Budugala Raja Maha Viharaya

Among the historically significant temples in the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha area, Budugala Raja Maha Viharaya holds a special place. It is a historically important site with a Padhanaghara (Buddhist monastic structure). The Padhanaghara is situated east of the stone platform (Gal Debokka) in front of four large stone-built temples belonging to the modern Sanghawasa of Budugala Raja Maha Viharaya. Close to this, on the lower terrace, there is a preserved Padhanaghara made up of two small square-shaped huts, raised about 5 feet from the ground. In the center of the Padhanaghara, there are two rows of stone steps with four steps each descending from the central platform. There are 16 stone stumps arranged symmetrically across the two huts, as can be seen from the remaining stump bases. On the east side of the southern hut, there is a beautiful design depicting lotus flowers with leaves, berries, kemiyā, and karnikāva. To the north of the Padhanaghara, near the rock hill, there is a stone toilet board. To access the upper terrace Padhanaghara from the lower terrace Padhanaghara, one must climb the stone steps. Situated in a hilly part of the forest, the Budugala Padhanaghara spreads over about 15 acres of forested land, with 24 meditation huts used by monks for meditation. Budugala Raja Maha Viharaya is also a main site included in the list of places with pre-historic paintings.
Parking Facilities

Currently, near Budugala Raja Maha Viharaya, the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha has set up a maintained parking area. The following fees are charged for vehicle entry:

• Motorbikes / Three-wheelers - LKR 50.00
• Van / Cab / Jeep / Car - LKR 100.00
• Bus / Lorry - LKR 150.00

A toilet system is provided within the parking area, maintained by Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha. A fee of LKR 20.00 per person is charged for using these facilities.