Tantirimale rock temple northwest of Anuradhapura worth the detour for a quiet ancient site

Heritage guide so the Tantirimale picture a wonderful quiet gem What it is TANTIRIMALE (northwest of Anuradhapura) is a remote ancient rock temple of real historical depth it is associated with EARLY Buddhist history (legend links it to the route of the sacred Bo sapling Sangamitta is said to have rested here carrying the Bodhi tree branch so it is tied to the arrival of Buddhism) the site spreads over a rocky outcrop with a large impressive rock cut RECLINING BUDDHA and a SEATED Buddha carved from the living rock an ancient STUPA and shrines among the boulders What is special the rock cut Buddha statues (serene and ancient) the ancient dagoba the atmospheric BOULDER strewn setting the deep early history and above all the SOLITUDE it is a place of quiet sacred antiquity far from the crowds How remote genuinely OFF the trail (northwest of Anuradhapura toward the Wilpattu side) few tourists make it here so it is wonderfully peaceful Will you have it to yourself LIKELY YES that is the appeal you may share it with only a few local pilgrims a serene contrast to the busy main sites Combining with Anuradhapura it is a side trip from ANURADHAPURA (northwest of the city) so pair it with the sacred city (the Anuradhapura threads) as a half day detour or en route toward Wilpattu a car or driver gets you there (it is remote) June note the dry zone (north central and northwest) is reasonable in June (less monsoon affected than the southwest and hills though some rain possible the seasonal threads) fine for visiting So yes Tantirimale is worth the detour for a lover of quiet ancient sites a remote rock temple with rock cut reclining and seated Buddhas an ancient stupa and deep early Buddhist history in a peaceful boulder strewn setting that you will likely have nearly to yourself pair it as a side trip from Anuradhapura a serene off track treasure