Bandarawela

Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

Day Visit to Bandarawela Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery2025-08-24T12:41:09+00:00

The Bandarawela monastery, near the town of Ella, is home to over 30 Theravada Buddhist monks. From the top of their mountain they can look out at the busy world below. Anyone who makes the trek up the mountain will be rewarded with spectacular views and spectacular spiritual teachings of the Buddha.

Daily Schedule

(except Poya days)

Open Daily: 8 am to 9 pm

5:45–7:30 Meditation, Q&A

9:00–9:45 Guided tour

9:45–10:45 Meditation, Q&A

10:45 Monk’s meal offering

15:30–16:30 Guided tour

17:00–18:00 Meditation, Q&A

18:00 Evening chanting (in Sinhala)

Things to See and Do at the Monastery

  • Talk with monks about Buddhism (learn how)
  • Get personal meditation instructions from the monks

  • Join with the evening chanting at 6:00 pm (learn more)

  • Help offer food to the monks at 10:45 (learn how)
  • Make offerings at the shrines (learn how)
  • Browse the Buddhist bookshop (view catalog)

  • Get a blessing thread from the monks (learn how)

What to Bring

  • Clothes appropriate for a monastery. We have cloth you can borrow to cover bare legs and shoulders. Just ask one of the staff.

  • Food for yourself if needed. There are some small shops near the monastery but the selection is limited.

  • 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 and near the stupa.

Contact Information

Phone (or text): +94 76 82 55 729  The best times to call are between 8-10 am, 3-5 pm, and 8- 9:30 pm. You are welcome to try to call any time.

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 call. 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.

F.A.Q.

Is there a dress code for day visits?2018-03-13T05:12:03+00:00

Try to wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders.

Can I take photos?2025-08-24T05:04:18+00:00

You are welcome to take photos anywhere outside of the buildings in the monastery. Inside the buildings it is often limited, so please pay attention to signs posted. 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.

Is there an entrance fee?2018-03-13T05:21:27+00:00

Absolutely not. There is no fee for anything, although some our locations have a small bookshop with moderately priced English language Buddhist books.

Are children welcome?2018-03-13T05:23:11+00:00

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.

Can I really get meditation instructions when I visit.2025-08-24T12:03:40+00:00

Yes, as long as a monk is available. To be sure one is available please call ahead.

Can the monks do blessing chants for me?2018-03-13T05:25:18+00:00

Absolutely. Just ask. They can also give you blessing threads. There is no charge for this or any other services of the monastery.

Directions

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)

From Elle train station: Take a three wheeler to the Kumbalwela-Bandarawela Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa (aprox Rs 800 – 1000).
From the Bandarawela bus station: Take a bus heading to Badulla and get off at the Kumbalwela Junction. Take a three wheeler to the Kumbalwela-Bandarawela Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa (aprox Rs 300).

Sinhal to show to driver:
මහමෙව්නාව භාවනා අසපුව, කුඹල්වෙල, ඇල්ල.
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