatte Sumanasīla Thera teaches Pa Auk method when visiting. | Dikhena, Polgasowita 10320. From Colombo take bus No 120 in the direction of Horana. At Polgasovita get off at the petrol station and walk down the road to the centre (10 minutes) or take a three wheeler. | Tel: 011–278-0140 | At times hot and humid. |
| Dekanduwala Meditation Centre or Dhamma Training Centre | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Siyam Nikāya | Nicely situated on a hill-top. Both small huts (kutis) and rooms are available for lay meditators. Good facilities, nice meditation hall, quiet, nice views. Foreigners are welcome to stay here for up to two weeks. No charge for the lodgings and food, but donations are appreciated. | Kahatapitiya–Kananwila, Horana. About 20 kms south-east of Colombo. Take the 120 bus from Colombo. It is close to the Vidyaratana Pirivena. If traveling from Homagama, Padukka or Horana: get off at the Govipola junction. | Tel: 034–428-6334. Website: http://site.buddhistcc.com/meditation-centre Inquiries and bookings should be made through Ven. Vimalajothi at the Buddhist Cultural Centre. | |
| Dhammasobha VMC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Goenka | A 6 acre Vipassanā meditation centre in the tradition of Goenkaji. | Balika Vidyala Road, Pahala, Kosgama. Along the highway from Colombo to Avissawella. | Tel: 036–2253755 or 0714182094. Email: info@sobha.dhamma.org. Website: www.sobha.dhamma.org | |
| Shanti Y. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Monastery in small area with many buildings. A bit cramped. A few kutis. Some noise. Foreign monks have stayed here. | Arukpitiya, Talangama South 10120. 10 kms east of Colombo. | Tel: 011–286-4973 | Abbot: Ven. Dhammasiddhi. Friendly and supportive. |
| Ñānacetiya Y. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Head Monk: Ven. Dhammananda who speaks good English and is very knowledgeable with regards the suttas and vinaya. One can go on pindapata. | Raiyadoluva, Uggalboda, Udugampola 11030 | ||
| Sri Piyananda VMC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Quite a large centre—probably has kutis. Ven. Visuddhi is the head monk. Foreigners have stayed there. | Naiwala Road, Udugampola, Doranagoda, Gampaha | ||
| Pettagankanda A. / Isisara Tapovanaya | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Small forest and rock hermitage of about five acres, dominated by a massive box-shaped boulder balancing near a cliff edge. A small stupa and bat cave lie beneath the rock. There is a roofed caṅkama and one comparatively secluded kuti. The forest patch is small and village sounds can carry. Three friendly monks and some English are reported. | Pettagankanda Aranya Senasanaya / Isisara Tapovanaya, Galboda, Wathurugama, Attanagalla Divisional Secretariat, Gampaha District. From the Colombo–Kandy Road, turn at Yakkala toward Radawana and continue to Wathurugama; the final approach is narrow and steep. Coordinates: 7.071560, 80.102500 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.071560%2C80.102500 | Tel: 077 444 0720 | Isisara, Isiwara and Pettagam Kanda are alternative forms of the name. An earlier account recorded two resident monks; the 2026 submission records three. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://www.uniquesrilanka.com/heritage/pettagankanda-aranya-senasanaya | https://damithah.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/pettagam-kanda-rock-monastery/ | https://mapcarta.com/N4350782598 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ |
| Gothama Tapovanaya | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | A Buddhist centre established in a humid and hot twelve acre forest grove three kilometres from the Colombo city limit. A monastery with a Mahāsi tradition meditation centre and a boy’s orphanage. The abbot is D. Chandrasiri Thera, the Nāyaka Thera of the Kalyānavaṃsa division. | Kalapaluwewa, Mulleriyawa-New Town | Tel: 011–286-3826/288-4962 | |
| Isigilikanda VMC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | On a rock-hill with caves about 5 kms away from Kanduboda towards the north, near Naranwala, via Udupila. Hot. Currently there are no monks and it is not so suitable. Good views and a pool for bathing. | ||||
| Palugama Asapuwa | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Monastery that used to be connected to the Mahamevnāva tradition (see Kegalla section). Kutis in regrowth jungle in an abandoned rubber-estate on a hill in the Dompe area. Well supported, clean. | Dompe, Palugama | |||
| Sirimangala Y. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | On Colombo–Meetirigala bus route. Coconut estate. Nice kutis. One big house. | Danawikanda, Weliveriya | ||
| Haddagala AS or Indomulla AS | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | About 20 kms E of Colombo. Rocks, 20 minute climb, good views, secluded. 1 monk. Get off ½-1 km past Dompe Hospital (on left coming from Kanduboda). | Indolamulla, Dompe 11680 | ||
| Aturugiriya BM | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Ask the way from Colombo. Formerly a study place, but now a meditation centre. | Aturugiriya 10150 | Abbot: Ven. Ñānānanda Thera. | |
| Ratnagiri Vivekāshrāmaya | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Old bungalow in rubber estate. Perhaps kutis. 3 kms from Avissawella. | Napawala, Avissawella | Abbot: Ven. Sanghasubhadra. | ||
| Kodikanda AS | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | A humid low-country hermitage on the village edge near the Indikada Mukalana Forest Reserve. The final approach from Ilukowita Junction passes through green wet-zone country on local roads; tree cover provides some enclosure, but the site is at Koswatta rather than deep inside the reserve, so houses and road sounds may remain audible. It is a small forest-lineage residence rather than a wilderness-scale retreat. | Rambakanda Aranya Senasanaya (mapped on OpenStreetMap as “Sri Rabakada Temple”), Koswatta, off the Puwakpitiya–Thummodara Road near Ilukowita Junction. Coordinates: 6.8908530, 80.1828147 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8908530%2C80.1828147 | Tel: 036 333 6117; alternative listing: 036 336 1171 | Identity note: Rambakanda is the current directory name for the legacy Kodikanda entry. Sources: https://punyabhoomi.lk/colombo/ | https://dahamvila01.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_42.html | https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/rambakanda-viharaya/ | https://en.botanicgardens.gov.lk/service/wet-zone-botanic-gardens-awissawella/ | |
| Arunodaya AS | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Perhaps the same place as Kodikanda AS. | Puwakpitiya | ||
| Shri Kalyāna DA | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | A Galduwa dharmashramaya on Colombo Road in Dompe, distinct from the similarly named Kalutara monastery. An earlier monastic guide described the abbot as a scholar monk; the accessible roadside setting makes this a practical place for Dhamma consultation, study or a short stop, with less physical seclusion than the district's hill hermitages. | Sri Kalyana Dharmashramaya, No. 272, Colombo Road, Dompe 11680. Coordinates: 6.9524600, 80.0525700 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9524600%2C80.0525700 | Tel: 011 240 9484 | Do not merge with the Kalutara monastery of the same abbreviated name. Sources: https://mapcarta.com/N2602610892 | https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/sri-kalyana-dharmashramaya/ | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Shri Sumana Y. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | A Galduwa training monastery for junior monks at Pelengashena. The BPS monastic guide records group chanting three times daily, indicating a structured communal routine rather than solitary forest residence. Current mapping uses the name Gnanarathana Meditation Center on Meepavita Road; the training and timetable reflect a communal sāmaṇera-education environment. | Gnanarathana Meditation Center, Meepavita Road, Pelengashena, Dompe. Coordinates: 6.9358030, 80.0551172 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9358030%2C80.0551172 | Tel: 011 240 9009 | The current mapped name is cross-matched from the Pelengashena address and directory listing. Sources: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://lk.near-place.com/gnanarathana-meditation-center-meepavita-road | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ |
| Varana A. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Galduwa | Warana Raja Maha Vihara is a large living cave-monastery and pilgrimage complex arranged on three rock terraces amid paddy fields and lush tropical vegetation. The lower level has the saṅghāvāsa, Dhamma hall, library and alms hall; higher levels contain a cave image house, stupas, rock pools and old monastic caves reached by more than 200 steps. The ascent, shade and broad views are attractive, but regular pilgrims and day visitors make it less secluded than a small aranya. | Warana Raja Maha Vihara, Mangalathiriya/Thihariya. From the Colombo–Kandy Road, turn at Tihariya Junction and follow the local road toward Warana. Coordinates: 7.1042500, 80.0746944 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1042500%2C80.0746944 | Tel: 033 567 9406 | Sources: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2014/03/08/tmp.asp?ID=temp01 | https://www.uniquesrilanka.com/heritage/varana-rajamaha-viharaya | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ |
| Devagiri AS (Puwakmal Ella) | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Remote forest hermitage in the high-rainfall Uda Maliboda area beside the approximately 37-metre Puwakmal or Seetha Oya waterfall. The surrounding terrain is densely vegetated, rocky and slippery during wet weather. A recent field report describes abandoned kutis and no guest accommodation, while public directories continue to list the monastery as operating. | Puwakmal Ella Dewagiri Aranya Senasanaya, Uda Maliboda 71411, Deraniyagala, Kegalle District. Travel about 16 km from Deraniyagala via Panakure Road to Uda Maliboda, then take the side road signed for the aranya/Puwakmal Ella. Coordinates: 6.8949628, 80.4447606 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8949628%2C80.4447606 | Tel: 037 565 2460; 036 386 5330 | The submitted Ratnapura district label was corrected to Kegalle District. The report of abandoned kutis is treated as a dated field observation, not a confirmed permanent closure. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://amazinglanka.com/wp/puwakmal-ella-waterfall/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/puwakmal-ella-dewagiri-aranya-senasanaya/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Shailagiri Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | An established Galduwa yogāśrama on the southeast edge of Deraniyagala. The final approach is the nearly 1 km Shailagiri Arama Road, and the district’s tropical-rainforest climate brings heavy rain and persistent humidity that affect daily life and the care of robes and books. Its hill-town position offers more separation than a roadside urban temple while remaining close to Deraniyagala services. | Shailagiri Yogashramaya, Shailagiri Arama Road, Deraniyagala 71430. From Deraniyagala, take the Shailagiri–Kahabata Road and turn onto the 993 m Shailagiri Arama Road; the survey endpoint marks the monastery approach. Coordinates: 6.9270507, 80.3463454 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9270507%2C80.3463454 | Coordinate basis: the endpoint of Shailagiri Arama Road in the 2025 Kandawala/Sri Lanka Grid road gazette, converted to WGS 84. Sources: https://documents.gov.lk/view/egz/2025/7/2446-53_S.pdf | https://deraniyagala.ps.gov.lk/%E0%B6%89%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%92%E0%B7%84%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%BA/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deraniyagala | |
| Shaila-pabbata Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | A Galduwa residence in a wet-zone estate-and-village landscape west of the higher Deraniyagala hills. Heavy rain, humidity and dense greenery are defining environmental conditions; the rural setting offers more enclosure than Deraniyagala town while still placing cultivation and houses within reach. | Current directory name: Sri Sumanagiri Aranya Senasanaya, Vidiyawatta (Weediyawatta), Miyanawita, Deraniyagala 71432. Approach via the Erathna–Deraniyagala Road toward the Miyanawita/Hathkela area. | Tel: 072 939 9677 | Identity cross-check: the current Sri Sumanagiri listing uses the same Vidiyawatta/Miyanawita address as the older Shaila-pabbata entry. Sources: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://www.ravanalankanews.lk/%E0%B7%81%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%86%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F/ | https://mapcarta.com/14815442 |
| Sama Uyana Tapovanaya | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | A steep five-acre rock-and-forest hermitage spread over Pettagam Gala, named for the huge box-shaped summit boulder. The climb reaches a white stupa, cave dwellings and tunnels beneath the rock, with openings toward Warana, Pilikuttuwa and Maligatenna; monkeys and bats are conspicuous. A field listing reports two monks, a roofed walking-meditation path and one relatively secluded kuṭi, but these are dated observations. Because the forest patch is small, sounds from the village below can carry uphill. | Isisara Thapowanaya / Pettagankanda Forest Monastery, Galboda, Wathurugama 11742. Approach from Yakkala via the Yakkala–Radawana Road to Wathurugama; the final road is narrow and steep. Coordinates: 7.0717222, 80.1030000 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0717222%2C80.1030000 | Tel: 077 444 0720 | Duplicate identity: retain one record for Sama Uyana / Isisara Thapowanaya / Pettagankanda. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/IsisaraThapowanaya/ | https://www.uniquesrilanka.com/heritage/pettagankanda-aranya-senasanaya | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Sri Shānta Tapovanaya AS | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | A small Tapovana-group village hermitage established around 1981 as a branch of Meethirigala. It lies about 1.5 km from Warana in humid, green low-country surroundings where home gardens, cultivation and houses mingle with tree cover. The compound should offer more enclosure than a town preaching temple, but its easy local-road access and settled surroundings mean it is not deep forest. | Shantha Thapowana Senasuna, Kalatuwawa, Kalagedihena 11875; about 1.5 km from Warana Temple. Coordinates: 7.1100157, 80.0860298 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1100157%2C80.0860298 | Tel: 071 838 7851 | Sources: https://wikimapia.org/11342598/Santha-Thapowana-Senasuna-Kalatuwawa-Kalagedihena | https://lk.near-place.com/shantha-thapo-wana-wiharaya-gampaha | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Siri Mangala Y. | Gampaha District | Galduwa | Known today as Sirimangala Anomadassi Yogasramaya (Danawkanda Aranya), this Galduwa branch occupies a coconut-estate setting. Dated monastic guides describe a large communal house and some kuṭis; its location on the Colombo–Meetirigala bus route makes arrival easy but limits isolation. The setting combines a small forest-lineage community with public-transport access. | Sirimangala Anomadassi Yogasramaya (Danawkanda Aranya), Sirimangala Anomadassi Ashramaya Road, Danawkanda, Kirikitta, Weliweriya 11710. The monastery is reached from the Colombo–Meetirigala bus route. Coordinates: 7.0054325, 80.0385238 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0054325%2C80.0385238 | Tel: 033 225 6341 | The house, kuṭi and bus-route observations come from dated monastic guides. Sources: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://lk.near-place.com/sirimangala-anomadassi-yogasramaya-danawkanda-aranya-sirimangala-anomadassi-asshramanaya-road/da | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Sailagiri Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Sailagiri is a simplified romanization of Shailagiri Yogashramaya, the Galduwa residence on Shailagiri Arama Road in Deraniyagala. The humid hill-country site lies just outside town and is reached by a dedicated final road. Both spellings refer to the same monastic community. | Shailagiri Yogashramaya, Shailagiri Arama Road, Deraniyagala 71430. From Deraniyagala, use the Shailagiri–Kahabata Road and the signed Shailagiri Arama Road. Coordinates: 6.9270507, 80.3463454 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9270507%2C80.3463454 | Alias identity: current local-government usage is Shailagiri (ශෛලගිරි); Sailagiri is a variant romanization of the same named Galduwa monastery in Deraniyagala. Sources: https://documents.gov.lk/view/egz/2025/7/2446-53_S.pdf | https://deraniyagala.ps.gov.lk/%E0%B6%89%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%92%E0%B7%84%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%BA/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | |
| Maligātenna AS | Gampaha District | Waturawila | A Waturawila-affiliated cave and rock monastery established in 1924 on the 173 m Maligatenna hill. The lower and upper courts include adapted drip-ledged caves, walking and meditation paths, an image house, summit stupa and pond; the climb creates physical separation for practice, while its archaeological and pilgrimage interest brings day visitors. The founder’s history links the site with forest robes and walking for alms, but this is historical rather than a statement about the present meal routine. | Maligatenna Aranya Senasanaya / Raja Maha Vihara, Malwathuhiripitiya, Gampaha. From Miriswatta Junction take Wathurugama Road; after Malwathuhiripitiya turn at Maligathenna Junction and continue to the hill entrance. Bus 205 serves the Gampaha–Kirindiwela corridor. Coordinates: 7.0668610, 80.0644440 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0668610%2C80.0644440 | The walking-for-alms note concerns the founder’s historical practice. Sources: https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2020/03/maligatenna-viharaya-aranya-senasanaya.html | https://srilankangamanbiman.blogspot.com/2018/06/maligathenna-aranya-senasanaya.html | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maligatenna_Raja_Maha_Vihara | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | |
| Mahakanda Purāna AS | Kegalle District | Waturawila | The upper Mahakanda forest residence sits on a wooded ridge above Gonagaldeniya, separate from the lower Nugasevana/Galduwa site. A 2018 account recorded one monk and several kuṭis, including an ancient cave; a later field account recorded three monks, a well-built cave kuṭi without electricity or running water, ridge meditation places, some village noise and feasible walking piṇḍapāta to settlements on both sides. These counts are dated, but they give a useful picture of a small, austere hill hermitage with genuine seclusion rather than complete isolation | Mahakanda Aranya Senasanaya / Purana Aranya Senasanaya, Mahakanda, Alawala, Kegalle District. About 3 km from Gonagaldeniya and 12 km east of Kirindiwella; approach the upper monastery above the lower Nugasevana/Galduwa site. Coordinates: 7.1168382, 80.2020997 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1168382%2C80.2020997 | Tel: 077 913 6758 | Identity note: the Alawala/Veyangoda legacy name corresponds to the mapped upper Mahakanda monastery, distinct from the lower Galduwa residence. Monk counts and facility details are dated observations. Sources: https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://lk.near-place.com/mahakanda-aranya-senasanaya-sri-lanka | https://mapcarta.com/N5283973446 | https://www.facebook.com/puranaaranya.senasanaya/ |
| Millatākanda AS | Gampaha District | Waturawila | Millathe Kanda Viveka Senasanaya occupies a donated 15-acre green hill property about 2 km from Kirindiwela. The elevated estate setting gives more air, tree cover and separation than a town temple while retaining easy access to supplies and transport. A dedicated memorial meditation hall opened in 2017. Its acreage suggests room for quiet practice, but current monk and guest capacity should still be checked directly. | Millathe Kanda Viveka Senasanaya, Millathe, Kirindiwella. The monastery is about 2 km from Kirindiwella town; take the local road toward Millathe Kanda. Coordinates: 7.0467842, 80.1444284 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0467842%2C80.1444284 | Tel: 033 226 8109; 033 372 6893 | Sources: https://ceylontoday.lk/2024/01/10/thirteen-years-since-passing-of-great-human-being/ | https://v3.news.lk/news/politics/item/17499-president-assures-permanent-solution-for-garbage-problem | https://lk.near-place.com/premise-nearby-millatha-kanda-senasanaya-millathe | https://rainbowpages.lk/religious/buddhist/millathakanda-wiwekasenasanaya/ | https://www.facebook.com/157384811699619 |
