Matugama: Buddha Statue, Temple and Market

Culture and daily life in Matugama

Matugama can be explored through three specific points of interest: a tall standing Buddha statue, Ovitigala Sunandaramaya Temple in the surrounding area, and the Matugama Public Weekly Market. These attractions appeal to different interests. The statue is notable for its height and posture, as well as its comparison with Avukana; the temple is known for its murals; and the market has specified days of the week. This helps you distinguish between cultural interests and a visit that needs to be planned around the calendar.

Standing Buddha statue near Matugama

A 135-foot-tall standing Buddha statue stands on a hill near the Batamulla Kanda Buddhist Centre in Matugama. It resembles the standing Buddha statue at Avukana. Its height and posture give a clear impression of the monument; the comparison adds a second visual point of reference. So this is not only a large statue, but also one with a specifically noted resemblance that offers an additional point of interest for art- and culture-minded travelers.

One report dates its unveiling to 2016. This date adds a historical point of reference to the work. Its height, standing form and resemblance to Avukana, by contrast, describe the work itself.

Murals at Ovitigala

Ovitigala Sunandaramaya Temple is located in Ovitigala, in the surrounding area of Matugama. It is regarded as one of the most important temples where murals from the Dutch tradition of the Kandyan period can be seen. Here, the focus is not on dimensions or the form of a statue, but on the murals and their art-historical tradition. If you choose cultural sites based on the art they feature, this temple offers a different focus from the Buddha statue. The place name Ovitigala also helps with orientation: Sunandaramaya is in the area surrounding Matugama.

Take market days into account when planning your trip

The Matugama Public Weekly Market is listed as taking place on Wednesdays and Sundays. These two days of the week give you a specific calendar reference if you would like to include the market in your trip. Check local dates before you travel. Unlike the cultural attractions described here, visiting the market depends more on whether one of these days falls during your stay. The market day can therefore be a practical starting point for planning your time, while the main reason to visit the statue or temple is the cultural interest each offers.

The two cultural sites also differ in their locations. The statue stands on a hill near the Batamulla Kanda Buddhist Centre in Matugama; Ovitigala Sunandaramaya is located in the surrounding area and is associated with Ovitigala. This distinction is useful if you want to structure your trip around a place in the town itself or in the surrounding area. You can first decide whether to visit a site in Matugama itself or the temple nearby.

Discover more destinations: Beruwala, Neboda, Wadduwa, Panadura, Kalutara, Pelawatta, Bentota, Aluthgama.

Go to the main travel overview: Kalutara.