INTRODUCTION
“BEST” MONASTERIES FOR FOREIGNERS
- Most Popular Monasteries for Newcomers
- Ordaining in Sri Lanka
CULTURE, MANNERS
TRADITIONS
COUNTRY, CLIMATE AND FOOD
MEDICAL CARE & DANGEROUS DISEASES & DANGEROUS ANIMALS
VISAS
- Tourist Visa (2024)
- Entry Visa for Monastery Stay (2021)
ABBREVIATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Suitable Forest Hermitages and Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many forest hermitages and meditation centres suitable for foreign Buddhist monastics and experienced lay Buddhists.
This guide is intended for:
- Foreign bhikkhus.
- Those aspiring to become bhikkhus.
- Experienced lay practitioners.
A separate guide is available for less experienced, short-term visiting lay practitioners.

Considerations for Selecting a Monastery

Factors considered include:
- Climate.
- Food.
- Noise levels.
- Standards of monastic discipline (Vinaya).
- Dangerous animals.
- Accessibility.
The guide lists many monasteries, but visiting a few from different traditions and areas can provide a general idea of monastic life in Sri Lanka.
There is no perfect monastery in samsāra; all places have imperfections and challenges.
It is more practical to be content with an imperfect place and manage personal defilements.
The guide helps find a monastery that matches individual needs, considering factors like climate and food.
It can also be used for travelling or going on cārikā (walking journey) between monasteries.
Conditions in monasteries can change, so some information may be outdated or inaccurate.
The spreadsheet is based on the excellent guide that Nyanatusita Bhante last updated in 2018. That guide was based on a monastery list from the early 2000s, and had been updated with input from several monks.

References

Sacred Island by Ven. S. Dhammika (published by BPS) provides detailed information on ancient monasteries, sacred sites, and pilgrimage places in Sri Lanka.
Amazing Lanka website (www.amazinglanka.com) describes ancient and modern monasteries, showing exact locations on satellite maps with historical information and directions.

Contributions

To help keep the information in this guide accurate, corrections and new additions are welcome.
To make a new addition or submit a correction to an existing listing, follow the steps on the page linked below.

Click here to submit corrections or new additions

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“BEST” MONASTERIES FOR FOREIGNERS

Ordaining in Sri Lanka

One can receive ordination in many places in Sri Lanka. However, places that provide systematic monastic training in English are rare. Among these are:
- - Kahagolla Aranya: Systematic training in Vinaya and other subjects, with meditation training in the Goenka tradition.
- - IIT (International Institute of Theravada): Highly systematized and thorough pariyatti training. Includes Vinaya training, memorizing texts, and duties such as upathāka (caring for senior monks).
- - Na Uyana Aranya: Vinaya classes, training in rituals, with an emphasis on Pa Auk meditation.
- - Diddeniya Aranya: Systematic Vinaya training.
- - Pothgulgala Aranya: The abbot, Bhante Dhammita, who has spent considerable time in Thailand, incorporates both Sri Lankan and Thai traditions, creating a blend of the two. While one can receive training in Kor Wat Vinaya and other practices, the structure is less formal compared to some other monasteries. It may be a good option for those who appreciate both traditions.

- If one wishes to ordain, it is advisable to take ordination at a place that provides good training. Otherwise, it is advisable to ordain at a training monastery overseas and come to Sri Lanka after completing one’s nissaya (five-year apprenticeship).

- There are excellent opportunities for independent practice in Sri Lanka. However, it is best to have a thorough monastic training to take full advantage of them.

- Many monasteries will provide ordination. However, in most cases, one will more or less be left to fend for oneself. While this may seem appealing initially, the long-term effects can be enormously detrimental. It can have drawbacks similar to those of being an orphaned child or a child whose parents rarely correct them or provide them with the skills needed in the world at large.