| Bopetta Viveka S. | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Waturawila | Viweka Senasanaya lies in a warm low-country belt of village homes, coconut and mixed estate cultivation between Urapola and Kirindiwela. It is about 1 km from the Walgammulla bus stop, giving practical access while still allowing some tree cover and enclosure away from the main road. Expect moderate village-edge quiet rather than deep forest. | Viweka Senasanaya, Walgammulla/Aruppassa, Urapola; between Nittambuwa and Kirindiwela. From Walgammulla bus stop continue about 1 km northeast. Coordinates: 7.0821100, 80.1271200 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0821100%2C80.1271200 | Tel: 077 641 6033 | Identity note: do not confuse this senasanaya with Bopeththa Temple, which is a separate mapped place. Sources: https://mapcarta.com/N4350782594 | https://dahamvila01.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_42.html | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Kolankanda AS | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Waturawila | The current name is Kolankanda/Koholankanda Gallen Aranya Senasanaya, a protected cave-monastery site established as a modern residence in 1963. Four drip-ledged caves survive; a residence is built beneath one, and the largest recorded cave is about 16 m by 5.5 m by 4 m. The site combines an archaeological cave setting with manageable access from Waga and Hanwella. | Kolankanda Gallen Aranya Senasanaya, No. 149/1, Pinnawala Road, Neluwattuduwa, Waga; also listed historically under Diddeniya, Hanwella. Coordinates: 6.8910600, 80.1178300 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8910600%2C80.1178300 | Tel: 036 336 4848 | Current and alternate spellings refer to one monastery. Sources: https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2022/03/koholankanda-gallen-aranya-senasanaya.html | https://punyabhoomi.lk/colombo/ | https://mapcarta.com/N5283927555 | https://dahamvila9.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_6310.html |
| Katana VMC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda/Swejyin-line Vipassanā centre in Katana’s flat, warm coconut-country landscape. It is a developed monastic and teaching compound within a settled rural-suburban area, with organised Patthāna recitations, Dhamma programmes and assemblies of monks rather than dispersed wilderness kuṭis. Coconut gardens provide greenery, but nearby homes and roads should be expected. | Gangarama International Vipassana Meditation Center, Sri Vimaladhamma Tissa Mawatha / local road, Katana North. Coordinates: 7.2684875, 79.9032031 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2684875%2C79.9032031 | Sources: https://www.facebook.com/100861728879736 | https://www.facebook.com/InstituteOfTheravada/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfc_qCIiUTQ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | |
| Indigolla MC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda-group centre associated with Morupola Siri Dharmavijayaramaya, about 3.5 km east of Gampaha railway station. It is a built temple and meditation setting within dense residential lowlands, convenient for transport and daily needs but exposed to town and neighbourhood sounds. | Morupola Siri Dharmavijayaramaya, Morupola, Indigolla, Gampaha Aluthgama North; about 3.5 km east of Gampaha railway station. Coordinates: 7.1027576, 80.0211154 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1027576%2C80.0211154 | Tel: 033 222 5580 | The current mapped name is cross-matched from the Indigolla/Morupola locality and temple directory. Sources: https://mapcarta.com/W429243723 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Katuwalamulle MC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A compact Galduwa dharmashramaya at No. 272 Colombo Road. Its roadside, town-connected setting provides easy buses, shops and medical access, but also traffic and little natural separation. An older monastic guide described the abbot as a scholar monk, making the centre more relevant for Dhamma consultation and study than for expecting a large kuṭi forest. | Katuwalamulla Vipassana Meditation Centre, Katuwalamulla, south of Ganemulla. Coordinates: 7.0383083, 79.9620019 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0383083%2C79.9620019 | Tel: 011 297 5317 | The programme details are from 2011 Poya notices. Sources: https://mapcarta.com/W397745854 | https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2011/02/17/tmp.asp?ID=news24 | https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2011/03/19/tmp.asp?ID=news10 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Mīgahawatta MC | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda-line Vipassanā centre in the warm, humid and heavily settled Delgoda–Makola corridor. The compound offers a quieter pocket within a suburban-village landscape, and a 2016 visitor described it as calm and peaceful. That review said residential meditation was then being planned; current programmes and rooms should therefore be confirmed directly. | Meegahawatte Vipassana Meditation Center, Meegahawatte, Delgoda 11700; also listed under Makola. Coordinates: 6.9906877, 80.0009179 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9906877%2C80.0009179 | Tel: 011 297 6811; 071 662 3838; 071 321 1613 | The residential-programme remark is from a 2016 visitor comment. Sources: https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/vipassana-bhavana-centre-2/ | https://lk.near-place.com/meegahawatte-vipassana-meditation-center-meegahawatte-delgoda-11700 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/gampaha/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Nittanbuwa Mahamevnāva Asapuwa | Gampaha District | Mahamevnāva | An active Mahamevnāva branch on Bandaranayake Private Hospital Road in Wathupitiwala/Nittambuwa. Unlike a remote kuṭi forest, this lowland centre sits in a built-up transport-and-medical-services corridor, roughly 1–1.5 km from Wathupitiwala Base Hospital and the Nittambuwa bus area. Its public-facing setting supports the Mahamevnāva teaching network rather than isolated forest residence. Overnight stays follow the network’s published application process. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Bandaranayake Private Hospital Road, Wathupitiwala, Nittambuwa 11880. Approach from Wathupitiwala Road near the hospital corridor. Coordinates: 7.1305230, 80.1116490 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1305230%2C80.1116490 | Tel: 033 493 4326 | Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://www.srilanka-places.com/places/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-nittambuwa-nittambuwa | https://mapcarta.com/N633745117 | https://mahamevnawa.lk/ |
| Horana Mahamevnāva | Kalutara District | Mahamevnāva | A quiet low-country village-edge branch set back from Ovitiyagala Road. Dated visitor accounts describe it as peaceful, village-supported and self-sustaining, while the official photo collection shows a developed monastic compound rather than wilderness. It offers more enclosure than central Horana but remains close to houses, roads and supplies. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Ovitiyagala Road, Munagama, Horana. Use Ovitiyagala Road from Munagama for the final approach. Coordinates: 6.7237916, 80.0698497 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.7237916%2C80.0698497 | Tel: 034 494 3924; 070 498 6920 | The quiet, peaceful and village-supported character comes from dated visitor comments (2015–2018); the current address is from the official branch list. Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://lk.near-place.com/-ovitiyagala-road-munagama-horana | https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/lk/wp/horana/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-horana?to=place.ChIJtyG35WVL4joRfg2IJQwgAZ0 |
| Kaduwela Bodhingnana Mahamevnāva | Colombo District | Mahamevnāva | A major public-facing Mahamevnāva centre beside Avissawella Road in Hewagama, closely connected with Shraddha TV. The official visitor page lists evening chanting at 6:00 and a 10:45 meal offering to the monks; that is organised dāna, not evidence of a walking alms round. With the bus terminal about 720 m away and direct road access, this branch favours teaching, chanting and lay-supported community life over seclusion. | Bodhignana Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Rajasingha Mawatha, Hewagama, Kaduwela 10640. From Colombo use a Hanwella bus and alight at Hewagama; parking access is via the rear entrance on Rajasingha Mawatha. Coordinates: 6.9368100, 79.9763700 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9368100%2C79.9763700 | Tel: 011 437 7924; Email: info@mahamevnawa.lk | The 10:45 entry is a scheduled meal offering, not a claim of walking piṇḍapāta. Sources: https://mahamevnawa.org/kaduwela/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mapcarta.com/N3254701935 |
| Mālambee Amawatura Asapuwa | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | Mahamevnāwa | Meditation centre in suburban area. Large meditation and Dhamma hall. | 228/1, New Kandy Road, Pittugala, Mālambe. Along road from Avissawella, near Colombo | Tel: 011–241-3025 or 011-437-8720. Email: amawatura@gmail.com | |
| Thai Temple at Heyantuduwa | Colombo District, Avissawella, and Gampaha | The present institution is the Thai–Sri Lanka Buddhist Cultural Centre, founded in 2011 on nearly six acres at Mabima. Its elevated compound contains a Thai-style uposathāgāra, open sermon pavilion, Bodhi tree, bell tower and planted grounds, and it has hosted temporary-ordination links with Thailand. Alms-bowl distribution is a public project rather than evidence of a daily alms round at this centre. It is an accessible cultural and ordination centre rather than a remote forest retreat. | Thai–Sri Lanka Buddhist Cultural Centre, No. 191, Mabima Road, Heiyanthuduwa. Coordinates: 6.9485528, 79.9715538 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9485528%2C79.9715538 | Tel: 011 248 8196; map listing: 011 248 8197 | Sources: https://exploresrilanka.lk/thai-temple-mabima/ | https://exploresrilanka.lk/thai-temple-mabima/?pdf=33302 | https://lk.near-place.com/thai-temple-191-mabima-road | |
| Sri Daladā Tapovanaya | Kandy Town | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | Forest monastery/temple, 5–15 monks, at the entrance of the Udawattakele Sanctuary. Foreign monks regularly stay here. Good support, kutis and rooms. Clean and tidy. | Udawattakelee, Kandy | Tel.: 081–222-5052. Abbot: Ven. Samita. | |
| Senanāyaka Ārāmaya | Kandy Town | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Situated in the 250 acres Udawattakele Forest Reserve—an ancient royal sanctuary—in the centre of Kandy. It is a small place about 20 minutes walk from the entrance of the forest. Five rooms, no kutis. There are usually two Sinhalese monks resident. Clean and tidy. Pin dmapāta. Laymen can’t stay here. | Udawattakele, Kandy | Chief resident monk is Ven. Samithadhamma. | |
| Forest Hermitage | Kandy Town | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | The Forest Hermitage was established by Venerable Nyanatiloka Thera and Nyanaponika Thera in 1951. It was originally established for foreigners. Around 2019, it changed over to the Vajirarāma group. | Udawattakele, c/o Buddhist Publication Society, PO Box 61, Kandy | Tel: 081–5671653 | |
| Bodhivana Monastery | Kandy Town | A small monastery in a suburb of Kandy (1.5 kms away from the centre of town). The monastery consists of a house with a few rooms near the road, and 4 huts (kutis) higher on the slope, near the eastern edge of the Udawattakele. Monks go on pindapata. | 160 Dharmashoka Mawatha, Kandy 20000 | Tel. 081–4921814 | ||
| Potgul Vihāra | Kandy Town | Amarapura Nikāya | A few kutis. Near the Kandy lake and the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalidā Māligāva). On slope of Udawattakele Sanctuary, but noise from road. | Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy | ||
| Burmese Resthouse | Kandy Town | Burmese vihāra on a major street in the centre of Kandy. One or two Burmese monks are residing here. The place is popular with foreign travellers since it is cheap and central. | D.S. Senanayaka Mawatha, near Trinity College, Kandy | |||
| Primrose Gardens Vajirārāmaya | Kandy Town | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | On a hill overlooking Kandy. Pirivena for training novices, 25 at present. Foreigners have stayed here to learn Sinhala. | Primrose Gardens, Kandy | Tel. 081–222-5353. Email: vajiraramaya@gmail.com | |
| Buddhist Publication Society (BPS) | Kandy Town | The BPS, founded by Ven. Nyanaponika in 1958, has a bookshop with a large assortment of Buddhist books in English, Sinhala, and German. There is also a large reference library with books in various languages. | PO Box 61, 54 Sangharāja Mawatha, Kandy | Tel: 081–2237283 or 081-223-8901. Email: bps@bps.lk. Website: www.bps.lk | ||
| Sri Sumedha MC | Kandy District | Monastery of the popular speaker and healer Bhante Wellawatte Sīlagavesi, who speaks English. Some kutis along a mountain stream. East of Wattegama on Knuckles mountain range. | Gomaraya Road, Thawalantenna. Take bus to Gomaraya or Bambara Ella from Wattegama. The monastery is a few kms. below/before Bambara Ella village, near the bridge on the road to Gomaraya. | |||
| Sri Dhātu Gallena A. / Sri Daladalena As / Galiha A. | Kandy District | Galduwa | On steep mountain-slope. Nice views. Facilities for about 6 monks. Pindapata possible. A few ancient caves and kutis. Some noise from houses and the road in the valley. | Mahaweli Raja Mawatha, Adhikarigama, Gonagantenna, Hanguranketa. 25 kms SE of Kandy on the road to Randenigala Reservoir, less than 1 km from Adhikārigama. | ||
| Bo Uyana AS | Kandy District | Galduwa | An older monastery that has recently been renovated and revitalized. Nice views. Some noise from road and railway in the valley. | Pallegama, Nawalapitiya. 2 kms before Nawalapitiya on Kandy-Nawalapitiya Rd. | Abbot: Ven. Indawimala | |
| Kundasala Mahamevnāva Asapuwa | Kandy District | Mahamevnāva | 8 kms east of Kandy. | 8 kms east of Kandy. From Potgul Vihara, in Kandy, catch a bus to Warapitiya and get off at the police station. | Tel. 081–495-0182 | |
| Devanapathis International Samatha-Vipassanā Meditation Centre | Kandy District | The centre of the late Ven. Amatagavesi Thera. The place is run by nuns. | Pallakele, Kandy. | |||
| Dhammika Puññavaradhanāshramaya | Kandy District | Galduwa | A small Galduwa-line residence in the green hill country north-east of Kandy. The surrounding Makehelwela–Vattegama landscape mixes wooded slopes, home gardens and village cultivation, giving it a cooler, hillier and more enclosed character than the low-country centres while still retaining road and settlement contact. Current monk, kuṭi and room numbers should be confirmed directly. | Dhammika Puññavaradhanāshramaya, Makehelwela, Vattegama. | Address note: the catalogue prints postal code 71411, while Sri Lanka Post assigns 71411 to Maliboda; the location field retains the catalogue’s Makehelwela/Vattegama wording without that code. Sources: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://slpost.gov.lk/postcode_new/ | |
| Kadugannawa A. | Kandy District | Possibly a new Galduwa place on the hill behind the Kadugannawa hospital. | Possibly on the hill behind the Kadugannawa hospital. | |||
| Diyamakanda A. | Kandy District | Waturawila | Small place, 2 monks, caves. | Liyamagahakotuwa, Handessa. Near the Embekke devale. | ||
| Dumbara Y. | Kandy District | Galduwa | On the Kandy-Māhiyangana road. In the Victoria reservoir valley. Small place next to the road so noisy with some English speaking monks. | Digana, Rājawella, 20180. On the Kandy-Māhiyangana road. | ||
| Sri Veluvana Y / Devagolla Y | Kandy District | Galduwa | 4 miles along the Kandy-Uduwela Rd. | Devagolla Alupathakada, Uduwela, MahaNuwara 20164. 4 miles along the Kandy-Uduwela Rd. | ||
| Sagama Raja mahavihara | Kandy District | Ancient royal temple with attached pirivena and a small museum containing ancient artefacts like palm leaf manuscripts. There are a few moderately secluded kutis in a forest a few hundred away. Very friendly and helpful abbot. | Sagama village, Pathahewaheta DS Division, Kandy District. Google maps link- https://maps.app.goo.gl/hhkt1ZoHjfGoXwP39 | https://kandyguide.info/raja_maha_vhiara/sagama-raja-maha-vihara/ ; https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2021/05/sagama-viharaya.html | ||
| Gannoruwa Aranya | Kandy District | Cave kuti and small danasala on edge forest reserve, one monk. | Gannoruwa, Peradeniya. | |||
| Bambaragala | Kandy District | Asgiriya Siyam Nikāya | An ancient cave monastery on a rocky hill near the Victoria Resevoir. Connected to Asgiriya Siyam Nikāya. Now a village temple, but on the hill there are old caves. | Digana. An ancient cave monastery on a rocky hill near the Victoria Resevoir. | ||
| Samādhi Asapuwa | Kandy District | Mahamevnāva | Below Dhammakuta MC. | Mowbray, Galaha Road, Hindagala, Perādeniya. Below Dhammakuta MC. | ||
| Dhammakūta VMC | Kandy District | Goenka | A meditation centre where 10–day Vipassanā Meditation courses are given in the tradition of Sayagi U Ba Khin as taught by S.N. Goenka. On a mountain slope with nice views and a cool climate. One cannot stay here outside of retreat periods. It is better to book well in advance. Course information and applications forms are available online. It has places for six monks at each course and once a year, in November or December, there is a course for bhikkhus only. Bring all basic personal requisites. | Mowbray, Galaha Road, Hindagala, Peradeniya. (Nr. Kandy). | Tel.: 081–238-5774 or 081–383-7800, email: info@kuta.dhamma.org, Website: www.kuta.dhamma.org | |
| Nilambe Meditation Centre | Kandy District | A major lay-meditation centre in Sri Lanka for foreign visitors, both male and female. Occasionally monks are visiting here for a while, but cannot stay long term. There is a strict daily schedule and little talking. It is located on a mountain in tea-estate-country. The resident teacher is Mr. Upul Gamage. | Mahakanda, Galaha Road, Peradeniya. | Contact information is on nilambe.net/contact-us.php | ||
| Salgala AS | Kegalle District | Waturawila | Large quiet forest monastery on a mountain-top. One of the first modern forest monasteries, founded in 1934; see Forest Monks of Sri Lanka p. 175. Well known. Nice kutis, including caves. Foreign bhikkhus have stayed here for periods. Wet, dense forest with many leeches. Moderate climate. Maybe worth adding that their vinaya is rather sloppy. Monks handle money, may eat in the afternoon and food/gilanpasa may not be properly offered (if at all). Pindapata recommended. | Welhella, Galapitamade, Warakāpola. From Warakapola, take a bus to Galapitamade, then take a bus to Salgala or walk 45 mins. About 15 kms south of Warakāpola towards Ruvanwella. | - | |
| Mahamevnāva Asapuwa | Kegalle District | Mahamevnāva | The head monastery of the movement of the very popular teacher Ven. Kiribathgoda Ñānānanda, an English speaking Dhamma teacher and, most of all, missionary monk who is very knowledgeable about the suttas and encourages practice in accordance with the suttas. There are about 150 monks in this training centre. The resident monks are friendly and the place is very clean and tidy. Well supported. Behind the public section there are some kutis in the forest on the hill, but most monks sleep in rooms in compounds. The new Buddha Maligāwa (Buddha Palace) is a major visitor’s attraction. New branch monasteries are continuously being made all over the world. | Vaduvāva, Yatigaloluva, Polgahawella. Located 10 kms north of Kegalla. Turn off to Vaduvāva from Yangamodara (3.5 km) on the Alavva–Polgahāwella rd. | Tel.: 037-224-4602, 037-494-2746 E-mail : info@Mahamevnāva.lk. Website: www.Mahamevnāva.lk | |
| Mahakanda Aranya | Kegalle District | Waturawila | There are 3 monks. One well-built cave kuti suitable for practice but without electricity and running water. A few nice spots for meditation along the mountain ridge. Pindapata possible in villages on both sides of the mountain. Some village noise. Halfway up the hill one reaches the entrance to a small galduwa monastery which used to be part of the main aranya. | Three kilometers from Gonagaldeniya. (Midway between Nittanbuwa and Ruvanwella. 12 kms east of Kirindiwella.) | - | |
| Maha Maluwa arañña | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Two friendly monks in residence near a river; most accommodation is in a building with one separate kuti several hundred metres away. Pindapāta (alms round) is possible, and there are spots along the riverbank suitable for meditation. | Riverside location on a quiet road. Google maps link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZ1idf8FCH3emKG2A | ||
| Mellagala Y | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Kutis close to each other and noise from valley and road. | Deewela, Pallegama, 71022. Nr. Kegalla. Take bus from Māwanella to Attanagoda. | Tel. 077–915-5295 | |
