Quick answer
Sasseruwa, also called Reswehera or Rasvehera, is a rock temple in the forest west of Avukana, with an unfinished standing Buddha about 12 metres tall carved into the rock face. Legend says a master carved Avukana and his pupil Sasseruwa in a contest, and the pupil stopped when the master finished first. The site also holds ancient cave dwellings with drip ledges. It is roughly one and a half hours from Dambulla on rough roads, sees few visitors and asks a small donation.
Key takeaways
- Sasseruwa's standing Buddha is about 12 metres tall and was left unfinished.
- Sasseruwa lies west of the Avukana Buddha, near Kala Wewa, in the north-west of the Cultural Triangle.
- Legend says Avukana and Sasseruwa were carved by a master and pupil in a contest.
- Sasseruwa also holds ancient monks' caves with drip ledges, some thought to date from around the 2nd century BC.
- The road to Sasseruwa is rough in places, and the site sees far fewer visitors than Avukana.
What Sasseruwa is
Sasseruwa, also known as Reswehera or Rasvehera, is an ancient rock temple in the forest west of Avukana, in the north-west of the Cultural Triangle. Its centrepiece is a standing Buddha about 12 metres tall, carved into a vertical rock face. The statue is unfinished, with rough details and less refined carving than Avukana.
The site has been a monastery for over two thousand years. Caves with drip ledges, cut to keep rain off monks' shelters, are thought to date from around the 2nd century BC.
Today Sasseruwa is an active temple, with a few monks and a quiet atmosphere.
Sasseruwa's caves are scattered across the rock, some still used as shrine rooms with reclining Buddha images and paintings. The drip ledges carved above their entrances, a feature of early Sri Lankan monasteries, channelled rain away from the shelters. Brahmi inscriptions, among the oldest writing in Sri Lanka, appear on some.
- →Standing Buddha about 12 metres tall.
- →Unfinished carving.
- →Ancient caves with drip ledges.
- →Active, quiet temple.
The legend
Local legend links Sasseruwa with the Avukana Buddha. A master and his pupil were said to have competed to carve a Buddha first. When the master finished Avukana, the pupil abandoned Sasseruwa unfinished.
Historians are not convinced, and the two statues may date from different periods. But the story adds charm, and seeing both on one day invites comparison.
- →Master: Avukana.
- →Pupil: Sasseruwa.
- →Unproven, but well loved.
Visiting Sasseruwa
Sasseruwa lies roughly one and a half hours from Dambulla, on roads that are rough in places. It is easiest with a car and driver. The climb from the parking area involves steps up the rock, moderate in difficulty, with shade in places.
Sasseruwa asks a small donation or fee. Remove shoes and hats near the statue. Allow about an hour, plus the drive. Bring water and wear trainers for the steps.
Lankan Stays & Trails usually combines Sasseruwa with Avukana and Kala Wewa as a half-day trip from Dambulla or Sigiriya, finishing at the tank for sunset.
The forest around Sasseruwa is part of a wider dry-zone landscape where elephants roam, so travel in daylight and follow your driver's advice. Monkeys are common at the temple. Few vendors operate nearby, so stock up on water and snacks in Dambulla or near Avukana before the final stretch.
- →Roughly one and a half hours from Dambulla.
- →Rough road; car and driver best.
- →Steps up the rock.
- →Allow about an hour on site.
Sasseruwa or Avukana
Sasseruwa and Avukana are similar in height, but very different in feel. Avukana is finished, refined and famous, beside Kala Wewa, and draws more visitors. Sasseruwa is unfinished, rougher and set in forest, and is much quieter.
If you have time for only one, choose Avukana for the statue and Sasseruwa for the atmosphere. If you have half a day, see both.
Both statues stand in the same region near Kala Wewa, the reservoir built by King Dhatusena in the 5th century. Some historians date Avukana to around that period, though dating is uncertain. The pairing of statue and reservoir shows how religion and irrigation went together in the ancient dry zone.
- →Avukana: finished, refined, by the tank.
- →Sasseruwa: unfinished, forest, quiet.
- →Both: half a day from Dambulla.
Respect at Sasseruwa
Sasseruwa is an active temple and a sacred site. Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats near the statue, and never pose with your back to the Buddha. Do not climb on the rock carvings or caves.
Monks at Sasseruwa sometimes welcome visitors and explain the site. A donation to the temple supports its upkeep.
Visitors who arrive in the late afternoon sometimes hear the monks' evening chanting, which adds to the atmosphere. Leave before dark, as the roads back to Dambulla pass through elephant country.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sasseruwa?
In the forest west of the Avukana Buddha, near Kala Wewa, in the north-west of the Cultural Triangle. It is roughly one and a half hours from Dambulla by car on roads that are rough in places.
How tall is the Sasseruwa Buddha?
About 12 metres, similar to Avukana. It is unfinished, with rougher carving and fewer details, carved into a vertical rock face. Its forest setting makes it feel larger and more remote.
What is the legend of Sasseruwa and Avukana?
Legend says a master and his pupil competed to carve a Buddha. When the master finished Avukana, the pupil abandoned Sasseruwa unfinished. Historians doubt the story, but it is widely told.
Is Sasseruwa worth visiting?
Yes, for travellers who enjoy quiet, atmospheric sites. It sees few visitors, sits in forest and has ancient caves as well as the giant Buddha. Combine it with Avukana as a half-day trip.
How much does Sasseruwa cost?
A small donation or fee, much less than the major sites. Confirm locally, as arrangements can change. Donations support the monks who look after the temple. Bring small notes in rupees.
Can I visit Sasseruwa and Avukana in one day?
Yes. They are close, and a half day from Dambulla or Sigiriya covers both, with Kala Wewa at sunset. A car and driver is best because of the rough roads.
Is the climb at Sasseruwa difficult?
Moderate. Steps lead up the rock from the parking area, uneven in places. Wear trainers, bring water and visit early or late to avoid the midday heat. Shade is available near the statue.