Anamaduwa: Temples, Inscriptions and Weekly Market

Anamaduwa offers a range of points of interest for your trip: the Sathi Pola weekly market in town, Buddhist temples and rock sites in the surrounding area, and the Thonigala inscriptions near the town. For a clear overview, it is helpful to distinguish between these: the market is in Anamaduwa, while the temples and inscription sites mentioned are located in the surrounding area.

Temples and rock sites in the surrounding area

Near Anamaduwa is the Buddhist temple Paramakanda Viharaya, also known as the ancient Acchagiritissa-pabbata Viharaya. The temple complex is located on a rocky outcrop known as Paramakanda. The temple cave contains sculptures and paintings from the Kandyan tradition. East of the terrace stands a shrine with two statues carved from limestone, dating from the 8th century AD. The art in the cave and the dated statues offer different ways of understanding the site: one through an artistic tradition, the other through a specific date.

The grounds of Paramakanda Vihara also include sites designated as archaeological protected monuments: an ancient image house with paintings, a dagoba, caves with drip ledges, and a rock inscription. Another temple name associated with this area is Paramakanda Raja Maha Viharaya. This temple is on the opposite, northern side of the rock formation, northwest of Anamaduwa.

Thonigala: inscriptions and historical interpretations

The two early Brahmi Thonigala rock inscriptions are on a low rock near the town. According to the account, they report the donation of a nearby water reservoir to a Thero by Lord Tissa, son of Lord Abhaya. The account also mentions the donation of the ancient cities of Achanagaraka and Tawirikiya by King Gamini Abhaya in the 1st century AD.

The two stone inscriptions are described as the largest in Sri Lanka; each is said to be about 30 metres long. Thus, alongside the attributed historical content, the size of the rocks is also a focus. The stated length is approximate.

Weekly market and crafts

Sathi Pola is a weekly market in Anamaduwa. Its colourful stalls line Anamaduwa Road. The offerings include fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and other food, as well as toys, clothing, accessories and plants. Ingredients for Bulath Vita, a betel chew, are also available. If you would like to visit the market, it is best to check the current market day in advance.

In nearby Kumaragama, pottery has been practised as a trade for generations. This means two distinct themes can be found in the Anamaduwa area: the recurring market with its wide range of goods, and a craft that has been passed down as a livelihood through generations.

What shapes your search

When looking for a hotel in Anamaduwa, you can first consider whether the market in town or the temples, rock sites and inscriptions in the surrounding area are more important for your trip. This distinction clarifies the locations of the different points of interest and makes it easier to plan your stay.

At Paramakanda Temple, the ascent follows a well-maintained staircase through the monastery grounds. You can climb the granite rock without mountaineering experience. If you plan to make the climb, check access arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Etalai, Boraluwewa, Dankotuwa, Pallama, Kobeigane, Bandara Koswatta, Diyature, Dambadeniya

For the broader travel overview: North Western Province.