| Nārangala Ānandabodhi Āshramaya | Kegalle District | Galduwa | 3 kutis. Some houses nearby, but very little noise from road. | Ambalakanda, Aranāyaka (= 15 kms W. of Gampola.) Take bus from Māwanella to Ambalakanda or Aranāyaka. | ||
| Nāvimana Y. or Warakāpola AS | Kegalle District | Galduwa | 1½ miles along Warakapola–Mirigama Rd, on top of a hill. In a mahagony tree forest. Abbot: Ven. Samita. There can be some noise from the village below the hill. | Warakāpola 71600. 1½ miles along Warakapola–Mirigama Rd, on top of a hill. | ||
| Kodigala Y | Kegalle District | Galduwa | 3 kutis, one dormitory. Quiet. | Kehelapannala, Hemmatagama 71530. 7 kms. west of Gampola. Bus from Gampola or Mawanella. | ||
| Wewaldeniya AS | Kegalle District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | 6 monks. | Pahalgama, Wewaldeniya. Near Warakāpola. | ||
| Ānanda Bodhi Āshramaya | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Ānanda Bodhimalakārāma Yogāśramaya lies in the green Rambukkana–Pinnawala foothills, amid village cultivation and wooded slopes. It is a rural Galduwa residence rather than a town temple, but the surrounding area is populated and accessible, so it should not be described as deep forest. Current monk, kuṭi and guest capacity should be confirmed directly. | Ānanda Bodhimalakārāma Yogāśramaya, Pitiyagama, Hiriwadunna, Rambukkana, Kegalle District. | Tel: 035 226 3070 | Name/address cross-check: the current Hiriwadunna spelling replaces the older tentative Kirivadunna rendering. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Navagala AS | Kegalle District | Galduwa | The rare name and locality cross-match the legacy Navagala AS to current Nawgala Yogashramaya in Galigamuwa. Nawgala Watta rises above Ambanpitiya Estate, consistent with the older direction “behind Ambanpitiya factory on hill”; current mapping labels the A1 turn-off as access to Nawgala Meheni Aramaya. | Nawgala Yogashramaya, Galigamuwa Town; turn from the Colombo–Kandy Road beside The Factory Ambanpitiya, then continue uphill into Nawgala Watta. Coordinates: 7.2381851, 80.3117568 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2381851%2C80.3117568 | Tel: 035 229 6572; 077 996 0495 | The mapped point is the access-road turn-off, not a claimed monastery-centre coordinate. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://mapcarta.com/N3266429247 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZyz-2DxHqw | https://premiumtravelog.com/trek-to-nawgala-standing-above-the-mist/ |
| Gallenagoda AS | Kegalle District | Galduwa | 1 monk & 2 (?) cave kutis with good solitude. | Devatagama, Dippitiya, Aranāyaka. Bus from Māwanella. | ||
| Bodhitenna Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest residence at Talgamuwa by Devanagala, administratively within Aranayaka/Ussapitiya. Its current public identities use “Bodhithenna Arannya Thalgamuwa,” and a May 2026 notice documents the pinnacle ceremony for a renovated stupa, showing continuing institutional activity at the site. | Bodhitenna Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as Bodhithenna Arannya), Talgamuwa, Devanagala, Aranayaka 71527. From Mawanella, use the Aranayaka/Hemmathagama side of the A1 and continue toward Devanagala and Talgamuwa. Coordinates: 7.2139936, 80.4766358 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2139936%2C80.4766358 | Tel: 077 625 7463 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://www.facebook.com/InstituteOfTheravada/posts/1307316261584693 | https://www.facebook.com/p/Bodhithenna-Arannya-Thalgamuwa-100081573316808/ | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbdeejBxNGyRnZjU3rAHFQ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Tummodara Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | A Galduwa aranya in Udumagama, Hettimulla, currently listed under the fuller name Tummodara Maha Aranya Senasana Viharaya and administratively placed in Kegalle South. The fuller current name distinguishes it from Kodikanda Aranya in Thummodara, Hanwella, a different monastery frequently returned by searches. | Tummodara Maha Aranya Senasana Viharaya, Udumagama, Hettimulla, Kegalle District; current directory placement: Kegalle South. | Tel: 075 044 8450 | Identity control: not Kodikanda Aranya Senasanaya in Thummodara, Hanwella. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://www.ravanalankanews.lk/%E0%B7%81%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%86%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html |
| Ānandabodhi Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Current directory evidence identifies Ānandabodhi Aranya Senasanaya at Narangala, Ambalakanda, Aranayaka. It is the same monastery as the source-list entry Nārangala Ānandabodhi Āshramaya; a 2018 field note recorded three kuṭis, nearby houses and little road noise, so the two names should be treated as aliases rather than separate sites. | Sree Ananda Bhodi Aasramaya, Narangala, Ambalakanda, Aranayaka; on the Aranayaka–Ambalakanda–Dolosbage Road. From Mawanella, use the local route toward Ambalakanda or Aranayaka. Coordinates: 7.1349343, 80.4397069 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.1349343%2C80.4397069 | Tel: 035 335 9023 | Duplicate identity: the same underlying site is also listed as Nārangala Ānandabodhi Āshramaya. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Ashokāranya S | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Probably a very small place. | Alavva, Ranawala, Beligalla 71044. On Ranawala–Beligalla Rd, 1 mile from Alavva, on Colombo–Kurunegala Rd. | ||
| Koswatta A | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Probably a small place. | Nava Colombo Para, Polgahawella 60300. (On Colombo-Kurunegala Rd.) | ||
| Sri Dharmodaya Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | A Galduwa yogashramaya in Manikkawa, Hingula, administratively within Mawanella East. The same uncommon name-address pairing appears in both the 2018 monastic guide and the current Sinhala district directory, fixing the abbreviated record to this Kegalle site rather than similarly named institutions elsewhere. | Sri Dharmodaya Yogashramaya, Manikkawa, Hingula 71520, Mawanella. Coordinates: 7.2373930, 80.4653143 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2373930%2C80.4653143 | Tel: 072 900 6613 | Identity control: the exact Manikkawa/Hingula entry, not other Sri Dharmodaya temples or pirivenas. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Diviyāgala Y. | Kegalle District | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest-lineage residence in rural Mawanella West. The environment is warm, hilly and green, with cultivated village land and patches of trees rather than urban density; local bus access makes it less isolated than a mountain hermitage. | Diviyagala Aranya Senasanaya, Karapane, Randiwela, Mawanella. The 2018 guide gives a local bus from Mawanella to “Ramukena” (spelling as printed). | Tel: 035 578 2325 | Identity control: not Diviyagala Rajamaha Viharaya in Damana, Ampara, or the Diviyagala site at Kosgoda. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.ravanalankanews.lk/%E0%B7%81%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%86%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F/ |
| Kegalla Abhayabhūmi Tapovanaya | Kegalle District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | An active, built meditation and Dhamma-teaching temple on Kegalle’s urban edge, close to the green Kurulu Kele area but not itself a remote forest residence. The Tripiṭaka Maha Seya is the main visible landmark, and public programmes bring lay visitors. Town roads, services and programme activity make it convenient but reduce seclusion | Abhayabhumi Tapovana Viharaya, No. 25, Bandaranaike Mawatha, Kegalle 71000; on Bandaranaike Avenue near Kurulu Kele and the Divisional Forest Office. Coordinates: 7.2496007, 80.3537357 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2496007%2C80.3537357 | Tel: 035 222 2497; 071 855 8558 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://www.facebook.com/Thapowa/ | https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2009/07/21/tmp.asp?ID=news03 | https://lk.near-place.com/thapowanaya-meditation-center-and-temple-bandaranayaka-avenue-kegalle | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Māwanella VMC | Kegalle District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A compact Kanduboda-line Vipassanā centre close to Mawanella town, the bypass and medical services. A detailed 2008 profile recorded a shrine, stupa, monastic residence, dining hall, uposatha hall, full-moon meditation and Dhamma programmes, Tripiṭaka recitation and seven-day residential workshops. Those facilities and programmes are dated, but they show a structured communal centre rather than a forest kuṭi complex. Town-edge traffic and activity should be expected. | Vipassana Meditation Center – Mawanella, Nungamuwa, Mawanella 71500; near Mawanella town. Coordinates: 7.2541000, 80.4429400 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2541000%2C80.4429400 | Tel: 035 224 7639 | The programme and facility details are dated to 2008. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2008/08/30/tmp.asp?ID=news01 | https://www.facebook.com/VMCMawanella/ | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOQ5Bi6sEqdUTkB-bSBfqA/about | https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/vipassana-bhavana-centre-3/ | https://mapcarta.com/N4195063946 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Potgulgala A | Kegalle District | Rāmañña Nikāya | The former monastery of Ven. Katukurunde Nyānananda. The monastery has undergone extensive revitalization and renovation under the guidance of its abbot, Venerable Damita, who has spent significant time in Thailand. This has resulted in a distinct blend of Thai and Sri Lankan forest traditions within the monastery. The environment is characterized by its well-maintained, clean, and orderly appearance, despite the noise from the village below. The monastic routine includes the practice of daily Pindapatta (alms round) and having only one meal a day, reflecting the simplicity and discipline of the forest tradition. | Devalegama. | Abbot: Ven Damita | |
| Kassapa Arana Retreat Hermitage | Kegalle District | Siyam Nikāya | Small meditation hermitage on several acres of wooded and plantation-covered hillside near Thunthota and Dedigama. Four well-appointed kutis, some with air-conditioning, and three resident monks are reported. English is available. The chief incumbent and meditation teacher is Ven. Karandulena Dammagaveshi, who frequently travels overseas to teach. | Kassapa Arana Retreat Hermitage, Thunthota, near Dedigama, Warakapola Divisional Secretariat, Kegalle District. Coordinates: 7.19596, 80.26723 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.19596%2C80.26723 | Contact form: https://kassapaarana.org/contact | Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://kassapaarana.org/about-us | https://mapcarta.com/N13609297569 |
| Thailehigala AS | Kegalle District | Galduwa | Remote small hermitage on a forested upland slope in the wet Uda Maliboda region. Simple kutis, wide mountain views and usually one sāmaṇera are reported. Food supplies are normally brought to the hermitage; village piṇḍapāta may also be possible. | Thailehigala Aranya Senasanaya, Orupeellagama, Uda Maliboda, Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat, Kegalle District. Coordinates: 6.89365, 80.44911 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.89365%2C80.44911 | The submitted Ratnapura district label was corrected to Kegalle District. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://mapcarta.com/N13663725485 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kegalle/ | |
| Sinharāja Prānta AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Kadamuduna, Bulutota, between Rakwana and Suriyananda at the 116.5 km post (opposite Christian church), more than 30 kms SE of Ratnapura. On top of a slope on a mountain-range in tea-estate country. Beautiful views. Cool, large dense rain-forest with leeches. Formerly a forest monastery, now a pirivena monastic school with many novices. Bus from Rakwana. | Kadamuduna, Bulutota, SE of Ratnapura | ||
| Sīlasamāhita YA or Belihul Oya BM | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | Sīlagama, Belihul Oya, 70140. At 156 km post, when going from Balangoda towards Haputale. About 10 monks, a bit of noise from road and hotels below, cool climate and beautiful mountain scenery. Chief monk: Ven. Susanta. | Sīlagama, Belihul Oya, 70140 | Tel: 045-228-0210 | |
| Tanjan Tenna Area, Gilanhāla, Bhaddeka Vihari Upasthana Kutiya | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | A group of about 50 monks, also a few foreign monks. The central meeting place is the Bhaddekavihari Monastery. There are perhaps 20 kutis located close together in the central area, followed by perhaps about 15 more in the forest outside of the monastery. There are about 20 kutis located kilometers outside the monastery. These are solitary kutis where the monks rely on separate villages for pindapata. They range from rugged to comfortable. The kutis are popular and it can take a long time before one is free. Dana at the monastery. Daily pindapata at the solitary kutis. The climate in the area is dry and warm. | Located 23 km southeast of Balangoda. Tanjan Tenna, Balangoda | Tel.: 045-360-9506. | -Website: bhaddekavihari.org. Note that the website email is not checked. Also, the phone may be checked only rarely. |
| Śri Nandārāma | Ratnapura District | Amarapura Nikāya | Udumulla, Bulatgama, via Balangoda. Large library with Ven. Ānanda’s large collection of books. A few kutis. Situated on a hill-top, scenic views over the mountains. | Udumulla, Bulatgama, via Balangoda | ||
| Lellopitiya VBM | Ratnapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Lellopitiya 10 kms E of Ratnapura. Quite a large centre, with emphasis on study, well situated. Head monk: Ven. Piyananda, the Swejyin Mahānayaka thera and Vinaya teacher. | Lellopitiya, 10 kms E of Ratnapura | ||
| Balangoda VMC | Ratnapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Thotupola-tenna, Balangoda. The head monk is Ven. Mahānāma who is kind and helpful. A number of kutis, well situated atop a hill. | Thotupola-tenna, Balangoda | ||
| Samangiri AS | Ratnapura District | Varnagala, Eratna 70560. At the start of the northwestern route to Sri Pāda mountain. | Varnagala, Eratna 70560 | |||
| Sri Pada AS | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | Siripāgama, Palabaddala. At start of the western route to Sri Pada. Reportedly very hard to find. | Siripāgama, Palabaddala | ||
| Indolawatta AS or Assagiri YA | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | Indolawatta, Ayagama 70024. (= 12 kms west of Ratnapura.) A forest hermitage. | Indolawatta, Ayagama 70024 | ||
| Badūwela Kanda Kutiya | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | c/o Mahindakade, Gangodakanda, Ayagama 70024. (= 12 kms west of Ratnapura.) | Gangodakanda, Ayagama 70024 | ||
| Iluktenna AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Panilkanda, Ulliduwāva, Deniyāya. | Panilkanda, Ulliduwāva, Deniyāya | ||
| Sri Dhammapāla AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Kolawenigama, Pallegama, Deniyāya. | Kolawenigama, Pallegama, Deniyāya | ||
| Budulena AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Vaturāva, Kalavāna. | Vaturāva, Kalavāna | ||
| Bambaragala AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Galpāya, Pallebedda, Godakawela. | Galpāya, Pallebedda, Godakawela | ||
| Samanala AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Massenna, Balangoda. | Massenna, Balangoda | ||
| Bulatwatta Gāllena AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Lellopitiya. | Lellopitiya | ||
| Etugalakanda AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Kolandagala, Lellopitiya. | Kolandagala, Lellopitiya | ||
| Merekelē AS | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Paranagama, Ellawala. | Paranagama, Ellawala | ||
| Balangoda Mahamevnāva | Ratnapura District | Mahamevnāva | Uddellapola, Balangoda. | Uddellapola, Balangoda | Tel: 045 492-7712. | |
| Siripāgama Mahamevnāva | Ratnapura District | Mahamevnāva | Mandagala, Kanegalla, Gilīmalē, Sirīpāgama. | Mandagala, Kanegalla, Gilīmalē, Sirīpāgama | Tel.: 045-492 7714. | |
| Gendagala Sanghasattu | Ratnapura District | Majjimapatipada | A smaller monastery with nine kutis. There are two quiet salas available for use. The villagers are quiet, respectful, and very helpful. The number of monks varies, sometimes from four to even zero. Monks from all nikayas are welcomed equally. There are minimal rules, but strict adherence to the Vinaya is required. Pindapata is allowed, and villagers bring dana once a day, every day. For more information, visit www.majjimapatipada.org.u | Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zqcTDjp1GSHQ2fxe9 | Mr. Chaminda - 077 900 4763, 077 087 0566 | Website: www.majjimapatipada.org |
| Thannapita Aranya Senasanaya | Ratnapura District | Waturawila | Located in a forested area within the Ratnapura District. Meditation kutis (huts) are scattered through the forest. Simple structures for meditation and chanting. Natural rock formations and pathways integrated into the forest. | Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KtKX9pM5cHmLBgmD7 | Phone: 071 120 4755 | |
| Padalangala Kuti | Ratnapura District | Kuti | A kuti located below the Gotabhya Raja Mahavihara. The kuti is a mud kuti with a high ceiling, situated in the lower section of the pansala, some distance down a hill and connected to the main pansala by a large staircase. Seclusion is limited; however, outside of Poya days and certain times during the day when villagers may pass by on their way to or from work, there is generally little disturbance. Occasional noise comes from the nearby street and sometimes from people playing in the creek, which is not far from the kuti. Good pindapada support. | Located below the Gotabhya Raja Mahavihara, Embilipitiya. Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LBiVs4STme932q6F8 | The Abbot of Gotabhya Raja Mahavihara in Embilipitiya. | |
| Dahamkanda Aranya | Ratnapura District | Galduwa | Branch of Na Uyana. Three monks. Well-kept and quiet with comfortable kutis. There is also one kuti away from the main monastery where a foreign monk was living alone. | Kurauda, Kurana, Handapangoda Coordinates: 6.798210420062897, 80.16425300889584 | Tel: 0772977010 | |
| Pushpakada Gallen AS / Mahawalathenna AS | Ratnapura District | Four secluded kutis on a hillside with nice views. One samanera. | Mahawalathenna, Weligepola Coordinates: 6.583854930377534, 80.75043498766067 | Tel: 0715108131 | ||
| Waddagala Aranya Senasanaya | Ratnapura District | Majjimapatipada | Located along the ridge of a mountain with beautiful views, the aranya has four very well-built kutis. Dana is brought daily once a day, providing a peaceful and supportive environment for monastics. | Close to the Waddagala Tea Factory, near Sinharaja Forest. | Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fyom2w6JWA7f4BFc8 | Waddagala Tea Factory - 045 493 5168, Mr. Chamil - 071 914 7401 | https://www.majjimapatipada.org/sangasathu-senasun/waddagala.html |
| Madakada AS | Kalutara District | Waturawila | Approx. half way on the Pānadura-Ratnapura Road. Forest in river-gulley. Wet. Ābbot: Ven. Mangala is friendly. Good vinaya. About 15 monks. Headquarters of a section of the Waturawila group that keeps stricter vinaya standards. | Ingiriya. Approx. half way on the Pānadura-Ratnapura Road. | Aligned with Salgala Aranya and other smaller aranyas. | |
| Bodhināgala A | Kalutara District | Amarapura Nikāya | Approx. half way on the Pānadura-Ratnapura Road, one mile before Ingiriya. There is a sign along the road. Forest monastery. | Approx. half way on the Pānadura-Ratnapura Road, one mile before Ingiriya. Get off at Bodhināgala Junction, and 3 kms walk. | ||
| Kalugala AS | Kalutara District | Waturawila Vanavāsin group and Amarapura Nikāya | Remotely situated inside a valley surrounded by hills. Wet, dense forest with many leeches. Moderate temperature. Five monks. Large groups of laypeople come every day into the center of the monastery. Loudspeakers on poya days. There are some disturbance-free kutis further away from the center, but these are sometimes run-down from disuse. | Pahalahevessa, Badureliya, Mātugama. From Kalutara take a bus to Mātugama, then a bus to Baduraliya, and then an hour of walking. | Tel: 034–394-5480 | Founded in 1942; see Carrithers, Forest Monks of SL, p. 178. |
| Tundola A | Kalutara District | Very secluded and quiet. Meditation-oriented. Eight kutis. The abbot is a well-known meditation teacher in the Kanduboda tradition, but he does not conduct organized retreats. | Rathmale, Polgampala. Co-ordinates: 6.462082354979161, 80.2122623704843 | |||
