Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya: The 99 Caves of Antiquity

Tucked away in the hills of Gampaha, Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a massive archaeological complex dating back to the pre-Christian era. Legend has it that the temple provided refuge to King Walagamba during his time of exile.

A Landscape of Sacred Caves

The site is famous for having 99 natural rock caves that were converted into dwellings for Buddhist monks. Many of these caves still feature:

Ancient Drip Ledges: Carved to prevent rainwater from entering the caves.

Brahmi Inscriptions: Confirming the early donations of the caves to the Sangha.

Temple Murals: Intricate Kandyan-era frescoes depicting the life of Buddha.

The Mysterious Wooden Bridge

One of the unique features is an ancient wooden bridge (Edanda) made from a single massive trunk, believed to be centuries old. The temple grounds also feature a massive "Liana" (Walu-beela) tree that is estimated to be over 400 years old, creating a mystical, ancient atmosphere.

Reaching the Temple

Distance: 45 km from BIA or 35 km from Colombo.

Logistics: The drive through the village of Yakkala is scenic but narrow. A car rental with an experienced driver is recommended to navigate the rural roads and find the temple entrance easily.