Heritage

Buddhist Ruins on the Habarana Rock (හබරන ගල මුදුනේ බෞද්ධ නටබුණ්)

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Dilapidated stupa at the top of the Habarana Rock with the Habarana Reservoir in the background.
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Discover the hidden ancient monastery atop Habarana Rock, overlooking the tranquil reservoir. Explore weathered stupas, Brahmi inscriptions, and serene rocky plains long forgotten by time. A secluded archaeological gem, it offers breathtaking views and a rare glimpse into Sri Lanka’s early monastic heritage.

Habarana is well known for its many tourist attractions, yet few are aware that the summit of Habarana Rock preserves the ruins of an ancient monastic complex.

The rock rises beside the Habarana Reservoir, located between the reservoir and the Hotel Habarana Village by Cinnamon. Its summit forms a wide rocky plain containing several natural ponds and the remains of a large stupa with an approximate circumference of 43 metres (140 feet). Although now heavily damaged and plundered, the stupa continues to be venerated by local villagers.

Near the upper end of the rock is an inscription of eleven Brahmi lines attributed to King Kanittha Tissa (192–194 CE). It records a method for measuring paddy harvested from fields belonging to specific individuals and details how grain tax was calculated for the reservoir. The inscription also outlines the distribution of this tax for the upkeep of the reservoir and associated monasteries.

There is also a traditional belief that this stupa marks the tomb of King Kashyapa (477–495 CE), though others maintain that his tomb lies at the foot of Pidurangala Rock. These claims remain unverified and are supported only by local folklore.

Habarana Rock can be accessed via the road leading to the Habarana Village Hotel or from the side of the Habarana Reservoir. To reach the reservoir approach, travel approximately 500 metres on the Maradankadawala Road from the Habarana Junction and take the narrow turning toward the reservoir bund.

Apart from its archaeological interest, the site offers an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Habarana Reservoir.

Dilapidated stupa at the top of the Habarana Rock

Habarana Reservoir seen from to top of the rock

A natural pond at the top of the Habarana Rock

References

Gunetilleke, N. (2016). Sigiriya & Beyond: To Dambulla, Habarana, Kekirawa, Galewela (1st ed.). Back of Beyond Sigiriya (Pvt.) Ltd.

Also See

Map of Buddhist Ruins on the Habarana Rock

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Travel Directions to Buddhist Ruins on the Habarana Rock

Route from Dambulla to Buddhist Ruins on the Habarana Rock

Through : Airport Highway – Negombo – Nattandiya – Kuliyapitiya – Panduwasnuwara – Kobeigane
Distance :22
Travel time : 0.30 hours.
Driving directions : see on google map

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