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CULTURE, MANNERS

Staying at Monasteries

Travelling monks are generally welcome to stay overnight at any monastery.
If no monastery is available, monks can stay in schools or other empty buildings.
For longer stays, permission from the abbot is needed and usually granted if space is available.
Some Sinhalese monks may be less helpful due to negative experiences with foreigners or strong nationalist sentiments.
It is important to remain polite and avoid appearing harsh.

Cultural Differences

Bhikkhus may not receive the same level of honour as in Thailand or Burma.
Sinhalese body language and behavior may seem disrespectful to monks accustomed to Thai or Burmese customs.
Foreigners are advised not to discuss politics or criticize local issues.
Many Sinhalese monks, even in meditation and forest monasteries, are nationalistic and may express negative sentiments towards other ethnic and religious groups or foreigners.
Riots and pogroms occasionally occur, mainly targeting Muslims.
Avoid openly criticizing Sinhalese Buddhist rituals or developing overly critical attitudes.
Sinhalese are generally indirect and avoid blame.

Independence in Practice

Sri Lanka is suitable for those who prefer to practice independently without seeking a charismatic teacher.
Sinhalese culture, part of the Indian cultural sphere, allows more individualism compared to Thai culture.
There is less emphasis on the teacher tradition in Sri Lanka compared to Thailand.
Monks, nuns, and lay practitioners are available to provide guidance and support despite the individualistic approach.

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TRADITIONS

Kalyāna Yogāshramaya Saṃsthāva (Galduwa Tradition)

Independent part of the Rāmañña Nikāya.
Headquarters: Galduwa, near Ambalangoda.
Largest forest sect in Sri Lanka.
Emphasis on meditation practice.
About 150 affiliated monasteries.
Monks easily recognized by palm-leaf umbrellas and double robes outside monastery boundaries.
Accepts members from all castes.
Bhikkhus from other traditions reordain at Galduwa if staying long-term.
- Previously required dalhikamma ceremony, but now less common.
- Monks from Pa Auk (Burma) and Ajahn Chah traditions accepted without reordination.
Main monasteries for foreigners: Na Uyana, Nissarana Vanaya, Kahagolla, and Bhaddeka Vihari.

Deldūva Group

Small group of forest monasteries.
Older forest division of Rāmañña nikāya.
Not affiliated with the Galduwa tradition.

Mahāvihāra Vamshika Syāmopāli Vanavāsa Nikāya (Waturawila Group)

Over 80 branch monasteries throughout Sri Lanka.
Vinaya standards are reasonable but less strict than Galduwa.
Headquarters: Waturawila in Gālla district.
Some monasteries have become pirivenas (monastic schools) with many young novices.
In other monasteries, many elderly monks who ordained after retirement.
No monasteries for foreigners to ordain and receive training.

Madakada Group

Sub-sect of the Waturawila group.
Follows stricter Vinaya standards.
Headquarters: Madakada Aranya near Ingiriya.

Vajirāma Tradition (Dharmarakshita Chapter)

Subsect of the Amarapura Nikāya.
Headquarters: Vajirārāmaya, Bambalapitiya, Colombo, and Dharmāyatana Bhikkhu Training Centre, Maharagama, Colombo.
Mainly a study and teaching tradition.
Includes forest monasteries with stricter Vinaya standards:
- Bowalawatta Aranya (Kandy)
- Katu Pota Aranya (Mihintale)
- Senanāyakārāmaya (Kandy)
- Island Hermitage

Kanduboda Group (Swejyin Nikāya Chapter of Amarapura Nikāya)

Group of monasteries connected to the Kanduboda International Meditation Centre and Sumantiphala Meditation Centre.
Originates from the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition (Burmese Swejyin nikāya).
Mahasi Sayadaw meditation technique practiced.
Vinaya standards are reasonable.
About 20 small meditation centres; most have little appeal to foreigners.

