Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple
Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
283 reviews
Excellent
129
Very good
114
Average
30
Poor
8
Terrible
2
Kai Wah
Malaysia3,824 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is another cave temple in between Dambulla and Kandy, but smaller scale as compared to Dambulla Golden Cave Temple and less tourists here. Lower entrance fee of LKR300 per person, but underwhelming effect as compared to Dambulla Golden Temple. It would be interesting if visiting this temple first, followed by Dambulla Golden Temple for the build up/ elevation effect of the overall impression. Some of the wall paintings focus on the after life depiction (which we didn’t take picture), such as punishment in hell (after life) which made us rather uncomfortable level. Hence, it was an average impression/ experience for us, especially after visiting Dambulla Golden Temple.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Knight And Family
Matale, Sri Lanka3 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a really good place to go and see some of the history of Buddhism if you are in the Dambulla /Aluvihare Region .Most people only come and stand outside and look at the statue on the hill ...but it is worth the time to go and look inside and it is Free so no need to pay to go in .
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charmi_13
Brisbane, Australia97 contributions
May 2024 • Family
I love this template. It is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka. Not sure why more tourists don't visit. This temple has cultural significance as it is the place Tripitakaya was transcribed on palm leaves (housed in the library on site).
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ishan Tours and Holidays
Matale, Sri Lanka90 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
This is a traditional and very important temple in sri lanka.its very important to buddhism.i visit with my family in poya day.its was crowded.its a rock ancient rock temple.
Written 10 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NMW
Sydney, Australia141 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Those who form opinions, deriding art and antiquity that has survived the ages, seem to find themselves looking at it constantly in Sri Lanka.
It was here before you arrived on Earth.
It will still be here after you depart Earth.
I've glazed over a couple of the review headings that are posted below. In short, go to Knox Berry Farm, Blackpool or EuroDisney if 'entertainment' is what you are after (if that's what entertainment is).
Alternatively, sit at home and interrogate your navel.
'Aluvihara' has an important history and is a learning centre for student Monks. Traditional 'Ola Leaf' manuscript writing, is taught here. 'Aluvihara' is not a specific trip on its own. Traveling north-south between Kandy and Sigiriya, one would stop at three specific places on the way south...
1. Dambulla Rock Temples
2. Nalanda
3. Aluvihara
... or of course, in reverse order if traveling north.
There are a number of organic Ayurvedic farms within close proximity to 'Aluvihara', if you have the time to visit. Otherwise, please give generously to this very active Monastery.
It was here before you arrived on Earth.
It will still be here after you depart Earth.
I've glazed over a couple of the review headings that are posted below. In short, go to Knox Berry Farm, Blackpool or EuroDisney if 'entertainment' is what you are after (if that's what entertainment is).
Alternatively, sit at home and interrogate your navel.
'Aluvihara' has an important history and is a learning centre for student Monks. Traditional 'Ola Leaf' manuscript writing, is taught here. 'Aluvihara' is not a specific trip on its own. Traveling north-south between Kandy and Sigiriya, one would stop at three specific places on the way south...
1. Dambulla Rock Temples
2. Nalanda
3. Aluvihara
... or of course, in reverse order if traveling north.
There are a number of organic Ayurvedic farms within close proximity to 'Aluvihara', if you have the time to visit. Otherwise, please give generously to this very active Monastery.
Written 8 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
y0rkshireh0lidaygirl
York, United Kingdom203 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
The walk to the top is easier on the slope than the steps. Stopping off seats for those less fit. Worth the effort as the rocks and caves that host the temples are spectacular. The paintings inside and the history of their origin make this a great visit. Prepare to cover up of course and the heat can be meltingly awful but still worth it. Local guide spoke good English , was knowledgeable and although it was very busy found our group of 8 great viewing spots.
