Kumbalwela Forestry Area
★ 4.6 ｜ 168 reviews
Lush pine forest · Scenic hill views · Quiet hiking paths
📍 V2GG+XX, Kumbalwela, Sri Lanka
The full picture
This hilltop Buddhist monastery is a spiritual sanctuary known for its panoramic mountain views and dedicated spaces for meditation.
It suits spiritual seekers, those interested in Buddhist teachings, and travelers looking for a quiet escape near Ella.
Early mornings are ideal for catching the misty hillside views before potential crowds arrive.
💡 The access road is steep and currently in poor condition, so take care if driving your own vehicle.
Visitors love
- breathtaking mountain views
- serene meditation environment
- well-maintained grounds
- wheelchair accessible
- welcoming monks
Some note
- rough road conditions
- can get very crowded
- strict no-phone policy inside
- difficult driving access
Good to know
- is it good for kids?
- Not mentioned in reviews
- is it OK on a rainy day?
- Not mentioned in reviews
- how long to stay?
- Not mentioned in reviews
- is a reservation needed?
- Not mentioned in reviews
Visitor reviews
★★★★★
Very peaceful temple with breathtaking views. You can go to the top most stop if you are coming by a car or a van and there is a parking area as well. Wheelchair accessible temple.
★★★★
Very beautiful Sri lankan temple on top of a mountain and very calm and beautiful place, but you have to go on a very hard road to get in to the temple (road is under construction). 😊
I met some foreigners came to meditate and learn about Buddhism. 🙏
★★★★★
Kumbalwela Mahamevnawa Monastery is a peaceful and spiritually uplifting place located near Ella. Surrounded by lush greenery and misty hills, it offers a serene environment ideal for meditation and reflection. The monastery is well-maintained, and the monks are welcoming and kind. Visitors can learn about Buddhist teachings and experience a sense of calm away from the busy world. It’s a perfect spot for anyone seeking inner peace or wanting to explore Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage.
★★★★★
The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Kumbalwela, near Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, is a serene sanctuary dedicated to meditation and the teachings of the Buddha. Perched atop a hill, the monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, providing an ideal environment for spiritual reflection.
Established as part of the global Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery network, founded in 1999 by Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, this monastery aims to preserve and disseminate the original teachings of the Buddha. The network comprises over 80 branches in Sri Lanka and around 40 overseas,
★★★
Crowded...If you want to see the artificial beauty the place was suitable. But considering the fact about worshipping the buddha hear extremely hard because of the crowd.And you can't even use your mobile phones inside the place where the drawings and buddha statue. Talking about myself I got distracted and stress I just went out nearly fifteen minutes as I remember. Be aware of your own vehicle. The road wasn't good. While entering the place a van that was behind our vehicle got cracked into a bus and the rock as well.