Dimbulagala Dewagala Archaeological Ruins
- Dewagala is one of several ancient monastic sites spread across the Dimbulagala mountain range, dating back more than 2,000 years.
- The ruins lie deep within the dry-zone forest southeast of Polonnaruwa, surrounded by nature, monkeys, and birds — a peaceful archaeological treasure.
- Many caves at Dewagala contain Brahmi inscriptions carved into the stone, recording donations made by kings, monks, and lay devotees during the 3rd century BCE.
- The site once served as a hermitage for Buddhist monks, who lived in natural rock shelters to practice meditation and mindfulness in complete solitude.
- Traces of ancient murals and symbols can still be seen on the cave walls, showing the artistic and spiritual traditions of early Sri Lankan Buddhism.
- Excavations have uncovered terracotta fragments, pottery, and ruins of monastic buildings, revealing the advanced culture and daily life of the monks who lived here.
- Dewagala was part of a network of monasteries connected to Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara — an important spiritual and educational center in the Polonnaruwa era.
- Even today, pilgrims visit Dewagala to meditate, offer flowers, and light oil lamps, preserving its living spiritual atmosphere.
- Dewagala perfectly combines archaeology, history, and wilderness — a quiet reminder of Sri Lanka's ancient monastic civilization and harmony with nature..