Tapovana Group (Kalyānavaṃsa Chapter of Amarapura Nikāya)

Small group of semi-forest monasteries usually near major towns.
Headquarters: near Colombo.
Mahāsi meditation method practiced.
Reasonable Vinaya standards.

Mahamevnāva Group

Originates from the Kalyānavamṃsa chapter of Amarapura nikāya.
Rapidly expanding revivalist movement started in the early 2000s by Ven. Kiribathgoda Ñānānanda.
Many Mahamevnāva Asapuwa monasteries in Sri Lanka and worldwide.
Focuses on Sutta study, merit-making, large building projects (e.g., stupas), and revival of pure Sinhalese Buddhism.
Headquarters: Polgahawella.
Monasteries mostly in town areas, crowded on Poya days, sometimes with chanting from loudspeakers.
Foreign monks can stay up to 3 days without permission from Ven. Ñānānanda.

Majjhima Patipadā Group

Consists of around three to four aranyas and several independent kutis.
This group may appeal to foreigners because it does not follow the Abhidhamma or commentaries and takes the suttas as its authority.
All nikāyas are accepted within this group.
Dana is offered once a day.
Teaching is allowed.
In some places, there is no official abbot.
The monastery is guarded by villagers and overseen by a monk who manages from a distance with minimal involvement.
The setup resembles how it might have been during the Buddha’s time, with no official abbot and monks living in harmony in line with the Vinaya.
Website: www.majjhimapatiapada.org

General Notes

Early history of Galduwa and Waturawila forest traditions documented in Michael Carrithers’ The Forest Monks of Sri Lanka (Oxford, 1983).
Monastery names may not always reflect activities; some “international meditation centres” may lack meditation teachings, English speakers, or foreign monks.

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COUNTRY, CLIMATE AND FOOD

Concentration of Forest Monasteries

Greatest concentration in the western side of Sri Lanka, especially in Kurunegala, Colombo, Gālla, and Mātara districts.
Very few active forest monasteries in the northern and eastern districts, though there are ruins of ancient monasteries.
Some ancient monasteries are being redeveloped, notably Kudumbigala.
Few monasteries in higher mountain areas like Nuwara Eliya due to cold climate.

Climate by Region

Location of monasteries indicates the climate

South-Western Low Country: Tropical, hot and humid, especially in March/April; like a steam-sauna.
Eastern Low Country: Dry season from May to October.
South West (Mātara, Colombo, Ratnapura): “Wetzone” with two monsoons (May-June, November-December).
Dry-Zone (East, North, South): Starts mid-way between Mātale and Dambulla, with only one main monsoon (November-December).
- Also has some rain during the intermonsoon period in April and occasional showers throughout the year.
- The term “dry-zone” is exaggerated; heavy rains and floods can occur.
Deep South (Ambalantota to Pānama) & Far North (Northern coast & Jaffna peninsula): Driest areas in Sri Lanka, warm but less humid than the low-country wet zone.
Upcountry (Hill and Mountain Areas): Central Sri Lanka, climate is temperate and cool at night (10–22°C); Nuwara Eliya can drop to freezing in clear nights between December–February.
- More agreeable climate for those from cooler regions.
South-West Upcountry (Singharāja Rain Forest & Śri Pāda Wilderness): High rainfall most of the year; difficult to dry clothes after washing.

Food, etc.

Loudspeakers are common and can be a disturbance, especially with Paritta chanting on Poya days.
Food is generally the same across Sri Lanka: plain, simple, with rice as the staple food.
- Curries served with rice can be spicy (chilli, black pepper) and salty, especially in rural areas.
- Food quality has improved, but in rural areas, it can still be overcooked and lack fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Vitamin supplements can be taken if the food is not nutritious enough.
- Many Sinhalese Buddhists do not eat meat or fish, and if they do, they rarely offer it to monks.

