Kudumbigala Monastery

Kudumbigala is a forest hermitage in the wild country between Arugam Bay and Kumana, founded in the second century BC, with over two hundred cave shelters cut into the rocks across the site and a stupa on the summit reached by a climb up bare rock. Monks live here still. The view from the top runs over unbroken forest to the lagoons and the sea, with no settlement in sight, and elephants move through the surrounding jungle.

What to look for

• The summit stupa - a small dagoba on the bare rock top with forest all round.
• The cave shelters - over two hundred rock-cut cells across the site.
• The forest view - unbroken jungle running to the lagoons and the sea.
• The living hermitage - monks still resident in the forest.

When to go

April to September is the drier season on this coast. Mornings are coolest for the climb. The road in can be difficult after rain.

Things to know

The final climb is up bare rock with a rope in places and is exposed. Elephants use the area and walking the approach road is unwise. Facilities are none.

Nearby

Arugam Bay is north, and Kumana is south.

Key facts