| Pūjālena AS | Kalutara District | Galduwa | Branch monastery of Na Uyana. About 15 kutis, large cave, on a hill near a river in secondary forest on former tea estate. On the northwestern side of the Singharaja forest. | Located 6 kms east of Kalugala Aranya. Kirimetiyawala, Hedigala 12234. From the south, turn off at 13 mile post. From the north, go to Hedigala from Baduraliya. | ||
| Dharmadvīpa Y | Kalutara District | Amarapura Nikāya | Near the beach in a mangrove forest at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga river. Main attraction is the forested rock-outcrop with a few kutis on a narrow peninsula. | Kalawilawatta, Aluthgama. Near the beach. 200 m long and 100 m wide forested rock-outcrop. Get off at the Lagoon Garden Hotel. | Only lunch provided on the 'island', reachable by boat or by walking along the beach. | |
| Shri Kalyāna DA | Kalutara District | Galduwa | Spacious compound on beach. No kutis but 3 rooms. Helpful English speaking monk. | De Abrew Mawatha, Kalutara North 12000. | ||
| Kitulgoda Forest Monastery | Kalutara District | Galduwa | Branch of Na Uyana. Four monks. Quiet, well-kept. Meditation-oriented. | Kithulgoda, Agalawatta.Co-ordinates: 6.502626762319508, 80.18576682492129 | Tel: 0343309708 | |
| Migahatenna BM | Kalutara District | Galduwa | E of Bentota, not far from Kalugala A. | Migahatenna, Siyambalope. | ||
| Veligalpotta AS | Kalutara District | Waturawila | A genuinely forested Waturawila residence inside the Yagirala/Paniyawala rainforest. The environment is wet evergreen forest with streams, dense vegetation, persistent humidity and roughly 4,000 mm of annual rain; local temperatures are generally about 27–28 °C. The reserve approach gives strong physical seclusion, but sustained rain can flood local roads and complicate access. This is one of the clearest deep-forest settings showcased in this list. | Yakgirilena Veligalpotta Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as Yakgirilena Weligalpoththa Aranya Senasanaya), Yagirala, via Avittawa/Wallallavita; the approach road passes through Yagirala Forest Reserve and can be affected by flooding after sustained rain. Coordinates: 6.3867300, 80.1634500 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.3867300%2C80.1634500 | Tel: 034 568 2642; mobile listing: 077 463 1006 | Sources: https://www.dinamina.lk/2025/03/12/featured/173060/%E0%B6%A2%E0%B6%B1%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8F-%E0%B6%B8%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%A9%E0%B6%B4%E0%B6%BA-10/ | https://www.facebook.com/YakgirilenaWeligalpoththaAranyaya/ | https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/655105141304727/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kalutara/ |
| Bulatsinhala Mahamevnāva | Kalutara District | Mahamevnāva | A rural public branch northeast of Bulathsinhala town in the warm, rainy low-country wet zone. The surrounding village landscape is green and cultivated, with rubber, coconut and home-garden vegetation providing more enclosure than a town-centre temple, while road access remains practical. It should not automatically be treated as a forest monastery: current photographs do not establish dispersed kuṭis, and branch-specific monk and guest capacity should be confirmed. | Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, Botalegama, Bulathsinhala 12300. Coordinates: 6.6950801, 80.1681185 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.6950801%2C80.1681185 | Tel: 034 494 3916 | Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.org/monastery-overnight-visit/ | https://lk.near-place.com/place_of_worship-nearby-mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-bulathsinhala-bothalegama-bulathsinhala | https://www.srilanka-places.com/places/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-bulathsinhala-bulathsinhala-12300 |
| Serupita Mahamevnāva | Kalutara District | Mahamevnāva | A road-accessible branch in flat, hot and humid Kalutara lowlands, surrounded by village settlement and cultivation rather than forest. A 2024 exact-site video showed buildings still under construction, so the appearance and usable facilities may have changed. It is best described as a developing public teaching centre; confirm completion, rooms and programme arrangements before planning a residential visit. | Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa (Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery–Serupita), Serupita Janapadaya, Bolossagama, Kalutara South 12008. Coordinates: 6.6134056, 80.0117580 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.6134056%2C80.0117580 | Tel: 034 494 3833 | Affiliation follows the current official branch list. Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.org/monastery-overnight-visit/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPthOhotxEo | https://www.facebook.com/groups/624871198030897/posts/1830907960760542/ |
| Omatta Aranya Senasanaya | Kalutara District | Majjimapatipada | A small hermitage suitable for only two monks. Local devotees bring dana once a day, and pindapatha is also allowed. | Situated in Galapitakanda, accessible from Agalawatta. | Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8zb52jCvx8sNb4AY9 | Ms. Geetha - 071 770 8217, Ms. Rasali - 077 763 3312, 071 447 8783 | www.majjimapatipada.org/sangasathu-senasun/omatta.html |
| Swarnalena AS | Kalutara District | Galduwa | About seven kutis clustered around a hilltop. | Agalawatta, Matugama Coordinates: 6.536136916291704, 80.14459020851163 | ||
| Island Hermitage | Galla District | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Located on two small forested islands in a tropical lagoon, 10 kms south of the beach resort of Hikkaduva. This famous place was founded by Ven. Nyanatiloka in the early 20th century. There is a large, recently renovated and airconditioned library. It used to be a major centre for Western Buddhism, and the first monastery built by and for foreign bhikkhus in Sri Lanka in modern times. It is now a Sinhalese monastery run by a group of relatively junior monks connected to the Vajirārāma group. | On the Colombo – Galle Road get off the bus at Ratgama Junction, just south of Dodanduva, and walk to Katudampe village. Then ask for Mr Sunil who can arrange for a boat. | ||
| Parappadūva Island Hermitage | Galla District | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | The island neighbouring the Island Hermitage (near the Katudampe village temple), which used to be the site of Ayyā Khemā’s nuns monastery in the 1980s. | Near the Katudampe village temple. | Tel.: 091-309-4668 | |
| Shri Gunavardhana Y. or Galduwa A. | Galla District | Galduwa | The headquarters of the Sri Kalyāna Yogāshrāmaya Samṃsthāva, i.e. the main forest monastery tradition in Sri Lanka. This monastery is a training centre for junior monks with group chanting three times a day. Well supported and tidy. The climate is hot and humid. It is situated in a palm-estate area on the edge of a coastal swamp. | Between Ambalangoda and Hikkadūva. | ||
| Vanavāsa Sangha Mūlasthānaya or Waturawila A. | Galla District | Waturawila | About 20 kms northeast of Hikkadūva. The headquarters of the Waturawila group. One section is a large pirivena with many novices; the other section is a forest-monastery. | 20 kms northeast of Hikkadūva. | ||
| Kottāva Nāga A. or Nāga A. | Galla District | Waturawila | 12 kms E of Gālla. About 50 acres of forest on small hills with a stream running through it. Fairly quiet. Warm & humid. Several kutis. | 12 kms E of Gālla. Take bus to Udagama from Gālla and get off at Kottāva junction. | ||
| Tripitaka DA. (Koggala A.) | Galla District | Galduwa | 10 kms SW of Gālla. Originally a meditation monastery, but it is now more study orientated. The monastery comprises of a number of buildings and nice kutis situated on a small raised elevation of land jutting out into a lagoon and approached by a causeway. There are crocodiles in the lagoon. Hot and humid. Pinḍapāta possible. | Vedduwa, Koggala, Habarādūva 80630. | ||
| Diviyāgala AS. | Galla District | Galduwa | 10 kms south of Bentota. Quiet, nice patch of forest, about 6 monks. Good kutis. At times hot and humid. Good library, also English books. Good food and vandana in the evening. Forest hermitage. | Kosgoda 80570. | ||
| Opāta A. / Rajavangala A. | Galla District | Galduwa | 30 kms SE of Gālla. Nice monastery in forested hilly area with streams. Wet, but not overly hot climate. Quiet. The abbot, Ven. Samita, is friendly and speaks some English. About a dozen novice boys and 4-5 adult monks are here. More study-oriented, but there are secluded kutis suitable for meditation. | Senanayaka Rd, Opāta, Akuressa, 81442. Take an Akuressa bus from Gālla and then the Udugama or Thawalama bus. Get off at Opāta. About 3 kms from Opāta. Co-ordinates: 6.2596910702142115, 80.38844633117152 | Tel: 0771599209 | |
| Sinhalena Tapovanaya / Sinharaja A. | Galla District | Galduwa | A small forest monastery on the western edge of the large Sinharāja Rainforest National Park. Dense rainforest with streams and waterfalls etc. Wet and humid, leeches, moderately cool climate. Very little outside noise, but the kutis are somewhat close to each other. About 15 kutis. Four monks. There is a very large solitary open cave kuti about 1 km from the main part of the monastery. The abbot, Ven. Jinaratana, is very kind and helpful. | Kosmulla, Neluva 80082. To get here, take a bus from Gālla to Neluva and then walk for about 2 hours up a mountain through the tea-plantations. Co-ordinates: 6.401273420350277, 80.38666984884755 | Tel: 0705906442 | |
| Deldūva A. | Galla District | Rāmañña Nikāya | In the Ambalangoda area. The headquarters of the Deldūva forest division of the Rāmañña Nikāya. | - | ||
| Suddellāva AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | 10 kms NE from Elpitiya. This is supposed to be a nice place, beautifully situated, but a little tough. | 10 kms NE from Elpitiya. | ||
| Uluvahugala AS. | Galla District | Galduwa | Nr. Neluva; see Sinhalena Tapovanaya entry above. Forest Hermitage. | Mavita, Neluva, 80082. | ||
| Vihāragoda Viveka Senasenaya | Galla District | Galduwa | Current directories call this Kale Viveka Senasanaya. It is a small, study-oriented Galduwa residence in the humid coastal lowlands near Ambalangoda and Balapitiya, surrounded by settled village country and coconut-rich home gardens rather than deep forest. Road access is straightforward and the scale appears compact; present kuṭi, monk and guest capacity are not publicly available. | Themisarama Temple (Kale Viveka Senasanaya), Viharagoda, Watugedara 80340, near Ambalangoda. Coordinates: 6.2545094, 80.0586168 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.2545094%2C80.0586168 | Tel: 091 225 7421 | Kale Viveka Senasanaya is the current public name for this entry. Sources: https://punyabhoomi.lk/galle/ | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Vivekārāmaya | Galla District | Galduwa | Just outside Gālla town. | Godakanda, Karapitiya. | ||
| Shri Ñānabhasara Y. | Galla District | Galduwa | A compact Galduwa urban branch in central Galle. The surrounding environment is a busy, humid coastal city with railway, shops and services close at hand; the monastery provides a monastic enclave but not forest seclusion. It is more suitable for study, lineage contact or a short arranged stay than for expecting isolated kuṭi practice. | Sri Ghanobasa Yogasramaya, No. 14, Upper Dickson Road, Galle 80000. Coordinates: 6.0391938, 80.2189729 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.0391938%2C80.2189729 | Sri Ghanobasa and Shri Ñānabhasara are variant romanizations of the same yogasramaya. Sources: https://lk.near-place.com/establishment-nearby-sri-ghanobasa-yogasramaya-galle | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sri-Ghanobasa-Yogasramaya-Upper-Dickson-Rd-Galle/102354216948958 | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html | https://nauyana.org/sri-kalyani-yogasrama-samstha-english/ | |
| Sri Kalyānā DA. | Galla District | Galduwa | Lawallena Watta, Baddegama 80200. | Lawallena Watta, Baddegama 80200. | ||
| Nāgala A. | Galla District | Galduwa | Near Sinharaja National Park. | Eppala, Panangala. 80075. | ||
| Sītaladela AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | Nākiyādeniya Watta, Pilidola Kotasa, Nākiyādeniya. | Nākiyādeniya Watta, Pilidola Kotasa, Nākiyādeniya. | ||
| Nugagala AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | Yālagala, Hiniduma, Udugama. | Yālagala, Hiniduma, Udugama. | ||
| Digālena AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | Naravel Ketiya, Pituwala, Elpitiya. | Naravel Ketiya, Pituwala, Elpitiya. | ||
| Attuwagala AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | About 4 kms from Elpitiya. Friendly old abbot, but lack food. | Attuwagala. | ||
| Diwankaralena AS. | Galla District | Waturawila | Dūva Pituwala, Elpitiya. | Dūva Pituwala, Elpitiya. | ||
| Viveka S. | Galla District | Waturawila | Agalia, Baddegama. | Agalia, Baddegama. | ||
| Wawedeniye AS | Galla District | Deep in a large forest reserve by a large lake. Mostly quiet. Beautiful kutis with large windows. Meditation-oriented. Three ex-Mahamevnawa monks (including the abbot) and two Na Uyana monks were staying here. | Eriyathota, Kamburupitiya Coordinates: 6.099406680813235, 80.59926463306044 | Tel: 0716239639 | ||
| Sri Sambodhi A. / Pinkanda A. | Galla District | About eight kutis separate from each other on a hilltop admist tea plantations. Meditation-oriented. | Pinkandahena Para,Danawala,Neluwa Coordinates: 6.3950951016950714, 80.33165993358222 | |||
| Ellakanda AS | Galla District | Galduwa | Branch of Na Uyana. About 20 monks. In a forest reserve near a large lake. Very strict. | Kekanadura, Aparekka Coordinates: 5.977439445344567, 80.59748681636184 | ||
| Batuwita AS | Galla District | Quiet monastery in a large forest reserve with secluded kutis. About six monks, all of whom ordained after retirement age. | Meda Uyangoda, Hathamuna Coordinates: 6.044510709715813, 80.58869044608824 | Tel: 0413496925 | ||
| Sri Sambuddharaja AS | Galla District | About four kutis in a small parcel of forest. Abbot is ex-Mahamevnawa. | Iridanwala, Diyadawa, Siyambalagoda, Pitabeddara Coordinates: 6.213566073032093, 80.54302341081109 | |||
| Walasmulla Mahamevnava | Galla District | Mahamevnāva | Large forest monastery with good seclusion. About ten kutis. | Kitulagoda Pitadeniya Palle Kanda Road, Walasmulla Coordinates: 6.146083175337425, 80.6568396456945 | ||
| Puwakgaha Madiththa AS | Galla District | Galduwa | About eight monks. Some road noise. | Kirinda Puhulwella Coordinates: 6.03951458198447, 80.63654232971778 | Tel: 0717758795 | |
| Indigas-hena AS | Galla District | Waturawila | Three monks. Meditation oriented. Reasonably quiet and secluded. | Gorakagaha Hena, Gallala, Kananke. From Galle, take an Akuressa bus and get off at Gallala. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vCxKSkG39g29qaw38?g_st=ac | Tel: 0711292543 | |
| Nimalāva AS | Hambantota District | Galduwa | A large forest monastery founded in 1951 with ancient cave kutis. Abbot: Ven. Dhammadassī. Wildlife such as elephants and crocodiles. | Kirinda, Tissamahārāmaya 82614. 12 kms SE of Tissamahārāmaya, 3 kms from Kirinda on the way to Yala National Park. | Tammana retreat centre nearby with 7 restored rock shelters. | |
| Situlpāva | Hambantota District | A large ancient cave-monastery with ruins and many cave kutis. Inhabited by Ven. Hemaratana Thera.Many wild animals and rest-houses available for laypeople. | Accessible from Tissamahārāma, Kirinda, or Kataragama. Walk along the access-road from Tissa. | |||
| Madunāgala A | Hambantota District | Waturawila | An ancient cave monastery founded in 1946 with 10 cave kutis. Located on a remote, quiet forested ridge. | 15 kms north of Ambalantota, east of Siyambalagoda, north of Ridiyagama Wewa. 7 kms walking from Koggala. | Nearby Karambagala Aranya monastery. | |
| Karambagala A | Hambantota District | A rocky hill monastery founded early 20th century with rock overhangs converted into kutis. Founded in King Gotrabhaya’s time. Claims to be the Kurandaka Monastery of arahant Cittagutta. | 10 kms north of Ambalantota. Rocky hill with rock overhangs and a cetiya on top. | |||
| Bundala Kuti | Hambantota District | Kuti | Built for Ven. Ñānavira in the late fifties. A single kuti near the village of Bundala in Bundala National Park. Dry hot climate. | Near the village of Bundala, Hambantota district, in Bundala National Park. | ||
| Sīmāpavura AS | Hambantota District | Waturawila | Small monastery on top of rock-hill with 3 kutis. Abbot: Ven. Jinasara. Very hot climate. | Sūriya Āra, Angunukolapelessa, Thanāmalwila. On top of rock-hill. | ||
| Usgala A | Hambantota District | Monks from Karambagala A. stay at this rocky outcrop with three small rock overhangs and mud kutis. | Suriyawewa (Andarawewa), 10 km northeast of Karambagala. | |||
| Mattala A | Hambantota District | A new aranya with rock overhangs near Badagiriya Wewa. Affiliation unknown. | Near Badagiriya Wewa, 10 kms north of Hambantota and Bundala. | |||
| Veheragala A | Hambantota District | - | 5 kms northwest of Hambantota. | |||
| Svarnagiri AS | Hambantota District | Galduwa | 1 monk. Located north of Hambegamuva on the road to Balangoda. | 30 km from Sīmāpavura, north of Hambegamuva. Laginagala, Galhiramankada, Kotaweramankada, Tanāmalwila 91312. | ||
| Andagala or Edagala A | Hambantota District | Located a few kms west of Tanāmalwila. | Komaligama, a few kms west of Tanāmalwila. | |||
| Karandulena AS | Hambantota District | Galduwa | Located in Ridiyagama. Affiliation unclear. | Ridiyagama. | ||
| Walaskanda AS | Hambantota District | Waturawila | 1 monk. Not a practice place. Located near Sīmāpavura. | 31 Kanuva, Kitulkote, Tanāmalwila. Not far from Sīmāpuvura. | ||
| Suriyawewa Mahamevnāva | Hambantota District | Mahamevnāva | A public Mahamevnāva branch in the hot, open dry-zone plains north of Suriyawewa. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of cultivation, scrub and scattered settlement, with stronger sun, heat and dust than at wet-zone branches and comparatively little topographic enclosure. It functions as an organised teaching and devotional centre rather than a deep forest monastery; present monk numbers and overnight capacity should be confirmed through the branch. | Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, Suruwirugama (Suraviregama), Suriyawewa. Coordinates: 6.3340177, 81.0005266 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.3340177%2C81.0005266 | Tel/WhatsApp: 076 825 5694; landline listing: 047 492 0660 | Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.org/monastery-overnight-visit/ | https://lk.near-place.com/place_of_worship-nearby-mahamevnawa-monastery-sooriyawewa/da | https://mahamevnawa.lk/audios/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Kataragama Mahamevnāva | Hambantota District | Mahamevnāva | The official name is Amasisila Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, on Peragirigama Road about 2.3 km east of Kataragama’s sacred precinct. The site is on the hot, dry edge of a busy pilgrimage town, so festival traffic may matter even though the branch itself is set away from the centre. | Amasisila Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, Peragirigama Road, Kataragama 91400. Coordinates: 6.4027271, 81.3464735 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.4027271%2C81.3464735 | Tel: 047 493 1377 | Sources: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.org/monastery-overnight-visit/ | https://lk.near-place.com/mahamevnawa-amasisila-buddhist-monastery-kataragama-peragirigama-road-kataragama | https://businessmap.lk/listing/mahamevnawa-amasisila-buddhist-monastery-kataragama |
| Vedahitakanda | Hambantota District | An abandoned cave kuti on the peak next to Vedahitakanda temple. | Kataragama. | A Swiss monk stayed here for some years. | ||
| Balawanagala A. | Hambantota District | Galduwa | In Uda Walawe national forest. In the front part of the monastery two monks and a nun are staying. Deeper in the forest is a cluster of cave kutis, which is often vacant. Elephants. | Panahaduwa, Kolambage Ara Coordinates: 6.454736214182064, 80.80110690244192 | Tel: 0711720102 | |
| Beralihela AS | Hambantota District | Galduwa | Several cave kutis. Three monks. | Beralihela, Thissamaharamaya. Coordinates: 6.343980466979813, 81.261596516979 | Tel: 0717400468 | |
| Sri Swarnagiri Viveka Senasanaya | Nuwara Eliya District | Waturawila | On top of a hill near the Nuwara Eliya Horse Racing Course. Beautiful views. Three kutis and rooms. Two monks. A large Buddha image is being constructed. | From the Nuwara Eliya Town Hall, go up the Haddon Hill Rd. 15 min. walk. | ||
| Kande Ela Reservoir Monastery | Nuwara Eliya District | A small forest monastery with small wooden kutis in a pine forest at Kande Ela Reservoir, 10 kms. south of Nuwara Eliya. | - | |||
| Asokārāmaya | Nuwara Eliya District | Amarapura Nikāya | Pansala/village monastery. No kutis. | Hawa Eliya, Nuwara Eliya. | ||
