Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Viharaya

The complex of 99 rock caves is said to have served as a refuge for the exiled King Valagamba. Now an archaeological site, the Pilikuththuwa Viharaya is considered as one of the few Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, to posses a significant number of drip ledged rock caves. Many cave temples situated within the vicinity of the Viharaya are said to have formed a single major temple complex in the early Anuradhapura period. The temple also portrays our rich colonial history; from mural paintings influenced by the Portuguese to awasas (places where monks lived) built during the Dutch and British periods.