Getabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya

The Hill Country


This superb early-17th-century rock temple is just west of Kotapola, 11km south of Deniyaya. There's a steep access road then steps up to the site, which has a seated gilded Buddha and a small stupa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Hill Country attractions

1. Kolawenigama Temple

2 MILES

The Kolawenigama Temple, 6km southwest of Deniyaya, is of modest proportions, but has a unique structure that resembles Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth…

2. Kiruwananaganga Falls

2.14 MILES

The impressive Kiruwananaganga Falls, some of the largest in Sri Lanka (60m high in stages and up to 60m wide during the height of the rainy season), are…

3. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

8.96 MILES

The Sinharaja (Lion King) rainforests occupy a broad ridge at the heart of the island’s wet zone. The only way to get about the reserve is by foot, and…

4. Mulkirigala Rock Temples

17.79 MILES

Dangling off a rocky crag 16km northwest of Tangalla and nestled away among a green forest of coconut trees are the peaceful rock temples of Mulkirigala…

5. Kottawa Conservation Forest

20.06 MILES

This 14-hectare wet evergreen forest about 19km northeast of Galle has walking tracks, but traffic noise (and rubbish) are an issue and you'll probably…

6. Elephant Transit Home

21.3 MILES

This complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants…

7. Handunugoda Tea Estate

22.33 MILES

This exquisite tea plantation in the hills above Koggala offers (free) highly informative tours of the estate. You'll sample and learn how they produce…

8. Weherahena Temple

23.15 MILES

On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like…