Weherahena

Not far from Tangalle there is a unique temple called Weherahena Temple. It was founded in 1939, so it´s history isn´t very impressive, but it is one of the few temples which is built mainly underground.

The walls of the tunnels are decorated with so-called “jataka tales” – stories from the life or lives of the Buddha. Through the corridors, you can reach the 39-meter-high statue of the seated Buddha, and you can climb the stairs up to the height of his head, from where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding rice fields. The temple is located close to the town of Matara, so it is worthwhile to combine its visit with, for example, another temple directly in Matara or with the lighthouse in Dondra.