Buduruwagala Rock Carvings

Buduruwagala: Rock carvings near Wellawaya

Buduruwagala means 'The Rock of Buddhist Sculptures'. It has seven large statues of the Mahayana school of Buddhism carved into one rock face, dating from the 9th or 10th century. The site is in a quiet forest area near a lake.

What to see

The main figure is a standing Buddha, 51 feet (16 metres) tall. It is described as the largest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.

Attendant figures: On each side of the main Buddha are groups of three statues, representing Bodhisattvas and other deities.

Original plaster: In places there are traces of the white plaster and orange paint that once covered the carvings.

Oil lamp carving: One carving on the rock face is of an oil lamp, which is said to give off a faint smell of mustard oil.

Getting there by car

Buduruwagala is 195 km (121 miles) from the airport, a drive of 4.5 to 5 hours. The site is 5 km off the main Wellawaya-Hambantota road. If you [rent a car in Sri Lanka](/rent-a-car-sri-lanka), it adds about a 45-minute detour when you travel between Ella and the southern beaches.

Before you go

Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Entry: LKR 500 (Approximate for foreigners).

Walking: It is a very short walk from the parking area to the carvings.

Photos: The light on the rock face is best in the early morning, by 8:00 AM, or in the late afternoon.

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Traveler FAQ for Buduruwagala Rock Carvings

When is the best time to take photos?

The light on the rock face is best in the early morning, by 8:00 AM, or in the late afternoon.

Is there much walking?

No. It is a very short walk from the parking area to the carvings.

Can I stop here on the way to the south?

Yes. It adds about a 45-minute detour when you travel between Ella and the southern beaches.

How tall is the main Buddha statue?

The central standing Buddha is 51 feet (16 metres) tall and is described as the largest standing statue in Sri Lanka.

Which school of Buddhism do the carvings belong to?

They are Mahayana Buddhist sculptures, dating from the 9th or 10th century.

What is the mustard oil smell?

One carving on the rock face is said to give off a faint smell of mustard oil.

Plan your trip to Buduruwagala Rock Carvings

Reach Buduruwagala Rock Carvings in your own car or with an English-speaking driver from H.B.S. Rent a Car Sri Lanka.

Buduruwagala Rock Carvings