| Nuwara Eliya Temple | Nuwara Eliya District | Convenient place if one arrives late and needs somewhere to stay. | 200m before the bus station, on the right. | |||
| Rahatungoda Y. | Nuwara Eliya District | Galduwa | Tea-estate country. Cool climate at about 1100m. altitude. 3 resident monks. Friendly and helpful abbot: Ven. Nyanavimala. 6 nice kutis. A few foreign monks have spent vassa here. Not far from houses and there can be some village-noise. | Hewaheta, 20440. 30 kms SE of Kandy. | Tel: 052-3814461 | |
| Kande Vivekāshrāmaya | Nuwara Eliya District | One monk: Ven. Sugunadhamma. | Utukule (or Ukutule) Negenhira, Mathurata. 3 kms south of Padiyapelella and about 10 kms from Rikilligaskada. Bus from Rikilligaskada to Mathurata. | |||
| Shri Ñānārāma Vivekāshramaya / Kahagolla Aranya | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | Rooms in a communal building as well as kutis in a pine forest area in a village area, near army camp. Can be noisy. Goenkaji vipassana meditation is practiced here. The popular teacher Ketawala Swamin Vahanse resides here. There are often classes on Vinaya and other subjects for several hours day. Foreigners also ordain here. One of the few places in Sri Lanka that provides systematic training for young monks. | Kahagolla, Diyatalāva 90150. 5 kms SW of Bandārawela. | ||
| Loggal Oya arañña (identified with Mawaragala Aranya Senasanaya) | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | Small but well-kept arañña on a peninsula next to the Loggal Oya reservoir. One monk with basic English. Daily pindapāta. One kuti, several rooms, and a Buddha vihāra are located right on the shore, with quite a lot of noise from the road. A second kuti was nearing completion in May 2025 a few hundred metres away in a quieter location. Elephants occasionally roam around at night. | Located in the village of Dambana, roughly 15 km south‑east of Mahiyanganaya near the Loggal Oya reservoir. Visitors travel towards Mahiyanganaya and then take the road to Dambana; the hermitage lies on Mawaragala Mountain (approx. 385 m elevation). Google Maps Link- https://maps.app.goo.gl/asNLi3JqvjKEMBK36 | ||
| Kolatenna Hermitage | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | A place founded by the Czech monk Nyanasatta in the 1960s. At present there is only one resident monk. Rooms in compounds, good library. Surrounded by village and tea-estates on a mountain-slope above villages and a large army-camp. | From Bandarawela walk about 2 kms on the upper Haputale Road, then at the railway crossing turn to the right, or walk along the railway line from Bandārawela. | ||
| Piyangala A. | Badulla District & Uva Province | Small aranya with a few kutis on a slope with pineforest in a quiet river-valley. Cool climate. Probably a few monks from Kahagolla are residing here. Ask at Kahagolla A. There is a rock shelter nearby. | Welihelagama, Diyatalāva 90150. 5 kms north of Diyatalāva. | |||
| Bandarawela Mahamevnāva | Badulla District & Uva Province | Mahamevnāva | Monastery on the slope of a remote tea estate on a steep mountain. Kutis with covered walking paths along a road going through a tea estate. Stupa on top of mountain. | Kumbalwela, Bandārawela. About 10 km from Bandārawela on the road to Badulla (not to Ella). | Tel. 057-492-6447 | |
| Udakirinda BM | Badulla District & Uva Province | Siyam Nikāya | Meditation centre with compound and also a few kutis. Mahāsi method is practiced here. | Bogahakumbara, Welimada. Mountain area 8 kilometers south of Keppetipola. Close to Boralanda. | ||
| Nilagala | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | An ancient cave monastery with 4-5 kutis on a big rock outcrop. Near nature reserve. | 20 kms. east of Bibile. | ||
| Mahasudharshana AS | Badulla District & Uva Province | Waturawila | Current legal and public references identify the monastery as Olagangala Maha Sudarshana Aranya Senasanaya. It is a Waturawila-line forest monastery at Pahala Oya Gama in Rideemaliyadda, between Mahiyanganaya and Bibile. A 2011 Act incorporated its supporting foundation and listed the development of a forest-dwelling bhikkhu community, Tipiṭaka and Dhamma training, and village Dhamma work among the foundation’s objects. | Olagangala Maha Sudarshana Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as Olagangala Temple), Olagangala Temple Road, Pahala Oya Gama/Gadugodawewa, Ūraniya, Rideemaliyadda; between Mahiyanganaya and Bibile. Coordinates: 7.2803275, 81.0640825 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.2803275%2C81.0640825 | Identity cross-match: the older Mahasudharshana AS listing and the statutory Olagangala Maha Sudarshana name share the Pahala Oya Gama locality. Sources: https://documents.gov.lk/view/act/2011/8/37-2011_E.pdf | https://rideemaliyadda.ps.gov.lk/2026-%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%82%E0%B7%80%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B0%E0%B6%B1-%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%A2%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F-%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%93%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | |
| Nikapiṭiya AS | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | 200 acres of forested land. The teacher, Ven. Sīlagama Ñānasiri, can give instruction in English. At least one foreigner has ordained here. Pa Auk meditation is taught here. There is a daily timetable with several hours of group meditation scheduled, although it seems the teacher is not rigidly strict in enforcing it. About ten monks. Kutis with good seclusion spread out around a hill. One side of the hill gets some village noise from the valley, but the other side is mostly quiet. Moderate climate with cool nights. | Nikapiṭiya, Gampaha, near Koslanda. One can get a bus going directly to the monastery from Monarāgala or Wellawāya. Otherwise, on the Wellawāya-Koslanda route, get off at Gampaha Vidyālaya (school) and walk about 4 km. | Tel: 071-6937228 | |
| Pathanawattha AS | Badulla District & Uva Province | Galduwa | Small meditation hermitage on a cool, forested upland hillside among plantations. Three pleasant kutis and one resident monk are reported. A small centre at the foot of the hill reportedly holds occasional retreats in the Mahāsi tradition. | Pathanawattha Aranya Senasanaya, Rasinawatta, Pathanawatta, Kandegedara, Soranathota, Badulla District. From Badulla, take a bus toward Tennapanguwa or Kandegedara and inquire locally for Pathanawatta. Coordinates: 7.0476, 81.0315 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.0476%2C81.0315 | Ven. Ānanda: 077 041 1962 | Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://mapcarta.com/14829066 |
| Budugal-lena AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | About 12 monks. Jungle on the slope of a hill. Warm climate. Caves, including a big cave used for doing vandana. Close to Yala so there are wild animals. Good support. | 23 km post, New Katarama Road, Vaguruwela, [14, Kanuwa Raja Mawatha] Buttala 91100. | Tel: 055–355-2900. | |
| Monarāgala Mahamevnāva | Monaragala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Hulandawa South on the low, hot southern edge of Monaragala. The developed compound is surrounded by open dry-zone cultivation, scrub, home gardens and scattered settlement, with Monaragala’s hills visible beyond. Road access and town services are convenient, while the environment is semi-rural and public rather than forest-secluded. | Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, Tambalavinna-ara Tapovanaya, Hulandawa South, Monaragala 91000; also approached by Monastery Road. Coordinates: 6.8116500, 81.3527344 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8116500%2C81.3527344 | Tel: 055 492 8318 | Official branch status and address were current on the network list dated 2026-05-03. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/monaragala-bodhi-mandapaya/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://ca.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/moneragala/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-monaragala-143819980 |
| Sambodhi Y. | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Convenient as a stop-over place on a long bus journey. | 35 Kumaradola Pāra, Monarāgala 910000. On hill above Monarāgala bus-stand. | ||
| Alulena AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest hermitage at Dambeyaya in the Maligawila–Okkampitiya countryside, about 10 km south-east of Buttala. Dry mixed-evergreen woodland, chena, paddy and low rocky ground dominate this hot, sparsely settled landscape. The distance from a large town and the rural approach give it substantial quiet and a stronger sense of retreat. | Alugalge Lena Forest Monastery (Alulena Aramaya), Dambegoda/Dambeyaya, near Maligawila, Okkampitiya 91060; on the Hulandawa Oya side of Alugalge Kanda. Coordinates: 6.7340372, 81.3907871 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.7340372%2C81.3907871 | Tel: 055 356 5489 | Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.ravanalankanews.lk/%E0%B7%81%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%86%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F/ |
| Lollehela AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa hermitage at the base of Lollehela Mount near Galabedda, where drip-ledged caves and rock shelters form part of the archaeological landscape. Dry forest, scrub and cultivation cover the surrounding foothills, with hot days, exposed rock and deeper shade around the caves. It lies outside Monaragala town and has a distinctly rural, rocky setting. | Galgediyawa Temple (Lollehela Aranya Senasanaya), Galgediyawa, Galabedda, Monaragala 91008. Coordinates: 6.8761280, 81.4103172 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8761280%2C81.4103172 | Tel: 055 561 3606 | The protected inventory describes Lollehela Mount's cave remains; it is used here as locality context, not as a present-condition report. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Sitakanda AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | An ancient Galduwa cave hermitage on a wooded, boulder-strewn hillside about 2 km from Monaragala town. Drip-ledged caves, inscriptions and scattered ruins sit among rock outcrops, shaded gullies and small streams, creating pockets of coolness within the hot low-country climate. It is unusually accessible for a cave monastery, though proximity to town and the Kumaradola road reduces full seclusion. | Sitakanda (Seethakanda) Aranya Senasanaya, Kumaradola/Kumarawatta road, about 2 km from Monaragala town; the road begins beside the main bus stand. Coordinates: 6.8732100, 81.3582227 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8732100%2C81.3582227 | Name variants: Sitakanda, Seethakanda, Seetakanda and Sithakanda. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://amazinglanka.com/wp/seethakanda/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | |
| Rājalena AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa cave hermitage at Punsisigama and Pahalathunthala near Badalkumbura. Restored rock shelters occupy a rural foothill landscape of dry forest, scrub, chena and scattered farms, with more shade and enclosure around the caves than in the surrounding open country. Local-road access is practical, while the site remains well outside a busy urban centre. | Walagamba Rajalena Aranya Senasanaya, Punsisigama, Pahalathunthala, Badalkumbura, Monaragala District. Coordinates: 6.867347, 81.2594875 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.867347%2C81.2594875 | Tel: 071 612 5261 | The one-monk figure is a dated field observation, not a standing capacity figure. The older Helatungala wording has been cross-matched to the current Pahalathunthala listing. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Sandekebelle AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest residence on Kumaradola Road just outside Monaragala. The town-edge landscape mixes low wooded hills, scrub, home gardens and seasonal streams, giving a green buffer without deep remoteness. It is easy to reach from the bus stand and town services, but nearby roads and settlement can bring more activity than at the district’s outlying cave hermitages. | Sandekebelle AS, Kanda-uda-vanguva, Kumaradola Road, Monaragala 91032; turn at the Water Supply Department about 1 km from town. | Identity control: Sandakebella Tapovana southwest of Govinda Hela is a different monastery, and its archaeological and access details are excluded from this row. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | |
| Sakmangala AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Located on Monarāgala Mountain. At present no monks. | Kumaradola Pāra, Monarāgala 91000. 10 kms from town via Kumardola Pāra. | ||
| Vattārāma AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | 1 monk & 6 novices. Quiet. | Wattārāma, Kotiyagala, Monarāgala, 91024. | ||
| Rahatan Kanda AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | Rahathankanda at Wellassegama spreads across a forested rocky ridge with Brahmi-inscribed caves, ponds, old steps and stupa remains. A hot dry-zone site with scrub and cultivation. | Rahathankanda Aranya Senasanaya, Monaragala Road/A4, Wellassegama, about 2.3 km from Buttala town. Coordinates: 6.7696145, 81.2634123 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rahathan+Kandha+Arannya+Senasanaya/@6.7695632,81.2630949,1497m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x3ae44410afa50e0d:0x161ec33deca0ad49!8m2!3d6.7677397!4d81.2678359!16s%2Fg%2F11g9f5pd3c?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D | Devagiri: 055 561 3680 / 055 507 1872; Rahathankanda: 055 351 0269 | The two names identify separate monasteries and are not aliases. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://amazinglanka.com/wp/rahathankanda-en/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Devagiri AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | Devagiri at Mahagodayaya occupies dry woodland beside ancient drip-ledged caves and a protected stupa on the A4 corridor. A hot dry-zone site with scrub and cultivation. | Devagiri Aranya Senasanaya, Mahagodayaya, Buttala. Coordinates: 6.76912, 81.27288 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.76912%2C81.27288 | ||
| Theraputtabhaya AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | A Waturawila forest residence at Kalawel-aragama near Kumbukkana, in the hot Monaragala hinterland. Dry forest, chena, paddy and the broad Kumbukkan Oya basin shape the sparsely settled surroundings, with long sunny periods and seasonal greenery. The village-road approach and distance from a major town make it quieter and more remote than the public centres around Monaragala. | Sri Theraputta Aranya Senasanaya, Kalawel-aragama, Kumbukkana, Monaragala. | Tel: 055 356 1367 | Identity control: Deliwa Theraputtabhaya Arama in Namal Oya Colony is a different protected site. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Dharma Pradeepa VMC | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Goenka meditation center with about 15 kutis close to each other. About 8 monks. 4 km away is a large solitary cave kuti belonging to the monastery, called Alu Galge, in the forest about 15 minutes' walk from the village. | 1/9, Weherayaya, Ethiliwewa, Wellawaya Coordinates: 6.648273204179989, 81.1134702245893 | ||
| Isipathanawa Dhamma Sobha Senasuna | Monaragala District | Amarapura Nikāya | About seven kutis, including caves. Four monks. Quiet, good seclusion. | Ella, Batugammana, Monaragala. Coordinates: 6.95548015728433, 81.31402878284008 | Tel: 0554909378 | |
| Mayuragiri AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | Current mapping places Mayuragiri Aranya Senasanaya about 700 m northeast of Mayuragiriya Ancient Temple near Weliyaya Junction. The nearby protected cave complex contains inscribed drip-ledged caves and ruined stone-pillared buildings; those remains belong to the ancient-temple point and are treated as landscape context rather than features of the residential aranya. | Mayuragiri Aranya Senasanaya, Mayuragiriya, Weliyaya, Monaragala. Coordinates: 6.9060700, 81.3462695 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.9060700%2C81.3462695 | Tel: 055 561 1770 | The Waturawila affiliation is from the forest-monastery directory. The Mayuragiriya Ancient Temple map point is nearby but distinct. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2022/03/mayuragiri-viharaya-monaragala.html | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Buduruwvagala, village temple | Monaragala District | 1 hour walk to rock carvings. | South of Wellavāya. | |||
| Handapanagala (abandoned monastery/temple) | Monaragala District | Abandoned site with ~3–4 kutis; elephants frequent the area. A father and son planned to live here (both ordained) but did not stay; buildings were put up on family-owned land. Semi-forested land adjacent to paddy fields and a reservoir; family house nearby. A nunnery is ~200 m away. Outside Wellawaya; next to fields and a reservoir. | Handapanagala village, approx. 11–12 km from Wellawaya town; on Handapanagala–Ulkanda Rd, about 4 km off the Wellawaya–Tissamaharama (A2) highway. Close to Handapanagala Reservoir. Coordinates- 6.646474, 81.183342 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keheliya_Raja_Maha_Vihara - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanabiso_Pokuna_Raja_Maha_Vihara - https://devalayah.com/attractions/keheliya-raja-maha-vihara/ | ||
| Bhavanagala AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | A remote Waturawila cave hermitage in the Kumbukkan Oya basin near Gamagala and Ethimale. A 1985 archaeological survey documented restored rock-shelter cells, an audience hall and Brahmi inscriptions; the largest described shelter measured 22 m wide, 5 m high and 6 m deep. The approach is about 13 km from Kodayanna Junction. | Bhavanagala Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as Gamagala Aranya Senasanaya), Gamagala, Gemunupura, Ethimale, Siyambalanduwa; from Kodayanna Junction between Galabedda and Siyambalanduwa, continue about 13 km toward the site. Coordinates: 6.8535010, 81.5242259 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.8535010%2C81.5242259 | Tel: 071 252 4925 | The rock-shelter details are from the 1985 survey and are dated archaeological evidence, not a present resident count. Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://amazinglanka.com/wp/bhawanagala/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Maha Tissa Lena AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | A Waturawila forest hermitage in a tranquil patch off Wellawaya, built into a cluster of drip-ledged caves from an earlier monastic complex. The protected-monument inventory records four caves. The Netola Road approach begins just before Wellawaya town and reaches the site after about 1.6 km. | Maha Tissa Lena Aranya Senasanaya, Netolagama/Netol Kele, off Netola Road near Wellawaya; about 1.6 km from Wellawaya town. Coordinates: 6.7377067, 81.0923007 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.7377067%2C81.0923007 | Tel: 055 571 9177 / 077 853 4682 | Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://amazinglanka.com/wp/wellawaya-tissa-len-viharaya/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaeological_Protected_Monuments_in_Monaragala_District | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Wewatenna AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | A Waturawila forest residence at Keenagoda, Bakinigahawela, in the Medagama area. Current Sinhala directories resolve the older '13th Mile, Rattanadeniya, Bibile Road' wording to the Keenagoda village address and list two dedicated contacts; the setting is a rural road corridor rather than a town-centre temple. | Wewatenna Aranya Senasanaya, Keenagoda, Bakinigahawela; older directions give 13th Mile, Rattanadeniya, Bibile Road. | Tel: 055 490 9117 / 071 687 0855 | Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://www.ravanalankanews.lk/%E0%B7%81%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%93-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8F%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%86%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%AB%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html |
| Buttala Mahamevnāva | Monaragala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Isurugama and 5 Kanuwa on the B35 between Badalkumbura and Buttala. Hot dry-zone farmland, chena, paddy, scrub and small tank landscapes surround the roadside compound, which is greener around irrigated fields but exposed in the dry season. Access is straightforward and the setting is rural, though traffic on the main road limits silence. | Mahamevnāva Bhavana Asapuwa, Isurugama, 5 Kanuwa, B35 Buttala Road, Badalkumbura 91070. Coordinates: 6.841313, 81.239563 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=6.841313%2C81.239563 | Tel: 055 492 8343 | Sources checked 2026-08-11: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/buththala-bodhi-pinkama/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/monaragala/ | https://us.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/moneragala/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-buttala-147434569/ |
