The Village Temples

The Wanawasa Raja Maha Viharaya is located on the eastern end of Benotota, alongside the lagoon. This Buddhist temple is of significance because of the this large building is full of statues, paintings, and an impressive replica of Adam’s peak which is equipped with a lever that visitors could tug to send a gush of water streaming down the mountainside. Visitors could also take a look inside the dried-up well located behind the current image house, and obtain a sneak peak at the remains of the underground temple which belonged to a bygone era.

Positioned close to the lagoon towards the south is Galapata Vihara, this temple dates back to the twelfth century and is rumoured to have been constructed by king Parakramabahu who built the kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The Galapata Vihara is said to have been linked by a web of profound tunnels with the other temples in the area.

Access: 10 minute drive from Bentota Beach Hotel.
Location: 2km from Bentota Beach Hotel.