Sasseruwa Buddha Reswehera
A serene ancient monastery with a magnificent rock-cut Buddha statue, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Sasseruwa Buddha Reswehera
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene ancient monastery with a magnificent rock-cut Buddha statue, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage.
"Remarkably well-preserved, retaining ancient charm with minimal modern construction."
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
Opt for a higher clearance vehicle due to rough roads. 🚗
💧 Fuel Up Before You Go
Limited services nearby, so ensure your fuel tank is full. :fuelpump:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 237 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock-Cut Buddha Statue
Upper section of the site
A magnificent, ancient Buddha statue carved directly into a large rock face, similar to Avukana.
Ancient Meditation Caves
Mid-section of the site
Explore the caves once used by monks for meditation, offering a glimpse into monastic life.
Sacred Bodhi Tree
Near the shrine
A sacred Bodhi tree, believed to be a sapling from Anuradhapura's Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Timing & Access to Caves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
Opt for a higher clearance vehicle due to rough roads. +1 🚗
💧 Fuel Up Before You Go
Limited services nearby, so ensure your fuel tank is full. :fuelpump:
🙏 Ask Monks About Caves
Cave temples might be closed; politely ask monks to open them. +1 🙏
🐘 Wildlife Awareness
Be cautious of wild elephants, especially in the evening. Avoid dark hours. 🐘
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
Opt for a higher clearance vehicle due to rough roads. +1 🚗
💧 Fuel Up Before You Go
Limited services nearby, so ensure your fuel tank is full. :fuelpump:
🙏 Ask Monks About Caves
Cave temples might be closed; politely ask monks to open them. +1 🙏
🐘 Wildlife Awareness
Be cautious of wild elephants, especially in the evening. Avoid dark hours. 🐘
👟 Prepare for Stairs
A long staircase leads to the main Buddha statue. Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
Explore the entire site in about 30 minutes, making it a good stop. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sasseruwa Buddha Reswehera is praised for its well-preserved ancient structures and serene, less-crowded atmosphere, offering a genuine glimpse into Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage. While the challenging road access and potential closure of cave temples are noted drawbacks, the magnificent rock-cut Buddha statue and peaceful environment make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking authenticity.
"This is a must-visit place if you love exploring less crowded and less developed monasteries in Anuradhapura. Most of the buildings are remarkably well-preserved, retaining their ancient charm with minimal modern construction. Compared to other Buddhist temples in the area, access can be a bit challenging, but the peaceful atmosphere and historical authenticity make it well worth the effort.
If you’re also planning to visit Avukana, you can easily add Res Wehera to your itinerary. It’s about a one-hour drive from Avukana, whether you take the Thalwa side or Dambulla side. The road conditions are quite poor, so it’s best to avoid driving with a lower-clearance vehicle, and make sure your fuel level is adequate. There’s a long staircase to reach the main statue, so be prepared for that. The shrine is located in the middle, with the carved Buddha statue at the top. It takes about 30 minutes to explore the entire site, making it a quick but worthwhile stop.
Public bus transportation is also available, making the journey more accessible for those who prefer not to drive. Be careful about wild elephants, especially in the evening, and avoid traveling after dark.
When I visited, the cave temples were closed, but I believe you can request the monks to open them if you’re really keen on exploring. I highly recommend doing this at the start of your visit if you want to see everything!"
Dilanka Bandara
"Prehistoric religious place sitivated close to kurunagala. Many rock caves are there which used by monks for stay. Still remaing the old structures bulit by first time. Very big buddha statue engraved on the stone. Should have visited"
Anushka Hapuhinna
"If you are going to visit Aukana, you can also visit here. However the last 4-5 km of the road from Bulnewa side is really offroad. If you drive carefully can be managed by a car. Visiting only for this is not worth it.
When we visited it, image houses were closed. But the friendly monks in the monastery might probably open it for you if you ask. We didnt.
Location is nice and away from everyday noises and pollution. We were the only one there when we visited it."
Niroshan Senadheera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is accessible by car, but the last 4-5 km from the Bulnewa side are rough and off-road. +1 A vehicle with higher clearance is recommended. Public bus transportation is also available, with a dedicated SLTB bus service connecting to Galgamuwa.
It's about an hour's drive from Avukana.
The access road can be difficult, especially the final stretch which is described as 'really offroad'. +1 Driving carefully with a car is possible, but a higher clearance vehicle is preferable.
Yes, public bus transportation is available. There's a dedicated SLTB bus service that serves the temple, making it accessible for those who prefer not to drive.
You can approach from the Thalwa or Dambulla side, with the road conditions being poor on both. The Bulnewa side has particularly challenging off-road sections.
Yes, vehicle parking is available at the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding ticket prices is not readily available, suggesting it might be free or donation-based. It's advisable to check on-site or with local guides.
Specific opening hours are not widely published. However, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours and avoid traveling after dark due to potential wildlife. +1
The cave temples may be closed. Visitors have reported success in asking the resident monks to open them, especially if you inquire early in your visit. +1
No specific entrance fee is mentioned in traveler accounts, suggesting it might be a free-access site or operate on donations. +1
Visiting in the morning generally offers a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions include a large rock-cut Buddha statue, ancient meditation caves, ruins of stupas, and a sacred Bodhi tree. The site offers a serene and historically authentic atmosphere.
Most visitors find that exploring the entire site takes about 30 minutes, making it a worthwhile stop.
Yes, it's a relatively quick visit, taking around 30 minutes to see the main features. It's often combined with visits to nearby sites like Avukana.
+1
The atmosphere is described as serene, peaceful, and away from everyday noises and pollution. It offers a tranquil glimpse into Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.
Compared to other monasteries, it's less crowded. Some visitors have reported being the only ones there during their visit.
🎫 🐘 Wildlife & Safety
Travelers are advised to be cautious of wild elephants, especially in the evening, and to avoid traveling after dark.
Wild elephants are present in the area, particularly in the evenings. It's best to be vigilant and avoid the site after sunset.
It is not recommended to visit after dark due to the potential presence of wild elephants and limited visibility.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit