Overview
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a remarkable cave temple built into a large overhanging rock above the Mahaweli River, located approximately 6 kilometres northeast of Kandy. What makes Degaldoruwa exceptional — and largely overlooked in the standard Kandy itinerary — is its collection of 18th-century Kandyan-school paintings that cover the interior cave walls and ceiling in a continuous narrative spanning the life of the Buddha, scenes from the Jataka tales, and significant events from Sri Lankan Buddhist history. These paintings are among the finest surviving examples of the classical Kandyan painting tradition — vivid, sophisticated, and remarkably well-preserved despite their antiquity. The temple also contains a series of seated and reclining Buddha figures, stone carvings, and a beautifully maintained exterior courtyard. The approach along the river bank and the elevated setting of the cave create a journey with genuine dramatic impact.
Highlights
- 18th-century Kandyan-school paintings covering the entire cave interior
- Among the finest surviving examples of classical Buddhist mural art in Sri Lanka
- Rock cave shrine with seated and reclining Buddha figures
- Continuous narrative paintings covering the life of the Buddha
- Jataka tale illustrations with extraordinary detail and colour
- Elevated setting above the Mahaweli River with scenic surroundings
- Rarely visited by international tourists — an authentic discovery
- Significant artistic and historical value
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; morning light entering the cave illuminates the paintings best. Poya days for devotional atmosphere.
Activities
- Study and photography of the Buddhist mural paintings
- Buddhist pilgrimage and worship
- Walking the river approach
- Combined visit with other Kandy area temples
Suitable For
Art lovers, history scholars, Buddhist pilgrims, photographers, off-the-beaten-path culture travellers
Nearby Attractions
- Kandy City (15 min drive)
- Victoria Reservoir Viewpoints (20 min drive)
- Udawattakele Forest Reserve (20 min drive)
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (20 min drive)
- Heerassagala Hills (20 min drive)
Travel Tips
- Bring a torch to illuminate the darker sections of the cave paintings
- Photography is generally permitted — use no flash near the ancient murals
- The paintings require slow, careful observation to fully appreciate
- Remove shoes at the cave entrance
- Combine with a visit to the Mahaweli riverbank for a pleasant afternoon
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