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Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya
An ancient Buddhist temple famous for the Bogoda Wooden Bridge, the oldest of its kind in Sri Lanka. This sacred site, dating back to the 1st century BC, features a cave temple with intricate Kandyan-era paintings and a legendary tunnel system.
4.5
65 reviews
Details of Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya & Wooden Bridge
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Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Free parking lot
Overview - Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya
The Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple located near Hali-Ela in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka. It is most famous for the Bogoda Wooden Bridge, which spans the Gallanda Oya. Built in the 16th century during the Dambadeniya era, this roofed wooden bridge is considered the oldest surviving structure of its kind in the country. It was constructed using Jack fruit logs and Kumbuk timber, showcasing traditional carpentry skills without the use of iron nails.
The temple itself dates back to the 1st century BC, to the time of King Walagamba. The cave temple features elaborate murals and statues typical of the Kandyan era. Legend also speaks of a secret tunnel used by the king to escape enemies, which connects this temple to the Dowa Rock Temple in Bandarawela. The site offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery.
Tags/ Categories
Highlights
Bogoda Wooden Bridge
Cave Temple Murals
King Walagamba Tunnel
Gallanda Oya River
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Navigations
Navigations
Ketawala, Bogoda Bridge Rd, Hali-Ela, Badulla District, Sri Lanka.
Reviews
Ishan Sellahewa
Bogoda Temple and Wooden Bridge is a historic place near Haliela, Badulla, Sri Lanka. The Bogoda Temple is over 2,000 years old and has beautiful old paintings and traditional designs. Next to it is the Bogoda Wooden Bridge, the oldest...
6 months ago
Sarath Kumara Abeywickrama
Bogoda Raja Maha Vihara is famous for its wooden bridge of the Kandyan era. It is the oldest wooden bridge in the world. It is in Hali-Ela in Badulla. The bridge was built across the Gallanda Oya which is a branch of the Uma Oya. It is...
6 years ago
Udana Edirisinghe
Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya is situated off the Hali-Ela Junction (approximately 10km) and the road was not much comfortable but can be accessed with out a hazel. Even though the temple is famous for its wooden bridge which was built in 17th century BC...
6 years ago
Ashz Athukorala
The Bogoda Buddhist temple is an ancient temple. It is from the 1st century BC, during the period of the Anuradapura era. The temple was built per the instructions of King Valagamba. Inside of the temple were elaborate lovely paintings.
7 years ago