About this experience
Aluviharaya, also called the Aluvihare Rock Temple, is a Buddhist cave temple in the Matale District. It sits among hills beside the Matale-Dambulla road, north of Kandy. Its story is traced to the 3rd century BC, when King Devanampiyatissa is believed to have built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling and founded the temple.
The site is famous as the place where the Pali Canon, the Tripitaka, was first written down in full. In the 1st century BC, under King Walagamba, famine and invasion made monks fear the teaching would be lost. About 500 of them are said to have met here to recite the doctrine, agree a text and cut it into ola leaves with a metal stylus.
On a visit you move between rock caves holding murals, Buddha statues and old inscriptions. A library on the grounds keeps manuscripts and objects tied to this heritage. The temple is still a place of pilgrimage, so dress modestly, take off shoes where asked and keep voices low.
Your entry comes as part of a guided visit. An English-speaking local guide meets you at the temple and explains the caves and the story of the scriptures. Booking through Lakpura means the ticket is arranged before you arrive.
