This is a small village monastery. You will get to see people coming and going, taking advantage of all the spiritual aspects of Buddhist daily life. This is a popular stop for people visiting the nearby Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Things to See and Do at the Monastery
Open Hours
Open Daily: 6 am to 9 pm
Monk’s meal offering: 10:45
Evening Chanting: 6 pm
Things to see near the Pinnawala monastery
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Pinnawala Zoo
- Dedigama Kotawehera, ancient stupa ruins
What to Bring
Directions to Pinnawala Monastery
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)
By train: Get off at the Rambukkana Station. Walk to the bus stand and get a bus heading to Kegalle, and get off at Bathamure Handiya (3 km). From there take a three wheeler to Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa. It is also not expensive to take a three wheeler all the way from the station.
From Kegalle: Take a bus heading to Rambukkana and get off at the Bathamure Handiya. From there take a three wheeler to Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa.
From Colombo: Get a bus heading to Kandy and get off at Karandu-pana Handiya and take a bus heading to Rambukkana and get off at Bathamure Handiya. From there take a three wheeler to Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa.
From Kandy: Get a bus heading to Colombo and get off at the Karandu-pana Handiya. Take a bus heading to Rambukkana and get off at Bathamure Handiya. From there take a three wheeler to Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa.
Sinhal to show to driver:
මහමෙව්නාව භාවනා අසපුව, වරාපිටිය, කුණ්ඩසාලේ, මහනුවර
Contact Information
Phone (or text): +94 703 133 961 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.
F.A.Q.
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.