Written 2 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bita A
Dhaka City, Bangladesh66 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
Many people confuse this with cave temple. But these 2 are different. as far as i remember from my study 'Aluvihara; means temple of ash. alu means ash. according to mythology there was a giant living at this place once upon a time. he used 3 rocks as his cooking pot. so there was ash.Later monks used them as shelter. Still there are rocks. u have to climb up. u can imagine those was giant's cooking pot!
we were there at "poya' means full moon. many people came for prayer wearing white dresses. we joined them, they dont mind. there is some peculiar cartoonish pics on wall describing punishments of sinners afterlife. i was wondering as far as i know Buddhism is not about crime and punishment. there is no hell or haven in Buddhism. i was confused and there was not to explain. from the the top u can enjoy the scenic beauty and a statue of Buddha from another hill which is very far.
we really appreciated local cone ice cream at the foot of the rock after get down.
we were there at "poya' means full moon. many people came for prayer wearing white dresses. we joined them, they dont mind. there is some peculiar cartoonish pics on wall describing punishments of sinners afterlife. i was wondering as far as i know Buddhism is not about crime and punishment. there is no hell or haven in Buddhism. i was confused and there was not to explain. from the the top u can enjoy the scenic beauty and a statue of Buddha from another hill which is very far.
we really appreciated local cone ice cream at the foot of the rock after get down.
Written 22 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,597 contributions
Nov 2018
The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple begins with the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, in the 3rd century BC. The temple has many caves with ancient inscriptions, newish ceiling paintings and impressive statues and images of Buddha. The main cave contains a large reclining statue of Buddha, together with standing and seated images, while in the entrance-way of another cave with a reclining statue of Buddha there are some strange and terrifying depictions of the hellish afterlife that awaits people who commits sins - images that I've seen in Christian churches, but never in a Buddhist temple before. There were no other tourists at the time of our visit, it was quiet and we took our time.. It's an interesting place, very much worth your visit....
Written 5 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muditha J
Colombo, Sri Lanka733 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
You can see the ancient views in this temple , it's really worth to visit to see how naturally located all those rocks and to see the historical things.
Written 23 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunnyW358
Albuquerque, NM6,539 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Sri Lanka has a special place in Theravada Buddhism because of the written scriptures stored in this temple. The original writings were destroyed by the British and new writings on ola leaves were done by the monks who had committed all these sutras to memory. There is so much history to this temple and it is recommended that one goes with a guide.
Temple also has impressive paintings and statues of the Buddha and his disciples. One has to remove shoes and hats and then climb hot cement/stone stairs to get to the top. It also gives a nice view of the area from the top.
At the end of the tour one gets to see how writings are done on ola leaves, which is quite interesting. A little souvenir of the guests' names on a piece of ola leaves is also a nice touch.
It is well worth a visit when passing through Matale to add to your knowledge of Theravada Buddhism.
Temple also has impressive paintings and statues of the Buddha and his disciples. One has to remove shoes and hats and then climb hot cement/stone stairs to get to the top. It also gives a nice view of the area from the top.
At the end of the tour one gets to see how writings are done on ola leaves, which is quite interesting. A little souvenir of the guests' names on a piece of ola leaves is also a nice touch.
It is well worth a visit when passing through Matale to add to your knowledge of Theravada Buddhism.
Written 23 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time is needed for visiting it?
Written 17 July 2017
Un'oretta max, noi l'abbiamo vista mentre andavamo da Dambulla verso Kandy. Non è grande. Ma è molto bello:)
Written 18 July 2017
Hi there
Some of the photos that have been posted by well meaning reviewers, are unfortunately posted in the wrong place.
Some of the photos posted at "Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple" are actually images from the 'Dambulla Rock Temple' and not "Aluvihara".
Can you please confirm;
1. "Dambulla Rock Temples" are in Dambulla, 30 mins south of Sigiriya?
2. "Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple" is in Matale, 60 mins north of Kandy City.
3. Would you kindly report to Tripadvisor, the photo posting errors, so that travellers don't become confused.
Thank you and best regards.
NN
Written 9 March 2015
Hi Bruce,
Please allow me to explain.
This review that we have contributed to, refers to a place called "Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple" located in Matale, North of Kandy, in Sri Lanka.
You have posted pictures of "Dambulla Cave Temple" located in Dambulla, which is just south of "Sigiriya".
(Two completely different locations and Temples)
You have not posted images of 'Aluvihara'. You have accidentally posted images of 'Dambulla'.
This review is about "Aluvihara"
If you would kindly remove your picture(s) as it misrepresents 'Aluvihara' as 'Dambulla'.
Best regards,
NN
Written 9 March 2015
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