ISENBESSA GALA TEMPLE

The ancient Buddhist temple Isenbessa Gala (also called Ruwangiri Raja Maha Viharaya), built on top of a rock called the same name, offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The huge white stupa is visible from the main road and is only 200 meters away. This site is particularly venerated because it is considered the first place visited by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, who brought Buddhism to the island. At the foot of the great stupa is a newly built temple.