| Æthmædilla Gal-lena | Monaragala District | Kuti | Large open cave with a drip-ledge, in a secluded valley on the edge of Nilgala National Forest. About 75 minutes' walk to the near edge of the village. About as quiet a place as one can find, and still be in walking distance from a village. One can comfortably do walking meditation inside the cave. Cement floor but no walls. Basic furniture, gas stove, solar panel. For water, there is a stream on the way from the village. The villagers are very supportive. | From Monaragala, take a Thambāna bus and get off at the Thambāna school. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qKGJ3RLSCD6s3kig9?g_st=ac | Mr. Shanthe (Tel: 0774423925) is a local supporter. He doesn't speak English. | |
| Walagamba Rajalena AS | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Cave monastery in a rural area on the edge of the hill country. One monk. Reasonably quiet. | Pahalathunthala, Badalkumbura. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pK5Bbpm8JyjHRbEt8?g_st=ac | Tel: 0716125261 | |
| Bulugala AS | Monaragala District | Waturawila | Cave monastery. About eight monks. Some noise from the village and from dayakas. Foreigners have stayed here. | Ambadanda Ara, Hingurukaduwa, Passara. https://maps.app.goo.gl/CbuWDYKxSEf2doqF6?g_st=ac | Tel: 0555755050 | |
| Osu Uyana Aranyaya | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Osu Uyana Aranyaya is a small aranya nestled in the dense Nilgala Forest. Managed by two brothers, it offers five or six galenas (rock caves) for accommodation. pindapata is practiced 4 times a week, and dana is not typically brought to the monastery. Occasionally, ten-day retreats are held, featuring recordings of Ajahn Brahm's teachings. One of the resident monks speaks good English. The location is remote and quiet, ideal for meditation and seclusion. | Located within the Nilgala Forest near Bibile. Google Maps Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Osu%20Uyana%20Aranyaya%20(Monastery)%2C%20Nilgala%20Forest%2C%20Bibile&ludocid=8610181017987782495 | Phone: 077 732 0534 | |
| Dimbulagala Caves | Monaragala District | Galduwa | Many paddy fields around; one monk reported staying; several caves in dilapidated condition; many elephants; wide mountain views and beautiful outlook. Current condition unknown (last seen ~4 years ago). From Monaragala/Ampara road from Siyambalanduwa to Ethimale; from Ethimale town ~10 km. | Co-ordinates: 6.822119, 81.537517 | 077-695-6595 (Samīra) | |
| Serawa AS | Monaragala District | Amarapura Nikāya | Small meditation hermitage beside Serawa Tank at the edge of the extensive Nilgala forest and rocky hills. The surrounding dry-zone landscape includes mixed-evergreen forest, open savanna-like areas and isolated rock outcrops. Three kutis and a communal building are reported. Village piṇḍapāta is available. The abbot, Ven. Siriratana, is described as friendly and experienced in secluded practice. | Serawa Aranya Senasanaya, Serawa, Nilgala, Bibile Divisional Secretariat, Monaragala District; about 1 km off the Bibile–Inginiyagala road. Coordinates: 7.22600, 81.30801 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.22600%2C81.30801 | Ven. Siriratana: 077 027 3116 | The submitted Ampara district label was corrected to Monaragala District. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://mapcarta.com/N13731963304 | https://amazinglanka.com/wp/nilgala-forest/ | https://news.mongabay.com/2025/06/an-overlooked-biocultural-landscape-in-sri-lanka-receives-overdue-protection/ |
| Bahungala | Ampara District | Waturawila | Labanoruea Khansa | Many very beautiful caves on a small hill; secluded. One monk reported staying. Pindapāta is long (≈1–2 hours). Elephants present. | From Padiyatalaava take Haagamvela road, about 10 km. | 072-620-3815 | V |
| Boropola Cave | Ampara District | Amarapura Nikāya - Arisimale | Large cave with a mud kuti inside; ~700 m from the village; not far from Nuwaragala. Elephants present. | Co-ordinates: 7.50915, 81.401178 | 076-746-6708 (Ratanasiri) | |
| Mænik Ælla A. / Nuwaragala A. | Ampara District | Amarapura Nikāya | One of the most remote and secluded hermitages in Sri Lanka. Five simple kutis are spread through a forested valley in the Nuwaragala Forest Reserve; three are cave kutis. Very quiet. A kappiya reportedly prepares most meals, after which the monks collect the food and return to their kutis. | Mænik Ælla Aranya / Nuwaragala Aranya, Nuwaragala Forest Reserve, near Pollebedda and Maha Oya, Ampara District. From Maha Oya, take a Pollebedda bus to Rambakan Oya junction; walk about 1 km across the paddy fields, cross Rambakan Oya, then continue about 5 km along an unmarked forest path. The crossing can be difficult after heavy rain. An alternative approach from Borapola is about 12 km. Coordinates: 7.47900, 81.43308 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.47900%2C81.43308 | Mr. Sugathadāsa, supporter in Bubula: 077 590 9638 | The name was corrected from Mænik-kælla and the supporter's name from Sugathapāla. Nuwaragala is a forest reserve, not a national park. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://mapcarta.com/N13927777392 | https://amazinglanka.com/wp/ampara-nuwaragala-ruins/ | https://grottomap.org/entrance/dTadxk7U/nuwaragala_cave_1 |
| Kudumbigala Mahā Tapovanaya | Ampara District | Galduwa | Ancient cave monle, spectacular setting on eastern Yala border.15 rock shelter kutis, much work done to improve water supply and build new dining hall. | Near Okanda, 15 km south of Pānama, 3 km inland from main road. Take bus from Monarāgala to Pānama. | Tel.: 068-5674944 | Abbot Ven. Buddhavamṃsa. |
| Shastrawella A. | Ampara District | Ancient cave monastery on a forested rocky hill ridge. Abandoned, with visiting tourists and wildlife around. One cave high on a rock overlooking Ārugam Bay. Elephants and other wildlife around. | Between Pānama and Pottuvil, get off at the army camp. 3 km west of Pānama. | |||
| Tarulenagala A. / Habutugala A. | Ampara District | Galduwa | Small monastery with large rock shelters and caves, including the longest rock shelter in Sri Lanka. Large ancient Buddha statue and Veddha drawings in rock shelters. | Between Siyambalanduwa and Lahugala National Park along Monarāgala–Pottuvil Road. | ||
| Buddhangala A. | Ampara District | Rāmañña Nikāya | Ancient site with no rock shelters except the eating hall. 10 monks, good kutis, hot, elephants nearby. | 22 Kanatta Rd. Ampāra. | Pilgrims come, nice views, elephants nearby. | |
| Veheregala | Ampara District | Noise from the road, no monks at present. Call the local supporter a few days before your arrival since the keys for the kutis need to be fetched from a monk who stayed there in the past. | Weheragala village, Unuwathura Bubula / Mahaoya area Co-ordinates: 7.5642562, 81.3457872 | Mr. Sugathapāla — 0775909638 | https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2022/04/veheragala-aranya-senasanaya.html | |
| Samangala A. | Ampara District | Galduwa | Large caves on rocky hill, quite remote, good solitude, a few monks. | On western side of Kohombana Junction on Ampara – Maha Oya road. | 4 km walk to nearest village. | |
| Dehigama Kuti Area | Ampara District | Cave with a cement-built kuti; electricity and water available; easy pindapāta with good food. Approximately 500 m from the village. | Bibile/Batticaloa Rd. Akiriyankumbura. Close to Dehigama school. | Kappiya Karu 077-536-2199 | ||
| Mudagala Aranya | Ampara District | Ramanna Nikāya | About 10 caves; very secluded; elephants present; donors bring food; pindapāta also possible. ~4–5 monks typically. | On/near the Bibile–Batticaloa Rd; from Padiyatalaava Serankada junction ~10 km. | Lokuhāmuḍurō: 076-527-7820 | |
| Sandakebella Tapovana AS. | Ampara District | On a forested hill, 4 km southwest of Govinda Hela peak. | On western side of Ampara – Siyambalanduwa highway. | |||
| Samangala arañña | Ampara District | Good vinaya, well trained community, meditative atmosphere. Monks don't use phones. At least one monk goes on daily pindapāta. | Samangala; west of Kohombana junction on the Ampara–Mahaoya road. Coordinates- 7.4108696, 81.5815041 | Ishara — 075 700 3010 (local supporter with excellent English) | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samangala_Aranya_Senasanaya ; https://www.lankapradeepa.com/2019/06/samangala-aranya-senasanaya.html | |
| Galbokka | Ampara District | Waturawila | On a hilltop; one monk staying at time of report; both caves and kutis present. Pindapāta is long and can be difficult. Elephants in the area. | Coordinates - 6.764785, 81.083818 | ||
| Bawungala A. | Ampara District | Waturawila | Branch of Labunoruwa. About ten cave kutis spread out in a secluded valley next to Maduru Oya national park. Two monks. | Hagamwela, Padiyatalawa Coordinates: 7.4590934305331, 81.20716706580075 | ||
| Diviyāgala AS | Ampara District | Rāmañña Nikāya | Cave monastery on a hill surrounded by farmlands. Nice views. Some noise. About five kutis. One monk. Affilliated with Buddhangala AS. | On the Ampara-Siyambalanduwa road, get off at Damana School Junction. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JfJDXpg3bo7xxqL8?g_st=ac | ||
| Ariyasithum Thapo AS | Ampara District | Galduwa | About ten caves on a hill surrounded by paddy fields. Seven monks. | Warapitiya, Kekirihena. Coordinates: 7.421648169172549, 81.32675371441049 | Tel: 026-3261122 | |
| Sambodhi Viharasthanaya | Ampara District | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Small rural monastery on about two acres of wooded land in the warm low-country landscape around Dorakumbura. Three kutis are reported. The site is forested but remains close to village and cultivated land. | Sambodhi Viharasthanaya, Ūrāvula, Dorakumbura, Padiyathalawa, Ampara District. Coordinates: 7.31518, 81.32736 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.31518%2C81.32736 | Tel: 074 303 2664 | A public page uses Bibila, but the mapped location is in Padiyathalawa, Ampara District. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://www.facebook.com/61567011474212/ | https://mapcarta.com/N13731874648 | https://mapcarta.com/14840900 |
| Polwatta BM / Sri Dharmodaya BM | Negombo and Chilaw | Galduwa | About 1–2 acres with buildings on industrial palm estate. Not so suitable for meditation. | Industries Estate, Polwatta, Minuvangoda, Ekala 11380. Near Ja Ela between Colombo and Negombo. | ||
| Kocchikade Mahamevnāva | Negombo and Chilaw | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch on the busy Colombo–Chilaw main road close to Kochchikade railway station and north of Negombo. The flat coastal lowland is densely settled, hot and humid, with shops, buses, rail and medical services immediately available but almost no natural separation from traffic. This is a developed, visitor-facing monastery rather than a forest retreat. | Mahamevnawa Tisarana Bhavana Asapuwa, Chilaw Road, Kochchikade 11540; about 240 m from Kochchikade railway station. Coordinates: 7.26216, 79.85682 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.26216%2C79.85682 | Tel: 031 493 6016 | Current official branch name: Mahamevnawa Tisarana Bhavana Asapuwa. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.org/day-visit-to-kochchikade-mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery/ | https://mapcarta.com/W1472511216 | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Huṇumulla Mahamevnāva | Negombo and Chilaw | Mahamevnāva | A public-facing low-country Mahamevnāva branch on the Makandura–Badalgama Road, set in a flat coconut-and-village landscape beside Hunumulla Central College and small shops. Photographs show a developed shrine compound with open grounds and the large Silumina Seya, completed in 2022. The accessible roadside setting brings school and traffic activity, so it is calmer and more spacious than an urban centre but much less secluded than an aranya. | Mahamevnawa Meth Sisila Bhavana Asapuwa, Makandura–Badalgama Road, Hunumulla 11262; beside Hunumulla Central College. Coordinates: 7.24429, 79.99847 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.24429%2C79.99847 | Tel: 031 493 6014 (current public listing); 031 493 6104 (legacy directory) | The two public telephone sources differ by transposed digits, so both are retained with provenance labels. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mapcarta.com/N14032189401 | https://lk.near-place.com/mahamevnawa-meth-sisila-buddhist-monastery-divulapitiya-makandura-badalgama-road-hunumulla | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Ranaketugala AS | Negombo and Chilaw | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest-lineage residence at Tutiriwela near Bandara Koswatta in the warm north-western agricultural belt. Coconut groves, paddy, home gardens and scattered village settlement surround the locality rather than dense rainforest. Its rural position can provide useful quiet, while local-road access and nearby villages prevent extreme isolation. | Ranaketugala Aranya Senasanaya, Tutiriwela, Bandara Koswatta 60424, Kurunegala District. | The map link uses the full address because only locality-level coordinates are defensible. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://lka.postcodebase.com/node/716 | |
| Nekkawila VMC | Negombo and Chilaw | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda-group Vipassanā centre in Nekkawila in the warm, humid north-western lowlands near Chilaw. Coconut estates, paddy, wet fields and closely spaced village homes dominate the flat landscape, with more greenery than the inland dry zone but little natural enclosure. The centre is rural and road-connected, offering some quiet without the remoteness of a forest hermitage. | Kokkawila Wanarathana Arana (mapped as Kokkawila Jungle Temple), Mugunuwatawana, Kokkawila, Chilaw 61014. Coordinates: 7.5862315, 79.8818768 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.5862315%2C79.8818768 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://gunasekare.github.io/files/monasteries_09_2015.pdf | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | |
| Nā Uyana AS. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Most prominent meditation place in the Galduwa Samṃsthāva. Covers thousands of acres of hill slopes with different sections. The central area consists of an ancient monastery with a few caves and a beautiful forest with many big ironwood trees (Nā trees). | Pansiyagama 60554. Get off at Melsiripura on the Kurunegala–Dambulla Rd, then 30 min. walk from Pansiyagama. | Tel: 037 337 9036, 037 494 3688 or 037567 7328. Email: nauyana@gmail.com | |
| Ruvangirikanda A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Forested hill with a nice cave-kuti on top with a good view and walking path. Good walking paths. Foreign monks have stayed here. Quiet and suitable for meditation. | Karagahagedara, Nārammala 60106. 15 kms SW of Kurunegala, 7 kms from Nārammala to Junction. | ||
| Nāthagane AS. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Forested hill-side. Suitable for meditation, but also a study/training place for young monks. Some isolated caves. Friendly atmosphere. Some noise from road. | Mahākeliya, Māspota 60344. 10 kms from Kurunegala on the Puttalam Road. 10 min. walk from main road. | ||
| Siri Vidusarana T. / Nabeta A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Nice forest. Small monastery. 1 cave kuti. Facilities for 4–5 monks. 1 cave kuti. There can be a lack of water during the dry season. | Henegedera Landa, Nabeta 60540. Nr. Melsiripura on Kurunegala–Dambulla Rd. | ||
| Nāgolla A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Ancient cave monastery on a large hill with an ancient cetiya. Forest with ironwood trees and big rocks. Small monastery with only a few kutis. | Nāgolla, Bulanawewa, Devahuva, Galēwela 21206. On Kurunegala-Anurādhapura Rd. | ||
| Dolukanda A. / Rankotlena AS. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | On western slope of the Dolukanda mountain with caves and an ancient palace on top. A few big caves. On top of the mountain is a plateau with an ancient palace, fortress, and bathing pond. A popular training and stduy place for new monks with a daily schedule. | Dolukanda, Hunupola, Nikadalupotha 60582. On western slope of the Dolukanda mountain. | Abbot: Ven. Ñānasīla, an English speaking Vinayadhara. | |
| Diddeniya A. or Rangirikanda A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Ancient cave monastery on a rocky hill. A popular training and study place for new monks with a daily schedule. | Diddeniya, Melsiripura 60544. 7 km North of Melsiripura. ½ hr walk from bus stop. | ||
| Arahatta Māliyadeva AS. or Arankele A. | Kurunegala District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Place where the Sinhalese arahant Māliyadeva lived. Archeological site with extensive ruins. His simple cave is now a kind of shrine. | Arankele, Kumbukwewa, Kurunegala District. From Kurunegala, take a bus towards Madagalla. | ||
| Ridivihāra Kelepansala | Kurunegala District | Siyam Nikāya | Cave kuti on a forested hill about half an hour walk from the ancient Ridivihāra. Pindapāta to nearby village. There are also several other caves in the forest. | From Kurunegala take the Kepitigolla bus to Ridivihāra. | ||
| Bambaragala MC. | Kurunegala District | Place set up as a meditation centre, but the founder went abroad. Kutis and a large unfinished Dhamma-hall on a forested hill. | Moratiya. On the Kurunegala–Kepitagolla Rd. Less than 10 kms from Kurunegala. | |||
| Jathika Namal Uyana | Kurunegala District | Small pansala/aranya on a hill in a large forested area. Ancient stupa and ruins in an old growth Na tree forest on rose-quartz rock-outcrops. | Upalathagama, Galkiriyagama, Madatugama. | |||
| Minnettiya A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | 1 cave kuti with one monk. Near village. | Māspota, Mahakeliya. In the area of Variyapola on the Kurunegala-Puttalam Rd. | ||
| Pahankanuva A. | Kurunegala District | Kandegedara, Maharacchimulla. | ||||
| Vevgala A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa forest hermitage recorded at Vevgala in Kurunegala District. Older monastery lists preserve this short rural identity without linking it to the better-publicised Wewgala Purana Viharaya by Kurunegala Lake, so the two records remain separate. | Vevgala, Kurunegala District. | Identity control: kept separate from Wewgala Purana Viharaya in Kurunegala city. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dahamvila10.blogspot.com/p/list-of.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | |
| Etugala AS. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Hermitage near huge Buddha statue on mountain above Kurunegala. | Etugala, Kurunegala 60000. | ||
| Dodamthalawa Dhammagiri AS | Kurunegala District | Rāmañña Nikāya | Small hermitage on a forested mountain about 4 km south of Yatiwila. Four kutis, a communal building and three resident monks are reported. The monastery is associated with the International Vipassana Meditation Centre. Ven. Puhulwelle Sārada is publicly connected with Dhammagiri; other recent sources also associate Ven. Ududumbara Kashyapa with the monastery and meditation centre. | Dodamthalawa Dhammagiri Aranya Senasanaya, Dodamthalawa, near Yatiwila and Weuda, Kurunegala District. Coordinates: 7.4306179, 80.5028085 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.4306179%2C80.5028085 | Tel: 071 657 5704 | The affiliation was revised from Galduwa to Rāmañña Nikāya. Sources checked 2026-08-26: https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.budusarana.lk/budusarana/2024/01/25/tmp.asp?ID=news10 | https://alt.army.lk/sevavanitha/si/node/97168 |
| Sudarshana Y. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Near Variyapola on the Kurunegala–Puttalam Rd. | Gantiriyāva, Bamunākotuwa 60347. 5 kms NW of Māspota. | ||
| Rambapokuna AS. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | Midway on the Kurunegala–Puttalam Rd. | Kandegedera, Nikaveratiya 60470. | ||
| Dandūvāva AS | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa hermitage in hot dry-zone village country around Nikaweratiya. The wider landscape is open and agricultural, with paddy, chena, tanks and scrub patches rather than humid forest; heat and seasonal dryness are more significant than steep terrain. | Danduwawa Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as Danduwawa Arannyaya), Danduwawa, Nikaweratiya 60470. Coordinates: 7.7341921, 80.0828027 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.7341921%2C80.0828027 | Tel: 071 842 1120; 077 729 1959 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.facebook.com/groups/1555406761436369/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Banakiyangama Y./Sri Kalyānī Shaka Y. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | 10 kms along Kuliyapitiya–Hettipola Rd, Kurunegala District. | Banakiyanagama, Mūnamaldeniya 60218. 10 kms along Kuliyapitiya–Hettipola Rd, Kurunegala District. | ||
