Skip to content
Religious & Spiritual

Henanegala Len Viharaya

Eastern Province, Ampara

Open in Maps
Free Entry Historical Religious

Cave Temple of the East

Henanegala Len Viharaya ('Len' meaning cave) is a rock shelter temple that has served Buddhist monks and devotees for over 2,000 years. The main cave houses a reclining Buddha statue and walls decorated with paintings from various historical periods.

Features

Ancient Brahmi inscriptions on the cave walls confirm the site's antiquity. The paintings, while not as extensive as Dambulla or Sigiriya, are historically significant as examples of Buddhist art in the eastern region. A drip ledge carved above the cave entrance channels rainwater away from the interior.

Visiting

Located in the Ampara District, accessible by local transport. The temple is active — visit respectfully. No entrance fee. Remove shoes before entering the shrine cave.