Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya is a serene forest temple steeped in Sinhalese Buddhist tradition, offering visitors a quiet, less-touristed glimpse into rural Sri Lanka's living monastic heritage.

Why visit Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya

• Cave with Writing Monk Carving - The entrance of cave temple number one features a distinctive Korawakgala carving depicting a Buddhist monk engaged in writing, fueling local beliefs about the Jathaka tales' composition here.
• Kandyan and Contemporary Art - The main cave shrine houses a collection of Buddha statues and diverse artwork that spans both the traditional Kandyan style and more recent artistic expressions.
• Historical Royal Connections - The temple is mentioned in ancient chronicles and is believed to have received royal patronage during the Dambadeniya era, even providing accommodation for monks en route to Kandy in the 14th century.
• Nineteenth-Century Rock Inscription - Adjacent to the main cave, a rock inscription from the 19th century provides historical information about land donations made to the temple.