Mahamevnawa Polgahawela is a very large, active Theravada Buddhist Monastery about 2.5 hours from Colombo. It is home to over 100 monks. There are many things for visitors to see and do. Monks are available to speak with in English for tours or to answer questions about Meditation.
It is an easy side trip from Colombo to Pinnawala, Kandy or Anuradhapura.
Things to See and Do
- See the Sacred Gautama Buddha Mansion (learn more)
- See the Dhammachakkha Stupa
- Sacred Bodhi Tree Complex
- Browse the bookshop with large selection of English Dhamma Books (view catalog)
- Go on a guided or self-guided tours in English
- Speak with a monk in English about Buddhism or meditation (learn more)
- Make offerings at the shrines (learn how)
- Help offer food to the monks at 10:45 (learn how)
- Join with the evening chanting at 6:00 pm (learn more)
- Get a blessing thread from the monks (learn how)
Open Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 8 am to 7.30 pm
(Inside Buddha Mansion closed Mondays for cleaning)
Saturday & Sunday: 6 am to 8 pm
Evening Puja: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
What to Bring
- Food for yourself. There are a few stalls with snacks on the road outside the monastery.
- Water bottle. Free drinking water available on site.
- Umbrella to protect from sun.
- Shoes that can be easily removed
- If you like, flowers and/or oil to offer at shrines. There are a few stalls selling flowers on the road outside the monastery.
Directions
From Colombo
As you travel people will be happy to help you on your way if you mention to them that you are going to Mahamevnawa (Maha MAY oo naa wa) Polgahawela (POL gaha way la)
By train: From Pettah (Colombo) take the train to Polgahawela train station. From the Polgahawela train station the easiest way is hire a three-wheeler (for about 400 Rs.)
By Bus: From Gunasinghapura (Colombo) take a Kurunegala bus and get off at the Yalgammodara Junction (at the railway crossing) right before Polgahawela Town. At this stop you will see a huge gateway across the road. You can hire a three-wheeler from there to take you to the monastery (for about 150 Rs.) or you can catch a bus that heads down that road to Narammala.
By Car: Take the A1 Colombo-Kandy road to Ambepussa. Then take the A6 Kurunegala road to the Yangalmodara Junction (at the railway crossing) right before Polgahawela Town. Turn left through the huge gateway across Narammala road. You will reach the monastery, on the left, in about 4km.
Contact Information
Phone: +94 37 22 44 602 Calling Guide
Email: info@mahamevnawa.lk
You are welcome to visit any time during our open hours and there will probably be someone available to show you around.
If you want to guarantee someone is available, please use this form. We will get back to you within 24 hours. If you are planning to visit before 24 hours, please call us at the number above or simply stop in for a visit.
Try to wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Unless posted, you are very welcome to take photos anywhere in the monastery. Try to avoid selfies with Buddha statues behind you. If you post them on Instagram or Facebook please make sure they are dignified, and be sure to tag them with #mahamevnawa.
Feel free to ask them. If they say yes, please avoid physical contact. Please don’t hug the monks!!
Absolutely not. There is no fee for anything, although some our locations have a small bookshop with moderately priced English language Buddhist books.
Absolutely. Children come with their families to the monastery all the time. We even carry some English children’s books on Buddhism in our bookshops.
Yes, as long as a monk is available. To be sure one is available, send us an e-mail or call.
Absolutely. Just ask. They can also give you blessing threads. There is no charge for this or any other services of the monastery.
Assistance from travel websites
Visit these third party sites to help you plan your trip to our monastery. You can also use them to leave a review of your visit.
