The
cave complex that consists of the five viharayas has a spectacular setting on a
massive rock some 1118 ft. above sea level and surrounded by the plains of
Kurunegala on one side and the rock of Sigiriya and the mountain of Ritigala on
the other.
The rock which soars upwards some 600 ft above the surrounding plains at one point, gape and enfolds to creates the caverns that mother the caves. Almost as if in thanksgiving to nature’s gift the cave temples celebrate – a veritable art gallery filled with thousands of images of the Lord Buddha in sculptures and paintings.
Today
the pilgrim or tourist in you will not be disappointed. The sloping rock
leading towards the holy precincts only will serve to heighten the sense of
reverence and excitement. In front of the caves is a pleasantly paved midula.
The cavern itself extends to some 170 feet with a breadth of about 75 feet and
a height of about 20 feet in front receding to the back till it meets the
ground. There are four big caves and two smaller ones.
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