Kudumbigala is believed to be not only the largest set of cave-temples, but it also forms the largest natural Lying Buddha in the world! Currently around 20 caves are being used for meditation, , but some say there were more than 500 in ancient times. The site is divided into four sections; “Big Sadersena Cave” or Maha Sadersena Lena, “Center Place” or Madyamandalya, the “Cool Water Pond”, and the “Baloon Rock” or Baloon Galla. Because they are located 30 km northwestof Arugam Bay, we drive through Yala East National Park – where elephants, birds and peacocks are usually seen – to get there.

Very close to Kudumbigala, a beautiful Hindu temple secretly hides in Okanda Village. Here is where the Kataragama pilgrimage starts, attracting more than 30 thousand Sri Lankans and tourist for one week in July.

On Fridays and other special occasions the Hindu priest performs a traditional chanting ceremony. If you are lucky, you might go home protected against the destroying power of Shiva