Degaldoruwa Temple hidden frescoes near Kandy

Seen by 1,592 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
E
Ethan J.5875 rep2

I heard there is a cave temple near Kandy with incredible ancient paintings called Degaldoruwa. Is it open to the public and do I need a guide.

34

6 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Yes, Degaldoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the best-kept secrets in Kandy. It houses some of the finest Kandyan-era cave paintings in Sri Lanka, depicting Jataka tales. It is open to the public. You do not strictly need a guide, but finding the resident monk to unlock the inner cave doors might require a polite request. Leave a small donation in the box.

38
K
Kamal P.5430 rep1

The detail in the ceiling paintings is mind-blowing. Enjoy!

50
M
Mia S.5630 rep2

Take a tuk-tuk from Kandy center, it takes about 20 minutes. Ask the driver to wait for you.

49
A
Amali D.3620 rep1

Can you take photos inside the painted cave.

47
E
Ethan J.5875 rep2

You can take photos, but absolutely NO flash photography. The light damages the ancient natural pigments.

38
K
Kamal P.5430 rep1

I went there last month. We were the only tourists. It is so peaceful compared to the Temple of the Tooth.

33
M
Mia S.5630 rep2

Scam Watch: kandy

Gem Museum Commission ScamVerified

TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.

👍 38by virajperera
Unofficial Temple Guide ScamVerified

Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).

👍 34by virajperera
Report a scam →

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer
Browse all questions