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Kumbalwela Asapuwa
Rated 4.7 stars by visitors, this serene hilltop monastery is a hidden gem near Ella. Famous for its striking white stupa and breathtaking panoramic views of the Namunukula mountain range, it offers a peaceful sanctuary for meditation, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection.
4.7
1,200 reviews
Details of Kumbalwela Asapuwa (Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery)
Open now
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Free parking lot
Overview - Kumbalwela Asapuwa
Perched majestically on a misty hilltop in the Uva Province, Kumbalwela Asapuwa (Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery) offers a divine blend of spiritual tranquility and natural splendor. Often referred to as 'Sri Satbudu Maha Seya Viharaya', the complex is renowned for its magnificent white stupa and seven statues dedicated to the Buddhas of the past. The monastery's architecture seamlessly integrates with the lush green surroundings, providing visitors with a cool, serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection. Located just a short drive from Ella, the journey up the winding roads rewards travelers with sweeping panoramic views of the Namunukula mountain range and the valleys below. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveler chasing beautiful landscapes, the peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas make this monastery a must-visit spiritual landmark in Sri Lanka.
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Highlights
Sri Satbudu Maha Seya
Panoramic Mountain Views
Meditation Halls
Intricate Shrine Carvings
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Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Kumbalwela, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Reviews
František
We've visited the Monastery as a group of friends - surfers. We've been offered a guided tour around the Monastery by one of the monks, who introduced us to principles of buddhism, then showed us the surroundings of the Monastery, such as monks' houses and then we had a meditation together at the top of the hill. It was great experience. The whole thing take around 3 hours.
a month ago
sabrina6466
Beautiful monastery of recent construction, built in a panoramic position near the town of Ella. Spacious, colorful, rather busy but quiet, atmospheric
7 months ago
Sandrine D
Visited on a Sunday evening at 6pm during a prayer... it was just mesmerizing, transcendent, magical... I don’t know what words were used but... whaouu! We took full eyes and full ears. The view of the valley is also splendid! It's worth a visit.
10 months ago
Sarah H
Crowded but worth it. The view is awesome and the monestry is very pretty. Better to go by scooter than by Tuctuc since you get up quicker, there's a lot of traffic
a year ago
Lieuwe R
A beautiful temple perched on top of a hill with incredible views of the surrounding countryside. It’s free to enter and wander around. The temple is very beautiful and quite opulent with paintings and colourful sculptures. The temple is new and in the process of being built so there is scaffolding and lots of people painting, woodworking and cleaning up, but this doesn’t particularly detract from its beauty.
a year ago
Eva T
This temple is a huge prestige project that many Buddhists worldwide contribute to and build. Work is still in progress, it should be ready in a month. It has become a beautiful and enormous structure, with hand-painted frescoes, large Buddha statues and beautiful decorations of elephants and swans. Built for eternity.
a year ago
Ranga Wijesekara
Visiting this Monastery was a great experience in my life as it was place with most Spectacular views from the top of hill and much of natural beauty. The place allows oneself to find freedom in oneself and also enables one to open the eye of Wisdom with the Dhamma discussions one can have there.
2 years ago
Anastasia K
During the reconstruction of the temple, there were very beautiful views, the elements of the entire temple were made by hand, friendly staff and monks with perfect English. A place of spirituality and tranquility.
a year ago