Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya

Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya is famous for the 17th-century wooden bridge built across the Gallanda Oya, however the history of the cave temple goes back to the 1st-century BC and believed to be a place where King Vatta Gamini Abhaya was hiding while he was raising arms against the South Indian Invaders.

The narrow black colour bridge is roofed with flat clay tiles, it was believed that the bridge was used by pilgrims from Kandy to Uva where a lot of prominent temples are situated. The Kandyan style roof suggests that the bridge might have been used as a resting place by these pilgrims. It was believed that the bridge was built by two wood craftsmen (father and son) who also built the Panapitiya wayside rest. The bride is about 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. A famous epic written in 1612 - 1624 named “Sandesha Kavya” mentions the Bogoda Temple and the bridge. The bridge was supported by a eleven meter tall Kumbuk trunk set up in the middle and a platform built with Jack tree timber. The rest of the bridge was made with Kaluwara and Milla trees.

The cave temple has a history dating back to the 1st-century BC. The temple has a small stupa built next to a rock. Behind a stupa under the rock there is a tunnel which is now occupied by bats. Many believe that the tunnel was used by King Vatta Gamini Abhaya and leads to Ravana Temple in Ella and connects to the Dowa Raja Maha Viharaya.

The temple is about 30 kilometers away from Bandarawela or 10 Kilometers away from Badulla. You have to turn to your left from the Hali Ela junction following the sign posts. You will have to walk on barefoot and make sure to wear appropriate clothing to the temple.