- Adam's Peak
- Bogoda Bridge and the Temple
- Buduruwagala
- Dowa Cave Temple
- Maligawila and Dambegoda
- Muthiyangana
- Temple of Tooth
Adam's Peak is an ancient pilgrimage that is considered sacred by Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It is a conical mountain 2,243 meters high. It is believed that Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka placed his footprint on the summit of this sacred mountain. So, the name Sripada-the sacred footprint. Muslims believe the footprint to be that of Adam (hence the name Adam's Peak); Christians, that of St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus; and Hindus, that of the god Siva.
This pilgrimage usually takes place about the month of April, which is the dry season just before the southeast monsoon breaks. Pilgrims try to reach the peak before dawn, as the view of sunrise from the peak is spectacular. There are several approaches to reach the peak. The main ones being through the Hatton town and Ratnapura District.
Bogoda Bridge and the Temple
Bogoda, with its ancient temple and wooden bridge lies some 30km from Bandarawela and 10 km from Badulla, off the Hali-ela junction. Believed to be the oldest surviving wooden bridge in the world, the Bogoda Bridge dates back to the 1600s, but the temple just by it, has a much longer history, going back to the 1st century BC. The bridge built across the Gallanda Oya is on an ancient route, which linked Badulla and Kandy. The bridge is elegantly supported by 11 pairs of elegantly carved pillars and a railing of banisters.
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is located 5km south of Wellawaya. Literally it means images of Buddha. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to 10 century AD. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.
Dowa Cave Temple
Dowa Cave Temple is located 6km from Bandarawela on Badulla-Bandarawella highway. Nestled amidst the hills, the historic cave temple complex was once the sanctuary for King Walagamba. The temple has a beautiful ornamental gateway that attracts visitors. It has a 38 ft Buddha image sculptured from a rock and some paintings belonging to the Kandyan era, depicting various Jataka stories.
Maligawila and Dambegoda
Maligawila-located about 15 km to the south of Monaragala-is famous for the two colossal statues of Buddha dating back to 7th century AD. Both the statues are carved from crystalline limestone. One of the statues is 11m high and is considered to be the world's largest free standing Buddha figure.
About 1km from Maligawila is Dambegoda where another statue of Buddha, which is 10m high and called Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva-a divine being who chooses to reside on the human plane to help ordinary people attain salvation-is located.
Muthiyangana
Muthiyangana is one of the sixteen most venerated religious places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It has a shrine that was built in 4 century AD and houses the jaw-bone of Lord Buddha. It is believed that the Lord Buddha personally blessed this site during one of his three visits to Sri Lanka.
Temple of Tooth
Temple of Tooth also known as Dalda Maligawa is located in the city of Kandy. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and houses the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha. The tooth was said to be taken from the flames of Buddha's funeral pyre in 543 BC and was smuggled into Sri Lanka during the 4th century AD, hidden in the hair of princess.
The temple took nearly 100 years to construct. The construction was started in 1687 and finished in 1782. It is an imposing pink-painted structure, surrounded by a deep moat. . Daily rituals are performed three times a day-at 4.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m and 6.30 p.m. respectively. Person wearing shorts is not allowed to enter in this temple and shoes must be removed before entering.