Bible Rock & Devanagala Temple Tour

Overview

Climb the magnificent Bible Rock (Batalegala), a natural wonder shaped exactly like an open book resting on a stand. This hidden treasure near Aranayake offers an easy but rewarding hike to stunning mountaintop views where you can see for miles in all directions. Discover ancient temple ruins at the summit that whisper stories from centuries past. Visit the historic Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya, where kings once prayed in cool, mystical caves adorned with ancient carvings. This perfect day trip combines breathtaking natural beauty with fascinating glimpses into Sri Lanka’s rich history.

Basic Details

• Duration: 6-8 Hours
• Start Time: 7:00 AM
• Live Guide: English
• Location: Mawanella
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Hiking Distance: 6 km

Highlights

• Climb to Bible Rock’s summit for amazing 360-degree views of mountains and valleys
• Explore ancient temple ruins sitting peacefully at the mountain top
• Visit the historic Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya cave temple with royal connections
• Spot famous landmarks like Samasara mountain, Adam’s Peak (Sripada), and Kabaragala
• Enjoy the beautiful Kadugannawa viewpoint on the way to the trailhead
• Relax with a delicious Sri Lankan-style packed lunch by the cool Rahimale water stream

Full Description

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Kandy hotel. As we drive toward Bible Rock, we’ll stop at the stunning Kadugannawa viewpoint, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy your first panoramic views of the day. 

Arriving at the trailhead, you’ll begin the short but exciting climb up Bible Rock. The trail is only about 400 meters long with a 150-meter climb in elevation. We’ll start on a narrow jungle path that soon turns into ancient stone steps winding through lush forest. The climb takes just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for almost everyone, from children to older adults.

At the summit, you’ll discover why Bible Rock has fascinated travelers for centuries. The flat top opens to reveal a junction with paths leading to two amazing viewpoints. From the southern lookout, feast your eyes on Samasara mountain, Urakanda, Rakshava mountain, and on clear days, even the sacred Adam’s Peak (Sripada) in the distance. Turn to the northern viewpoint, and you’ll see Kadugannawa, the Central Plateau, and the winding Colombo-Kandy main road far below.

The summit holds another treasure, an abandoned ancient temple with a small stupa and shrine room tucked among the rocks. Stand where monks meditated centuries ago, with only the sky and mountains as their companions.

After soaking in the amazing views and exploring the temple ruins, we’ll make our way back down the mountain. Next comes a well-deserved rest as we enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan-style packed lunch beside the peaceful Rahimale water stream. Relax to the sound of flowing water while savoring authentic local flavors.

Our day’s journey concludes with a visit to the historic Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient temple with connections to two of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings, Walagamba and Parakramabahu the Great. Explore the cool cave temple with its ancient carvings and feel the history that surrounds you in this sacred place. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the kings who prayed here and the temple’s importance through the centuries.

As the afternoon draws to a close, we’ll return to Kandy, your mind filled with beautiful images and your camera with stunning photos of this unforgettable day.

Why Book This Tour 

Our Bible Rock & Devanagala Temple Tour offers a perfect blend of easy adventure and rich cultural discovery that most tourists never experience. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Bible Rock remains one of Sri Lanka’s hidden treasures, where you can enjoy spectacular views without the crowds.

The easy 6 km hike is perfect for almost everyone, from families with children to active seniors, yet the rewards are simply incredible. Standing at the summit feels like being on top of the world, with panoramic views that stretch for miles in every direction.

This tour goes beyond just beautiful scenery by connecting you with Sri Lanka’s ancient history. The abandoned temple at the summit and the historic Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya offer fascinating glimpses into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Your guide will bring these places to life with stories of ancient kings and sacred traditions.

For photographers, nature lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking authentic Sri Lankan experiences, this tour delivers unforgettable memories in just one day. Book now to discover the natural wonder of Bible Rock and the cultural treasure of Devanagala Temple!