Distance from Ampara – 26.1 km (33 minutes)

Introduction to Piyangala Forest Hermitage

The Piyangala Forest Hermitage is a vast area that consists of ancient ruins of a Buddhist monastic complex located approximately 26 km from Ampara. The ruins consist of more than 50 caves with drip ledges which indicate that these caves were home to Buddhist priests back in the day.

Ruins of Piyangala Forest Hermitage

Severla brahmi inscriptions have also been discovered at the hermitage, out of which two are considered to be of great importance according to historian Professor Senarath Paranawithana. These inscriptions speak of a cave by a relation of Rajithaa who was the queen of King Dutugemunu. The other by a daughter of the king who was married to Parumaka Duta.

Getting to Piyangala Forest Hermitage

From Ampara travel along the Ampara – Uhana – Maha Oya Highway passing Uhana, Weranketagoda, and Gonagolla to reach the Piyangala Forest Hermitage which is located approximately 26 km from Ampara.

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