Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara
An old temple among granite boulders a few kilometres inland of Unawatuna, with a reclining Buddha, painted walls and a Bodhi tree tradition.
What Yatagala actually is
Yatagala is a Buddhist temple built around and between large granite boulders in the hills inland of Unawatuna, roughly 4 to 6 km from the beach depending on the source. Tradition says it was founded in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, when a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi from Anuradhapura was planted here, which would make it about 2,300 years old. That is temple tradition rather than excavated fact.
The image house holds a reclining Buddha, with murals of scenes from the Buddha’s life and Kandyan-era floral designs on the ceiling. Its length is quoted as both about 9 m and about 27 m, so we give no figure. Temple tradition links the statue to King Parakramabahu II in the 13th century. Four large boulders form a natural cave that is used as a meditation hall.
Later kings of Kandy are said to have given the temple land, and the site is now a protected sacred area that has been restored. It is a working temple, so visitors fit around the monks rather than the other way round.
Worth your attention
The reclining Buddha
In the image house, with murals around it. Check its size by eye; sources disagree.
The painted walls and ceiling
Scenes from the Buddha’s life and Kandyan-style floral patterns overhead.
The boulder cave
Four granite boulders forming a meditation hall with a seated Buddha.
The Bodhi tree
A sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi is said to have been planted here; the tree is fenced and revered.
Before you go
Do this
- Cover shoulders and knees and leave shoes at the entrance.
- Allow time for the climb up to the temple.
- Look closely at the murals; they are the main reason to visit.
- Make a small donation at the shrine.
- Combine it with a ride through the paddy fields or Fort Bazaar.
Know this first
- The site is lightly documented; hours, fees and the Buddha’s length are not reliably published.
- The ‘2,300 years’ claim is tradition, not an excavated date.
- It is a working temple, so keep quiet and ask before photographing monks.
- Reaching it needs a tuk-tuk or bicycle; there is little public transport.
Getting to Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara
Most people see Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara as part of a stay around Unawatuna. Our Unawatuna guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Unawatuna — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Unawatuna guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara — frequently asked
What is Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara?
A Buddhist temple among granite boulders near Unawatuna, with a reclining Buddha and old murals, said to date to Devanampiyatissa’s reign.
How old is Yatagala temple?
Tradition says about 2,300 years, tied to a Sri Maha Bodhi sapling. This is local tradition rather than a dated excavation.
How big is the reclining Buddha?
Sources differ widely, from about 9 m to about 27 m. Look at it in person rather than trusting either figure.
Is there an entrance fee?
No fee is listed in sources we found, though donations are accepted. Cover your knees and shoulders.
Also worth stopping for around Unawatuna
Build Yatagala Raja Maha Vihara into your route
Send your dates and the places that matter. We come back with a day-by-day plan, honest driving times and a fixed price.
Start planning on WhatsApp