Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya

Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a very old and beautiful cave temple located in the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. It is spread across about 200 acres of land and is famous for having nearly 99 natural caves. Long ago, this place served as a home for Buddhist monks and a hiding spot for kings. The temple is surrounded by green forests, big rocks, and peaceful nature making it a perfect place for anyone who loves history and quiet environments.

📌Why Should You Visit

This temple is special because it is one of the largest cave complexes in the Western Province. Here is why you should go.

🌟 Rich History: It dates back to the time of King Valagamba, who hid here during wars.

🌟 Nature & Wildlife: You can see many birds, butterflies, and even monkeys in the surrounding forest.

🌟 Adventure: There is a great hiking path that leads to the top of a rock with a stunning view.

🌟 Ancient Art: The temple has beautiful paintings from the Kandyan and colonial periods.

📌Other Important Details

➡️ The Name: The name “Pilikuththuwa” is said to come from the word for “clothes.” Legend says the king and queen stored their royal clothes in these caves.

➡️ Ancient Inscriptions: You can find old writings on the rocks that tell us how the caves were given to monks thousands of years ago.

➡️ Giant Creeper: There is a famous giant creeper (Pus-wela) here that is over 500 years old! It looks like a huge rope hanging between the trees.

📌Things to Do There

✅ Hike to the Summit: Walk through the jungle path to reach the top of the rock for a view of Colombo and the surrounding hills.

✅ Visit the Wooden Bridge: See the ancient wooden bridge built during the Kandyan era.

✅ Explore the Caves: Walk around to find the numbered caves with “drip ledges” (gutters carved into the rock to keep rain out).

✅ Meditate: The area is very quiet, making it a great spot for some peace of mind.

📌How to Get There

The temple is about 10 km away from Gampaha town.

🚌 By Bus: From Gampaha, take a bus heading towards Kirindiwela or Waturugama (Route 205). Get off at the “Pilikuththuwa” junction.

🚗 By Car: Drive along the Colombo - Kandy road and turn at the Miriswatta Junction. Follow the road for about 4 km to reach the temple.

📌What Experience Can Visitors Get

Visitors will feel like they have stepped back in time. You will experience.

➕ A sense of peace and calm away from the noisy city.

➕ A mix of spirituality and adventure as you visit the shrine and then climb the rocks.

➕ A deep connection with Sri Lankan heritage by seeing how people lived in caves long ago.

📌Important Tips and Guides

⚠️ Dress Code: Since this is a sacred temple, please wear modest white clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

⚠️ Footwear: Wear good shoes if you plan to hike, as the rocks can be very slippery after rain.

⚠️ Protection: Bring water and some insect repellent, as there are many mosquitoes in the forest.

⚠️ No Littering: Do not leave plastic or trash behind. Help keep this ancient forest clean.

⚠️ Stay Quiet: Be respectful to the monks who live and meditate there.

Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to learn about ancient kings, see beautiful forest views.