Kappiya Karu System:

Sri Lanka has a system called the ‘Kappiya Karu’ system.
One particular family in a village is responsible for taking care of a monastery or a monk living in a kuti.
Supporters from Colombo can arrange with the ‘Kappiya Karu’ to provide fruits, fresh vegetables, or other necessities.
This system can help monks in rural areas receive adequate nutrition.
Some nutritious fresh vegetables and fruits include:
- Okra (vandaka): Easily affordable
- Cucumber (pipinya): Easily affordable
- Watermelon (paeni komadu): Sometimes expensive for villagers
- Papaya (gas labu): Moderately affordable
- Guava (pera): Sometimes expensive
- Avocado (aligeta pera): Affordable
Some monasteries and centers serve small amounts of fish, and rarely meat or eggs, but vegetarian preferences are easily accommodated.

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MEDICAL CARE & DANGEROUS DISEASES & DANGEROUS ANIMALS

Medical Care

Free medical care for monks in government hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Special wards for seriously ill Buddhist monks in larger government hospitals.
Doctors in government hospitals often try their best, though hygiene and care may not be of the highest standards.
Some doctors and dentists are trained in the West.
Monasteries help with medicine and care if needed.
Private hospitals in Colombo are of higher standards but expensive.
Same doctors work in both private and government hospitals, but government facilities, especially rural, may have inferior equipment.
Dentists often offer free services to monks.

Tropical Diseases

Tropical diseases are not common due to well-organized healthcare.
Malaria has been eradicated.
Dengue fever and chikungunya fever are present in urban areas like Colombo.
Risk of Japanese encephalitis is minimal.
Filaria parasite is a small risk in some coastal areas; efforts to eradicate are ongoing.
Mosquito nets and repellents are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.
Safe drinking water is generally available, but it’s safer to drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water.

Rabies

Rabies exists; anti-rabies shots are available at local hospitals if bitten by dogs, cats, bats, or monkeys.
Many dogs are vaccinated against rabies.
Major hospitals have anti-rabies clinics.

Other Diseases

Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) is transmitted by rat urine, causes jaundice and fever.
Intestinal pinworms are common but usually harmless and spread through food.
Washing hands and bottom regularly can prevent reinfection from pinworms.
Vermox tablets can treat pinworms.
Other types of worms are rare due to the absence of raw meat and fish in diets.

Dangerous Animals

Wild Elephants and Bears

Present in jungle areas, particularly in the South, East, and North.
Wild elephants can charge; the best escape is to run in a zigzag and hide behind a tree or rock.
Bears are unpredictable and dangerous; if attacked, lie face down to protect vital areas.

Wild Pigs and Leopards

Wild pigs may charge, and it’s best to avoid them.
Leopards are shy and rarely attack humans.

Snakes

Cobras, Russell’s vipers, and kraits are dangerous, and snakebites are common, especially from vipers and kraits.
Kraits bite at night, attracted by body heat.
Cobras are shy, while vipers are more likely to bite.
Snakebites require hospital treatment with antivenin.

Crocodiles

Present in rivers, lakes, and ponds, especially in the south and east.
Locals can advise if it’s safe to swim.

Monitor Lizards

Non-aggressive but their bite is poisonous and needs treatment.

Scorpions, Centipedes, and Tarantulas

Two types of scorpions are found in Sri Lanka:
Smaller variety:
- About the size of a thumb
- Sting is similar to a wasp sting
- Not particularly dangerous
Larger variety:
- Can grow almost as large as a palm in length
- Found in wetter areas such as the Sinharaja Forest
- Venom can be strong enough to be lethal
Centipede stings are painful.
Tarantula bites are rare but can cause partial paralysis and severe pain or even death.

Hunting Ants

Large black ants called “kaddi” can give painful stings.

Leeches

Common in humid wet-zone forests; bite without pain and cause bleeding due to anti-coagulants.
Apply tissue or ash to stop bleeding; leeches are harmless and don’t spread diseases.

Ticks

Common in dry zone forests; bites cause itching and can get infected.
Apply antiseptic cream to bites; remove ticks by twisting, not pulling.