| Sri Tampanṇṇi A. | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | 15 kms W of Galgamuva. | Welewewa. Navagattegama 61520. | ||
| Kappetigala AS | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A rural Galduwa hermitage about 10 km north-east of Maho in hot, sparsely settled dry-zone country. Scrub, chena, paddy and tank landscapes dominate the approach, giving more remoteness and fewer nearby services than the monasteries around Kurunegala city. | Kappetigala Aranya Senasanaya, Galnewa, Tuttiripitiyagama 60426; about 10 km north-east of Maho. | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | |
| Nāgansole AS | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa hermitage in the flat, hot north-western dry-zone countryside around Rasnayakapura. The approach passes tank-fed paddy, chena plots, coconut and scrub with scattered village settlement; tree cover is broken rather than dense. Its rural position offers quieter surroundings than Nikaweratiya town while local roads keep it connected to basic village services. | Nagansole Aranya Senasanaya (mapped as “The temple of scred Nagansola”), Nagansole, Rasnayakapura; older address Ratandala Oya, Nikaweratiya 60470. Coordinates: 7.7432833, 80.0290454 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.7432833%2C80.0290454 | Tel: 077 209 9280 | Current fuller name: Nagansole Aranya Senasanaya / Nagansole Purana Aranya Senasanaya. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kurunegala/ | https://www.facebook.com/100068391950289/videos/2548435075294889/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Nammuvagama AS | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A Galduwa hermitage associated with Singamdaluwa and Heelogama in Nikaweratiya’s low-lying dry zone. Open cultivation, scrub and small tank landscapes dominate, with widely spaced houses and little continuous forest. The setting is rural and warm, giving more space and quiet than a town monastery without complete isolation. | Legacy address: Sindagamdaluwa, Nikaweratiya 60470. Probable current-place match: Ranmuwawa Aranya Senasanaya, Singamdaluwa, Heelogama, Nikaweratiya. | Tel: 072 367 5344 (Ranmuwawa listing) | Name continuity is treated cautiously; the rare locality match is strong, but the legacy and current institutional names differ. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Hidogama AS | Kurunegala District | Galduwa | A low-elevation Galduwa residence north of Nikaweratiya, reached through Mahagirilla. The environment is hot dry-zone village land with open cultivation and scrub, offering broad space but less dense shade than wet-zone hermitages. It is road-connected yet away from a major town centre. | Sri Punyavardhana Yogashramaya, Hidogama, Nikaweratiya. From the Nikaweratiya–Maho Road, use the Mahagirilla turn toward Hidogama. | Tel: 077 912 9228 | Current fuller name: Sri Punyavardhana Yogashramaya. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/kurunegala/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Yahangala AS | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | A Galduwa cave hermitage beneath the massive Yahangala rock formation. The dry-zone landscape is rocky and scrub-covered, with intense sun on exposed stone and cooler shade beneath the overhangs. Site research records several caves and twelve stone beds, while the living monastery stands beside the ancient caves and Nilmini Maha Seya. It offers stronger physical seclusion than a village temple, although the archaeology can attract day visitors. | Yahangala Aranya Senasanaya, Ussana, Dewahuwa; older address: Delvahuwa, Galewela 21206. From the Galewela–Andiyagala Road, use the local road toward Ussana and the mapped monastery beside the ancient caves. Coordinates: 7.84465, 80.54057 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.84465%2C80.54057 | Tel: 072 631 2901 | Current fuller name: Yahangala Aranya Senasanaya. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://mapcarta.com/N9502757689 | https://amazinglanka.com/wp/yahangala/ | https://www.facebook.com/p/Yahangala-aranya-senasanaya-100090488632760/ | https://srilankacontactnumbers.blogspot.com/2021/03/--aranya-senasana-contact-numbers.html |
| Kodigala AS | Kurunegala District | Waturawila | A Waturawila-line forest hermitage in the hot, sparsely settled Polpitigama–Maho dry zone. Rocky ground, thorny scrub, tank-country and seasonal cultivation shape the landscape, with long dry periods and limited shade outside the wooded monastery land. The rural approach and distance from larger towns give it stronger seclusion than the public meditation centres around Kurunegala. | Palugolla Kodigala Aranya Senasanaya, Palugolla, Polpitigama, Kurunegala District. Coordinates: 7.9973769, 80.1791368 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.9973769%2C80.1791368 | Tel: 077 595 1542; 037 337 5666 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/directory/ | https://rainbowpages.lk/other/buddhist/kodigala-aranya-senasanaya/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Sudarshanapura VMC | Kurunegala District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda-group meditation-centre record at Sudarshanapura, Mawathagama, preserved consistently in national monastery guides. A present-day district directory lists Sri Sudarshanarama at 6 Kanuwa in the same town; because the names and addresses are similar but not identical, the legacy identity is retained here. | Vipassana Bawana Madyasthanaya, Vipassana Bhawana–Madyasthana Road (Sudarshana Mawatha), Sudarshanapura, Mawathagama, Kurunegala District. Coordinates: 7.4423684, 80.4423156 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.4423684%2C80.4423156 | Possible present-day same-town listing: Sri Sudarshanarama, 6 Kanuwa, Mawathagama. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/kurunegala/ | |
| Telandapitiya | Kurunegala District | Caves and kutis. | Tarangollagama, Maragolla Bazar. 10 kms from Migalāva. | |||
| Ibbāgamuva Mahamevnāva | Kurunegala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Maha Mukalanyaya in gently rolling tank-and-farmland country north of Ibbagamuwa. Paddy, coconut, home gardens and patches of dry- and intermediate-zone woodland surround the road-connected compound, which is greener after the rains and hot during dry periods. It has a rural, open setting rather than the deep shade or separation of a forest hermitage. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Maha Mukalanyaya, Ibbagamuwa 60500. Coordinates: 7.565285, 80.414825 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.565285%2C80.414825 | Tel: 037 494 2743 | Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://www.facebook.com/MahamevnawaIbbagamuwa/ | https://www.srilanka-places.com/places/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-6 | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Polpitigama Mahamevnāva Asapuwa | Kurunegala District | Mahamevnāva | A rural Mahamevnāva branch at Liyanagama beside Liyanagama Maha Wewa and a cluster of smaller tanks. The low, exposed dry-zone landscape combines open water, paddy, scrub and village cultivation, bringing broad views and breezes but strong midday heat. The waterside approach gives more natural separation than a town branch while remaining directly road-accessible. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Liyanagama, Polpitigama 60620. Coordinates: 7.82696, 80.38252 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.82696%2C80.38252 | Tel: 037 494 2741 | Current address form: Liyanagama, Polpitigama. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mapcarta.com/N13921854301 | https://www.aloeus.com/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-polpitigama/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Mahamevnāva Anāgārika Asapuwa | Kurunegala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva monastery for women anāgārikas at Seafield Watta, Mawathagama, in the humid intermediate-zone foothills between Kurunegala and Kandy. The surroundings are estate and village country with coconut, rubber, spice gardens and secondary woodland, generally greener and more shaded than the northern dry zone. It is reached by local roads and lies outside the busiest town streets, though not in remote forest. | Mahamevnawa Anagarika Monastery, 7 Kanuwa, Seafield Watta, Mawathagama, Sri Lanka. Coordinates: 7.4325804, 80.4395424 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.4325804%2C80.4395424 | Tel: 037 224 3698 (older guide); +94 37 786443 (official nuns directory) | Institution type: Mahamevnāva monastery for women anāgārikas. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-nuns/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/anagarika-asapuwa/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Potugura Mahamevnāva | Kurunegala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Algama near Pothuhera, in warm low-country farmland south of Kurunegala. Coconut groves, paddy, home gardens and scattered houses form the immediate landscape, with a developed shrine compound rather than a kuṭi forest. Road access is easy and services are within reach, so the setting is semi-rural rather than secluded. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Algama, Pothuhera 71607. Coordinates: 7.421541, 80.286949 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.421541%2C80.286949 | Tel: 037 494 2742 | Current name/spelling: Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Pothuhera; Potugura is the legacy form. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://serenecolombo.org/pilgrimages-to-ancient-buddhist-sites/ | https://serenecolombo.org/cdf-charities/ | https://www.srilanka-places.com/places/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-pothuhera-71607-1 |
| Uyandana Mahamevnāva | Kurunegala District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Hindagolla on the south-eastern edge of Kurunegala. The compound sits amid cultivated lowlands, coconut, paddy and expanding roadside settlement, with city services close by and little natural separation. It is accessible and spacious for a public monastery, but traffic and nearby development make it less quiet than the district’s rural aranyas. | Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Hindagolla, Uyandana, Kurunegala 60000. Coordinates: 7.473158, 80.406607 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.473158%2C80.406607 | Tel: 037 494 2744 | The construction and group-visit observations are dated to 2023. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://serenecolombo.org/pilgrimages-to-ancient-buddhist-sites/ | https://serenecolombo.org/cdf-charities/ | https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.pdf |
| Laggala Forest Area | Matale District | Unaffiliated | There are a number of kutis with excellent seclusion in the large wilderness area between the eastern slopes of the Knuckles Mountain Range (Dumbara Kanda), E of Mātale, and the Vasgamuva National Reserve, SW of Polonnaruva. Conditions are simple and sometimes tough. Open 3 wall kutis and caves, small remote villages, sometimes long and rough pindapāta routes and very simple food. There are elephants and leopards. A place for those who are experienced in bhāvana and staying alone. No computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are allowed. This is not a place for newcomers and inexperienced monks. The villagers do not know English. Ven. New Zealand Guttasīla, the leader of the Laggala Sangha, lives in the area and may be able to help newcomers. | E of Mātale, and the Vasgamuva National Reserve, SW of Polonnaruva. | Ven. New Zealand Guttasīla, the leader of the Laggala Sangha, lives in the area and may be able to help newcomers. | |
| Gallenawatta AS | Matale District | Waturawila | Caves on the base of a hill. Kutis close to each other, but there are many other caves in this area. A few bhikkhus and several novices. Further on the road there are ancient ruins. | Etābendiwewa Pāra, Pannampitiya. Turn left off the Mātale-Dambulla Rd about 8 kms before Dambulla, then about 1.5 kms. | ||
| Pidurangala | Matale District | About one kilometer east of Sīgiriya rock, near ancient monastery ruins. It can be reached by leaving Sigiriya through the Northern Gate and following the road to the east. Several ancient cave kutis under a large boulderhill in the Sīgiriya forest above a well kept village temple. Some kutis have been prepared under the rocks, but might not have been used for years. Near the top of the boulder there is an ancient reclining Buddha image. | Pidurangala, Sīgiriya. About one kilometer east of Sīgiriya rock. From Habarana get off at Inamalava Junction. | |||
| Enderagala S | Matale District | This is now the headquarters of a small group of monasteries that split off from Waturawila. Mihindu A. in Mahintale, and Ritigala A. are affiliated with this group. | Palwehera, Dambulla (6 kms north of Dambulla, on Habarana Rd.). | |||
| Sri Jinavamṇsa Y | Matale District | Galduwa | Near road and town. Rooms in compound. | Mātale Road. Elkadūva 21012. | ||
| Lunu-atuwa A | Matale District | Galduwa | Large cave used as vihāra. Facilities for only a few monks. | Mātale–Godapola, Alwatta. About 5–8 kms outside Mātale by bus. | ||
| Cetiya Giriya | Matale District | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | On a rocky hill 20 kms NW of Mātale. Small place, only 2 or 3 monks. A few kutis and caves. Some distance away there are two independent caves. | Maningamuva, Pallepola. On a rocky hill 20 kms NW of Mātale. | ||
| Watagala BM | Matale District | Galduwa | About ten kutis, including some caves. Four monks. Some village and road noise. 2 km south along the dirt road is an aranya connected with Watagala which is often empty. There are five quiet, secluded kutis there. The kutis there can sometimes be cold. | Watagala, Moragaha Ulpata, Vilgamuva 21000. Near Laggala, Hettipola. Co-ordinates: 7.5262604811955764, 80.89259448044533 | ||
| Gallena AS | Matale District | Waturawila | A Waturawila-line hermitage at Wewalawewa in Dambulla’s hot dry-zone hinterland. Low rocky outcrops, scrub woodland, tanks and cultivated clearings shape the setting, with strong sun and seasonal changes between dusty dry months and greener monsoon periods. Its village-road approach provides useful rural quiet without the extreme remoteness of a deep-forest monastery. | Purana Gallena Aranya Senasanaya, Wewalawewa, Dambulla, Matale District. Coordinates: 7.8237157, 80.5734887 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.8237157%2C80.5734887 | Tel: 066 366 8070 | Name cross-match: Gallena AS to Purana Gallena Aranya Senasanaya at the same Wewalawewa address. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/matale/ | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.kundaliniyogasl.com/2020/07/blog-post.html |
| Rangirigama AS | Matale District | Waturawila | A Waturawila residence at Rangirigama in the Kimbissa–Sigiriya corridor. The landscape is classic central dry zone: rocky hills, scrub forest, paddy fields and irrigation tanks, with broad views and high daytime heat. It is outside the main tourist centres but remains connected by village roads, giving rural quiet rather than complete isolation. | Rangirikanda Vanasenasuna, Rangirigama, Kimbissa, Sigiriya, Matale District. Coordinates: 7.9233377, 80.7199605 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.9233377%2C80.7199605 | Tel: 066 366 8926 / 071 804 2845 | Identity control: this is the Rangirigama–Kimbissa Waturawila site, not the Diddeniya/Melsiripura Galduwa monastery. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://rainbowpages.lk/religious/buddhist/rangirikanda-vanasenasuna/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/matale/ | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Nāgolla Nadī S. | Matale District | Waturawila | A Waturawila residence at Nagala Wewa near Kimbissa, in flat tank-fed dry-zone countryside. Paddy, chena, scrub and scattered village homes surround the locality, with open skies and seasonal water shaping both greenery and heat. The site is rural and quieter than Sigiriya’s main road, though not a wilderness hermitage. | Sirinadi Viveka Senasuna, No. 20, Nagala Wewa, Kimbissa, Dambulla 21122, Matale District. Coordinates: 7.9372105, 80.7278244 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.9372105%2C80.7278244 | Tel: 072 397 4946 | The identity cross-match uses the same Nagala Wewa–Kimbissa address and the Nadī/Sirinadi name continuity. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://punyabhoomi.lk/matale/ | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.kundaliniyogasl.com/2020/07/blog-post.html |
| Dambulla VMC | Matale District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | A Kanduboda-group Vipassanā centre on Kalundewa Road, south of Dambulla town. The surrounding dry-zone plain is a mosaic of paddy, vegetable plots, scrub, tanks and low rocky hills, with strong heat and a greener appearance during irrigation and monsoon periods. It is road-connected and close enough to Dambulla for supplies, while its out-of-town position reduces urban noise. | Dambulla Vipassana Meditation Centre, Kalundewa Road, Dambulla, Matale District. | The public record supplies a road-level address rather than a site-specific coordinate. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | |
| Samādhi Tapovanaya | Matale District | Cave-kutis. | Tambarā-Valiya Road. Aluvihāra, Mātale. | Tel. 066-492-8484 | ||
| Mātalē Mahamevnāva | Matale District | Mahamevnāva | An A9-side Mahamevnāva branch at Madawala Ulpata in the broad Matale valley. Green hills rise on both sides, and the cooler, wetter intermediate-zone landscape includes spice gardens, coconut and dense settlement; the 150-foot stupa is a major visual landmark. Access and services are excellent, but highway traffic and the public compound limit seclusion. | Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa, Madawala Ulpata, Matale 21074; directly accessible from the A9 Jaffna–Kandy Road. Coordinates: 7.59958, 80.62610 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.59958%2C80.62610 | Tel: 066 492 8484 / 066 224 8118 | Official branch address current on the network list dated 2026-05-03. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/donations/donation-mathale/ | https://mahamevnawa.lk/walk-for-peace-matale/ | https://mapcarta.com/N4945392713 | https://punyabhoomi.lk/matale/ |
| Rattota Mahamevnāva | Matale District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva forest monastery in upper Maussagolla above Rattota, set on steep, green foothills leading toward the Knuckles massif. Forest patches, spice gardens, streams and misty slopes create a cooler, wetter and more shaded environment than lowland Matale. The winding uphill approach and broken terrain give the monastery greater physical separation and quieter views. | Mahamevnawa Sariputta Aranya Senasanaya, Maussagolla Upper Part, Rattota, Matale 21400. Coordinates: 7.504759, 80.686043 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.504759%2C80.686043 | Tel: 066 492 8483 / 076 246 1525 | Current full name: Mahamevnawa Sariputta Aranya Senasanaya. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://punyabhoomi.lk/matale/ | https://www.srilanka-places.com/places/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-ratthota-rattota-21400 | https://businessmap.lk/listing/mahamevnawa-saripuththa-forest-monastery-rattota |
| Ranaketuwagala Aranya | Matale District | Tapovana group | A serene aranya (hermitage) located amidst tea plantations in the hills, accessible via the Kumbiyangoda and Ovillikanda routes. It offers a peaceful environment for meditation and Dhamma practice. The teacher, Ven. Alawwe Anumodassi, was a follower of Ven. Denmark Nyānadipa and Ven. Katukurunde Nyānananda. There is daily group chanting of the Suttanta Pitaka, followed by discussion. About eight monks, a few of whom speak good English. | Wademada, Ankumbura. Co-ordinates: 7.466512388296933, 80.575881372267 | Email: info@anomadassi.lk Phone: +94 070 307 0758 Website: https://anomadassi.lk | |
| Udagala Debokka | Matale District | Majjimapatipada | Considered one of the most remote kutis in Sri Lanka, located behind Udagaledebokka village, which lacks direct road access. Access requires a two to three-hour hike along a mountain footpath, which is dangerous due to elephant presence in the lower areas. Past the village, the location is too far for elephants, providing a safe retreat. | Above Udagala Debokka village. - Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YWXzw58DLbFTm98x7 | Rupa Singha Mahatthaya: 076 225 5613 | |
| Sri Mahasumana Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery | Matale District | Mahamevnāva | About ten kutis spread out around a forested hill. | Weheralagala Bathalayaya, Mahiyanganaya Coordinates: 7.419603253301969, 81.00034750376044 | ||
