Mulkirigala Rock Temple

About this place

Mulkirigala Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple on a natural rock 205 m high in southern Sri Lanka, surrounded by four other rocks. Locals call it Little Sigiriya for the resemblance, and painted caves and small shrines sit on its rising terraces. The Mahavamsa chronicle says King Saddhatissa built it in the 3rd century, and successive kings supported it, with a stupa added under Dhatusena and further development under Kirti Sri Rajasinha in the 18th century. The Dutch called it Adam's Berg, as some Europeans mistakenly thought the tombs of Adam and Eve lay here. It was declared an archaeological site in 1988. You climb hundreds of stone steps through successive terraces, each with cave shrines with coloured walls, small temples and Bodhi trees. At the top are a small stupa and wide views over forest running towards the coast. The old stairs cut into the rock are among the steepest parts of the climb, so take your time on the narrow sections. The temple lies about 12.5 km from Tangalle and 16.1 km from Hummanaya Blowhole in a straight line. It is an active religious site, so remove shoes and hats at the shrines, cover shoulders and knees and do not pose with your back to Buddha images. Start in the morning to avoid the heat and bring water, as the steps can be slippery after rain.