Precautions

Mosquito nets recommended in rural and forest areas for protection against various pests.
Risk of a serious traffic accident is higher than encountering a dangerous animal.

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VISAS

Visa regulations in Sri Lanka are complex and frequently change. It’s best to inquire about requirements before applying.

Tourist Visa (2024)

A one-month tourist visa (ETA) can be applied for online, paid for upon entry, or at a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission.
The visa can be extended three times: for two months, then for three months, then for another three months at the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla or the Immigration Services Centre on Galle Road in Colombo (fees may be higher at the private center).
After these extensions, one must leave the country.

Entry Visa for Monastery Stay (2021)

To stay at a monastery or meditation center for longer, an entry visa is required, which must be obtained from a Sri Lankan foreign diplomatic mission with the monastery’s assistance.
A residence visa requires an entry visa issued by a Sri Lankan mission abroad with approval from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
The monastery applies for the entry visa from the Buddha Sasana Ministry and the Immigration Department. After approval, the Controller informs the Sri Lankan foreign diplomatic mission for visa issuance.

Documents Required for Entry Visa:

A formal sponsorship letter from the monastery.
Police clearance report from the applicant’s home country.
Photocopy of the monk’s ordination certificate (if applicable).
Passport photocopies (personal data pages, visa pages if residing in another country).
A recommendation letter from a Buddhist monastery or office from the applicant’s country of residence.
Completed visa application form and supporting documents.

Documents for the Immigration Department:

Recommendation letter from the Buddha Sasana Ministry.
Entry visa application form.
Foreign address and the foreign diplomatic mission where the visa will be applied.
Passport copy with last exit visa stamp from Sri Lanka.

Approval Process:

Police clearance sent by the Buddha Sasana Ministry to the Ministry of Defense for checking (4-6 weeks or more).
Applicant must be out of Sri Lanka during this time.
Monastery will send approval letter via email or mail once it’s received from the Controller of Immigration.

Documents for Sri Lankan Foreign Mission:

Passport.
Copy of approval letter from Controller of Immigration.
Entry visa application form “B”.
Passport copy with visa.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Copy of flight ticket to Sri Lanka.

After Arrival in Sri Lanka:

Monastery assists with applying for a one-year resident visa.
Monks and nuns receive free visas; laypeople pay application fees.
Sponsorship letter from the senior monk required for the residence visa.
Applicant must take the form to the district secretary monk and Divisional Secretary for signatures and stamps.
Monastery helps with paperwork.

Application Process for Residence Visa:

Submit the residence visa application at the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs in Colombo.
Since 2017, applications go through the Ministry of Defense for background checks (4-6 weeks).
Applicant should follow up with the Ministry of Buddha Sasana to confirm approval.
After approval, take the recommendation letter to the Department of Immigration for processing.

Additional Information:

For first-time residence visa applications, bring extra passport photos.
Immigration Department office is located in Battaramulla (45-minute bus ride from Colombo).
Residence visa form can be downloaded from the Immigration Department website.
Waiting time at the Ministry of Buddha Sasana is usually less than one hour; at the Immigration Department, it can take 1.5 hours or more.
A representative can collect the passport from the Immigration Department on behalf of the applicant.

Sri Lankan Citizenship:

Foreigners cannot become Sri Lankan citizens. However, after staying a few years, it is sometimes possible to apply for a five-year residence visa.

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ABBREVIATIONS

aff.: Affiliation/Affiliated with
A: Aranya
AS: Aranya Senāsanaya
BM: Bhāvanā Madhyasthānaya/Meditation Centre
DA: Dharmāshramaya
MC: Meditation Centre/ Bhāvanā Madhyasthānaya
S: Senāsanaya
T: Tapovanaya
Y: Yogāshramaya
VMC: Vipassanā Meditation Centre

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Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā

Monastery Information