| Piyangala AS | Batticola District | Galduwa | Large forest area (1 square mile) bordering a wildlife sanctuary and the extensive ruins of the ancient Rājagala monastery situated on top of the mountain. Some caves. One a few monks. | Near Mayadunna, near Bakiella. North of Uhana, midway along the Amapara–Maha Oya Road. 25 kms southwest of Batticaloa. | http://amazinglanka.com/wp/piyangala-forest-hermitage/ | |
| Veheragala A | Batticola District | Ancient cave monastery on a hill, about 1 km from the Maha Oya hot springs. This aranya was abandoned after a hurricane destroyed the buildings in the late eighties and there still might be no monks. There are 4 caves kutis which are inhabitable. | Maha Oya. Midway on the Mahiyangana-Batticaloa Road. | Phone: +94 070 307 0758 | http://amazinglanka.com/wp/unuwathurabubula-veheragala/ | |
| Omuna A | Batticola District | Ancient cave monastery in Maduru Oya National Park, about 10 km further along the road and northwest from Veheragala. Some caves apparently have been restored in recent times, but there are no monks. | Maduru Oya National Park, about 10 km further along the road and northwest from Veheragala. | http://amazinglanka.com/wp/hennaanigala-rajamaha-viharaya | ||
| Nuwaragala | Batticola District | Ancient monastery site with caves on spectacular rock formations. No monks or modern buildings. | Best to access from northern, Maha Oya side. | http://amazinglanka.com/wp/ampara-nuwaragala-ruins | ||
| Mahāsena AS | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | Nice forest on a large hill. The site of an ancient monastery with ancient ruins and statues. Nice views from the top of the hill. Good kutis and walking paths. Facilities for about 6–8 monks. Friendly abbot. | Nagalakanda, Minneriya 51410. 25 kms northwest of Polonnaruva. | ||
| Dimbulāgala MC | Polonnaruva District | Amarapura Nikāya | Large ancient cave-monastery on a rocky mountain ridge. Nice views from the top of the hill. In the front section there is a pirivena (monastic school) with about 100 sāmaneras, and in the back there is an aranya area with about 15 monks (pirivena teachers). Not well kept. | Dimbulāgala. 20 kms SE of Polonnaruva. | ||
| Sinhapura VMC | Polonnaruva District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | Head Monk: Ven. Samṃvuta. 2 or 3 kutis and a compound. | Sinhapura, Polonnaruva. | ||
| Kodigala Aranya | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | Forest hermitage with ~4–5 kutis; elephants common; donors bring food. Also pindapāta possible. | From Habarana Junction go ≈2 km along Trincomalee Rd, then ≈1 km into the forest (≈1 km off Trincomalee Rd). | 070-564-9354; 076-722-3879 (Loku Hammuduruwo) | |
| Gallen Aranya (affiliated with Kajuwatta Monastery) | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | Both caves and kutis; presently no resident monks; has a kappiya/kappiya-kāraka (lay helper). A branch of Kajuwatta Aranya. Very secluded; elephants present. Food available with ≈1 km walk. | From Manampitiya, Aralagvila Rd to Dehiyata Kandiya. Retreat centre is outside the town of Dehiyatakandiya. Not far from Kajuwatta monastery. | Lokuhāmmuḍurō: 077-299-3840; Public phone: 027-313-4999 | |
| Veharahena Y | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | On Dambulla – Habarana Rd. Abbot: Ven. Dhamminda. Several kutis. Small area. | 108 km Post, Avudangāva, Habarana 50150. On Dambulla – Habarana Rd. | ||
| Bodhiraja AS | Polonnaruva District | Waturawila | Untidy. | Hiriwadunna, Habarana. | ||
| Kudusīgiriya A. | Polonnaruwa District | A forest-hermitage entry on the Mahiyangana–Polonnaruwa corridor near Dehiattakandiya. The surrounding low country is hot and seasonally dry, with scrub forest, reservoirs, irrigated paddy and scattered settlement extending across a broad, flat landscape. Its corridor location is more rural and isolated than Polonnaruwa town, with services concentrated in Dehiattakandiya. | Kudagala Forest Reserve and Monastery (Kuda Sigiriya), Kudagala village, Grama Niladhari Division 142/N Kadirapura, Dehiattakandiya. Coordinates: 7.6814444, 81.0981667 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.6814444%2C81.0981667 | Catalogue geography: the monastery record is filed under Polonnaruwa District, while Dehiattakandiya town is administratively in Ampara District; the address therefore indicates the road corridor rather than an exact district-boundary position. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://www.govserv.org/LK/Dehiattekandiya/357266841741839/Divisional-Secretariat--Dehiattakandiya | ||
| Ariyadhamma A | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | New and large aranya with many kutis. About 10 monks. | Dehi-ata-kandiya. | ||
| Polonnaruwa Mahamevnāva | Polonnaruwa District | Mahamevnāva | A Mahamevnāva branch at Perakum Uyana beside Polonnaruwa’s ancient-city precinct. The hot, flat dry-zone landscape combines archaeological parkland, scrub, paddy and major irrigation waters, with abundant open space and strong seasonal heat. Access is easy for visitors, but road and tourist activity around the sacred city make this a public monastery rather than a remote retreat. | Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa, Perakum Uyana, Polonnaruwa 51000; near the northern side of the ancient-city precinct. Coordinates: 7.9732188, 81.0190555 Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7.9732188%2C81.0190555 | Tel: 027 492 4159 (current public listing); 027 222 6260 (legacy directory) | Official branch address current on the network list dated 2026-05-03. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://mahamevnawa.lk/mahamevnawa-local-branches/ | https://lk.near-place.com/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery-polonnaruwa-perakum-uyana-polonnaruwa | https://www.cybo.com/LK-biz/mahamevnawa-buddhist-monastery_15t | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ |
| Sri Damsidu AS | Polonnaruva District | Galduwa | About seven kutis, including caves, in a large national forest reserve. Four monks. Elephants. A bit of road noise. | Habarana Coordinates: 8.079256343313462, 80.77993133200549 | ||
| Kaludiya Pokuna Tapovanaya | Anuradhapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | Ancient cave monastery. 10 caves on the small hill above the monastery were repaired and are used. Nice kutis and well kept facilities. 5–6 bhikkhus. Sometimes there is noise from the road. | Mihintale. Situated near the Kaludiya Pokuna bathing pond below the Mihintale Hill. | Tel.: 071-842-1278 | Ven. Saddhajīva is the abbot. Mihintale Hill is where the arahant Mahinda began teaching the Dhamma in Sri Lanka. Possibly the nicest ancient monastery site in Sri Lanka. |
| Katupotha Kanda Sri Vajirārāmaya VMC | Anuradhapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Vajirāma Group | Small place with ancient caves on southern side of the large hill 2 kms south of the Mihintale Hill. 6 kutis and a cave which is used as the library. | Katupotha Kanda, Palugaswewa, Mihintale Rd, Galkulama, Anurādhapura. | Tel. 025-385-3670 | Ven. Sanāthavihārī, who is friendly and speaks English, is staying here. |
| Ritigala A | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | The ancient cave monastery is on the southeastern lower slope of Ritigala mountain. The aranya is about 2 kilometers to the east from Galapitigala. The aranya is in a nature reserve with elephants. Most kutis are close to each other. The first Sinhalese arahant, Arittha stayed here. Extensive ruins of a large ancient Pamṃsukulika sect monastery nearby. | Ganewalpola, Kekirawa. Southeastern lower slope of Ritigala mountain. | ||
| Subodhārāma BM / Labunoruwa Kanda AS | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | A forest monastery connected to Ritigala A. with kutis and ancient caves in forest on top of a hill. Some foreign monks are said to be staying here, and apparently some talks are given in English. The teacher Ven. Mandakandawala Sudassana stays here. Pindapāta. | Maradankadawala, North Central Province 0094. A few kms NE of Ritigala on the hill facing the northern slope of Ritigalakanda. Co-ordinates: 8.16215843206486, 80.63513772497849 | Tel: 0602254193, 0722255883. E-mail: yadmp@yahoo.com | |
| Etdalagala AS | Anuradhapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kanduboda Group | About 10 monks. Kutis in forest, also a few caves on rocky hill. Quiet and well supported. Foreign monks regularly stay here. Contains a stūpa with the remains of the great forest monk Denmark Nyānadipa Bhante. | Giratalana, Migaleva. Close to the Resvehera archeological site. | ||
| Resvehera Aranya | Anuradhapura District | An Aranya located in the forest behind the Mahavihara. Daily group pindapata to the village. Nice kutis and cave kutis. | Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VcLcXheCN6dCT6vU8 | |||
| International Institute of Theravada | Anuradhapura District | Unaffiliated | The institute provides systematic training and study in Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma, Pali, and meditation practices, with both theoretical and practical components. It aims to create skilled monks who can live independently and contribute to the spread of the Dhamma. The six-year program includes meditation, dhutaṅga practices, and various monastic duties | Heenetikalma, Karuwalagaswlewa, Sri Lanka. Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DXZtrqiSszhV5yUP6 | ||
| Niyandagala A | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | Small aranya with about 6 monks on the base of a forested hill. Mostly monks who practice Goenkaji Vipassana meditation stay here. | Ambagaswewa, South Siyambalagamuwa. 5 kms south of Negamma train station. | Nearby a Goenkaji Vipassana meditation centre has been built by Ven. Sīlaratana. | |
| Siyambalagamuwa A | Anuradhapura District | Perhaps the most ascetic forest monastery in Sri Lanka. Very simple kutis. Monks often sleep outside on a large rock. Several hours of group walking meditation per day. Daily pindapata. Perhaps eight simple kutis. | In the forest reserve between Ambagaswewa and Siyambalagamuwa (about 4 kilometers to the west of Niyandagala). | Abbot: Ven. Vijitha | ||
| Sāliya Lena AS | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | Ancient monastery with caves. On the southern side of the Galgiriyakanda mountain. Less than a kilometer to the north is another aranya. | Galgiriyakanda, Moragollāgama. | ||
| Dutugamunu AS | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | On a forested hill west of Kekirawa. There are nine kutis spread through the forest; three are cave kutis. The monastery is connected to Nissarana Vanaya. | Vijithapura, Kalawewa. Located near the northern edge of the large Kalawewa reservoir. | Tel.: 025 5730142 | |
| Sambodhi Y | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | Good new kutis and facilities, adjacent to large wewa (tank/lake). Hot, mosquitos, but well supported. 3 monks. | Kuratiyāva, Migaleva 60750. 15 kms W from Kekirawa. | ||
| Pancha Stūpa A | Anuradhapura District | On a hill with an ancient stupa. | Palugolla. Mahananneriya. | |||
| Mahamevnāva Asapuwa | Anuradhapura District | Mahamevnāva | Connected to Ven. Kiribathgoda Ñānānanda. | Vatavandana Road, Lolugaswewa, Anurādhapura. | Tel. 025-492-8155 | |
| Vedisagiri A | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | Connected to Ven. K. Ñānānanda. | Sanghappālaya, Vannikudawewa, Galgamuva 60721. | ||
| Purāṇa Gallena AS | Anuradhapura District | 25 kms S of Anurādhapura. | Tammennāva, Tambuttagama 60734. | |||
| Maradankadawala AS | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | On Anurādhapura–Kekirawa Rd, 30 kms SE of Anurādhapura. | Maradankadawala. On Anurādhapura–Kekirawa Rd, 30 kms SE of Anurādhapura. | ||
| Yodhayākanda AS | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | About 50 kms E of Anurādhapura on Anurādhapura - Trincomalee road. | Dampitigama, Halmillawewa. About 50 kms E of Anurādhapura on Anurādhapura - Trincomalee road. | ||
| Mihindu A | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | Pirivena and ordination centre connected to Waturawila. | Anurādhapura. Along road from Mihintale to Anurādhapura. | ||
| Galbokka Sanghasattu | Anuradhapura District | Majjimapatipada | An aranya with about ten kutis, located in a moderately secluded forest. Part of the Majjhima Patipada group. Currently, about two monks live there, although the number may vary. Good Vinaya. Dana is brought every day by the villagers in the morning. Pindapata is allowed. Often, there is no abbot in residence; therefore, monks live under the Vinaya, and the properties are generally managed by the lay kappiyas. | Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ch1mqB5ETBPyxPFB7 | Mr. Vanninayake - 078 513 7478, 071 755 2331 | Ms Sudharma - 077 819 1000 | www.majjimapatipada.org |
| Nugasewana Asapuwa | Anuradhapura District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | Nugasewana Asapuwa is a small aranya situated in a quiet rural area surrounded by a grove of trees. It typically hosts only one monk and offers two or three kutis for accommodation. Pindapata is possible, allowing for traditional alms rounds. The environment is peaceful and suitable for meditation and solitude. | Approximately 45 km north of Anuradhapura, near Etawirugollawa Junction. Take a bus or train to Medawachchiya. From there, take the Padaviya, Sripura, or Janakapura bus and get off at Etawirugollawa Junction. Contact the monastery to arrange transportation from the junction. Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UFE44fQfBibiLM9q7 | Phone: 070 146 3688 Contact Person: Bhante Dhammakiththi | |
| Mahanaga Agunthuka Awasaya | Anuradhapura District -- Sacred City | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | Mahanaga Agunthuka Awasaya provides two to three individual rooms suitable for short-term stays, especially for those visiting the historical sites of Anuradhapura. While pindapata is not commonly practiced in the immediate vicinity due to limited local support, monks can walk further for alms or receive dana brought to the monastery. Usually, only one monk resides here. The monastery is tidy and offers a quiet environment for practice. | Located in Anuradhapura, in the area of the sacred city, about 1 km from Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Google Maps Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Mahanaga%20Aganthuka%20Awasaya&ludocid=10155854952202814029 | Phone: +94 71 626 1103 Contact Person: Dhammakiththi Thero | |
| Anuradhapura Pathis Wehera Sanghasathu Dana Shalawa | Anuradhapura District -- Sacred City | Dana shalawa for visiting Maha Sangha; reported to be open every day. | Near Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHEi4rZBUp7mXvRw8 | Sinhala name: අනුරාධපුර පෑතිස් වෙහෙර සඝසතු දාන ශාලාව. Public references also mention this dana shala by that name. | ||
| Dutugemunu Rest House | Anuradhapura District | A hotel. It offers accommodation for bhikkhus. Two-night stays are free of charge. Rooms are shared with other monks, sometimes with two or three beds . | Located very close to Thuparama, with a short walk to Ruwanwelisaya. | Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PqVQ7oc1ptYf4qjB8 | Phone: 112324828 | ||
| Heennakanda AS | Anuradhapura District | Waturawila | Vacant monastery attached to Katarampura Aranya. About five kutis in a national forest reserve by a lake. A bit of village noise. | Kiwlekada,Kokawewa,Gatalawa,Galenbindunuwewa Coordinates: 8.32992937456602, 80.81058019339577 | ||
| Wilandagoda AS | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | Beautiful large ancient cave monastery with many ruins, deep in Wilpattu National Park. Three monks. | Pahala Puliyankulama, Ihala Puliyankulama Coordinates: 8.199893064493658, 79.9904304995378 | Tel: 0254928982 | |
| Thibirikadawala A. | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | About five kutis on a small strip of forested land admist paddy fields, just outside Anuradhapura. | Thibirikadawala, Anuradhapura Coordinates: 8.315611131790652, 80.38436721654168 | ||
| Sri Chandrawartha Gallen AS | Anuradhapura District | Galduwa | About eight kutis including caves. Four monks. Quiet, good seclusion. | Kunchikulama, Ipalogama Coordinates: 8.098781137814825, 80.534079530517 | Tel: 0253258118 | |
| Seruvawila Mahamevnāva | Trincomalee District | Mahamevnāva | Large cetiya, rooms only. Many tourists. | |||
| Kantalai Mahamevnāva | Trincomalee District | Mahamevnāva | Next to lake, good kutis with walking paths. 7 monks. | Kantalai. | Tel. 026-492-9024 | |
| Kathārampura AS | Trincomalee District | Waturawila | About ten kutis and caves on a hill surrounded by paddy fields. Three monks. Belongs to the Enderagala subsect of Waturawila. | Katarampura, Dutuwewa, Galenbidunuwewa. North of Ratmale, 50 kms from Trincomalē on the Anurādhapura-Trincomale road.. 8.349784569213051, 80.76187600096438 | Tel: 0253241086 | |
| Vān Ela Amādahara Tapovanaya | Trincomalee District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | A Kalyānavaṃsa/Tapovana residence in Kantalai’s irrigated rural belt, about 11 km by road from Kantalai town. The surroundings combine paddy fields, canals and tanks with dry scrub and scattered village settlement; the landscape is green around irrigation water but hot and seasonally dry beyond it. Road access is practical via the Kantalai–Muttur and Wan Ela roads. | Amadahara Tapovanaya, Wan Ela, Kantalai, Trincomalee District. From Kantalai on the A6, take the Kantalai–Muttur road, then Wan Ela Road toward the Wan Ela locality. | Older guides describe the Kantalai approach as midway on the Habarana–Trincomalee road; locality directions place Wan Ela off the A6 via the Kantalai–Muttur road. Sources checked 2026-08-12: https://www.bps.lk/olib/mi/mi008.html | https://placestomeditate.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sri-lanka-monasteries-bhikkhu-nyanatusita-april-2018.pdf | https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/monasteries-in-sri-lanka/ | https://iekantale.weebly.com/wan-ela.html | https://srilankatravelpages.com/kantalai/ | |
| Pulmoddai Monastery | Trincomalee District | A monastery in shrubland close to the coast and sand mining corporation. Abbot: Dhammagavesi Thera, speaks English well. | Pulmoddai. | |||
| Arisimala Wana Senasuna | Trincomalee District | Headquarters of a group of about 25 forest monasteries in the Trincomalee area. Some foreigners are staying in the monasteries. | Pulmoddai Coordinates: 8.935534208223496, 81.00680576933755 | Tel: 070 4512333 / 026 3266600 Email: arisimale@gmail.com Website: arisimale.com | ||
| Debaragala Wana Senasuna | Trincomalee District | Belongs to the Arisimale group. Anicent cave monastery deep in a forest reserve, on the Pankulam Aru river. Normally accessed by motorboat from a small Dharma center at the mouth of the river. Dāna is supplied by the Sri Lankan Navy. About five monks. Quiet. | Kuchchaveli Coordinates: 8.766855391063002, 81.09561769706535 | Contact Arisimale monastery for information. | ||
| Nandimithra Aranya Senasana | Trincomalee District | Rāmañña Nikāya | The main monastery is on a hill with many cave kutis, on the edge of a large forest reserve. Two monks. Vinaya is not well-kept. On a neighboring hill are many more caves, one of which has been fixed up, about 15 minutes' walk from the village. Foreigners have lived independently there, going separately for pindapata. About 5 km deep in the forest is another cave kuti where a foreigner had been living. Elephants and bears are there. | Diyathiththawewa, Parangiyawadiya, Horowpothana Coordinates: 8.443994173743521, 80.87285885612546 | ||
| Rahath Len AS | Trincomalee District | Galduwa | Several cave kutis on a hill. Meditation-oriented. Some noise from the road, and on Sundays, from the Dharma school in front of the monastery. | Maradankadawala, Horowpothana Coordinates: 8.570074063677184, 80.85033810285627 | Tel: 0784990064/0719157342 | |
| Galpiyuma AS. / Galpokuna A. | Vavuniya and Jaffna District | Galduwa | Ancient cave monastery in a large forest area with elephants. Good seclusion. It can be hot here. Ruins scattered in forest. | Kahatagolleva, Padaviya. Approx. 30 kms E of Vavuniya. On the road between Kebitigoll va and Padaviya, get off at Kahatagalleva. | ||
| Padaviya Abhayabhūmi Tapovanaya | Vavuniya and Jaffna District | Amarapura Nikāya - Kalyānavaṃsa Group | On a hill with a few caves. Near army camp. | Deviyangekanda, Padaviya. | ||
| Usgala Wana Senasuna | Vavuniya and Jaffna District | Five kutis, including three caves, on a hilltop in Padaviya national forest. 10 minutes' walk from the village. May be empty now. | Yakawewa, Kebithigollawa Coordinates: 8.732360315268961, 80.67716483566738 | |||
| Nikasala Wana Arana | Vavuniya and Jaffna District | Galduwa | About eight monks. Reasonably secuded kutis. | Boralukanda, Bogahawewa, Alutgama, Padaviya Coordinates: 8.830857358995297, 80.79825553251885 |