Quick answer
Thantirimale is an ancient rock temple roughly an hour north-west of Anuradhapura, with a seated Buddha and a large reclining Buddha carved directly into the rock. Tradition says Sanghamitta rested here on her journey with the Bo sapling in the 3rd century BC, and a Bo tree on the rock is linked to that story. The site is spread across granite outcrops with ponds and caves, sees very few visitors and asks only a donation. Allow about an hour, plus the drive.
Key takeaways
- Thantirimale lies roughly an hour by car north-west of Anuradhapura.
- Thantirimale has a seated Buddha and a large reclining Buddha carved directly into the granite.
- Tradition holds that Sanghamitta stopped at Thantirimale while bringing the Bo sapling to Anuradhapura in the 3rd century BC.
- A Bo tree on the rock at Thantirimale is linked by tradition to the Sri Maha Bodhi.
- Thantirimale sees very few foreign visitors and is maintained as an active temple.
What Thantirimale is
Thantirimale is an ancient rock temple in the dry zone north-west of Anuradhapura, spread across low granite outcrops with ponds, caves and trees. It has been a monastery for over two thousand years, and today it is an active temple with a small community of monks.
Its best-known features are two rock carvings: a seated Buddha in meditation and a large reclining Buddha, both cut directly into the granite. The reclining figure is weathered, with some parts left rough, and is impressive in its setting on the open rock.
Remains of old buildings, steps and caves with drip ledges are scattered around the site.
Thantirimale's rock is broad and low, with pools of rainwater in hollows and views across scrub and paddy to distant hills. Monks have lived here on and off for centuries, and the temple was revived in the 20th century after a long period of neglect. The combination of open rock, carvings and silence makes it feel very different from the busy sacred city.
- →Rock-carved seated Buddha.
- →Large reclining Buddha.
- →Caves, ponds and ruins on the rock.
- →An active temple.
The Sanghamitta story
Thantirimale is linked by tradition to Sanghamitta, the nun and daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, who brought a sapling of the Bo tree to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. The story says she rested here on the way to Anuradhapura, where the sapling was planted as the Sri Maha Bodhi.
A Bo tree on the rock at Thantirimale is associated with this journey, and some traditions name it among the early saplings grown from the Sri Maha Bodhi. For pilgrims, this connection makes Thantirimale part of the story of Buddhism's arrival.
- →Sanghamitta: daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
- →The Bo sapling planted at Anuradhapura.
- →Thantirimale as a resting place on the way.
Getting there
Thantirimale lies roughly an hour by car north-west of Anuradhapura, on rural roads through villages and scrub. It is easiest with a car and driver or a tuk-tuk hired for the half day. Public buses are infrequent.
The site fits a second day in Anuradhapura, perhaps in the morning before the heat, returning for an afternoon at Abhayagiri or the museums. It is far from Sigiriya and Dambulla, about two and a half to three hours, so it rarely works as a day trip from there.
Lankan Stays & Trails includes Thantirimale on longer Anuradhapura stays for travellers who want to go beyond the main sacred city.
- →Roughly an hour from Anuradhapura.
- →Car and driver or tuk-tuk.
- →Best on a second Anuradhapura day.
Visiting tips
Thantirimale asks only a donation, and there is no formal ticket. Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats on the sacred rock, and walk carefully, as the granite is uneven and hot by late morning. Socks help.
Bring water and sun protection, as facilities are basic and shade is limited. Visit early morning or late afternoon. Monks may be present, so keep voices low and ask before photographing them.
The drive to Thantirimale passes small tanks, villages and patches of forest typical of the north-western dry zone. Elephants live in the wider area, so plan to return before dusk. A packed breakfast or snacks are useful, as there are few places to eat close to the temple.
- →Donation only.
- →Shoes off on the sacred rock.
- →Bring water; little shade.
- →Early or late is best.
Thantirimale and other rock temples
Thantirimale is one of several rock temples in the Cultural Triangle. Dambulla is the best known, with painted caves and crowds. Sasseruwa has an unfinished standing Buddha in forest, and Mihintale is a pilgrimage mountain.
Thantirimale stands out for its open rock setting, its reclining Buddha cut into the stone and its link with Sanghamitta. It is quieter than all of them.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Thantirimale?
Roughly an hour by car north-west of Anuradhapura, on rural roads through villages and scrub. It is easiest to reach with a car and driver or a tuk-tuk hired for the half day, ideally on a second day in Anuradhapura.
What is Thantirimale known for?
A seated and a large reclining Buddha carved directly into the granite, ancient caves and ruins on the rock, and a tradition that Sanghamitta rested here while bringing the Bo sapling to Anuradhapura in the 3rd century BC.
Is Thantirimale worth visiting?
Yes, for travellers with extra time in Anuradhapura who enjoy quiet, atmospheric places. It sees very few visitors and has a strong link to the arrival of Buddhism. It is less suitable on a tight first visit with only one Anuradhapura day.
Is there an entrance fee at Thantirimale?
No formal ticket. Thantirimale is an active temple and asks only for a donation. Carry a few rupee notes. It is not covered by the Anuradhapura sacred city ticket, which applies only to the main archaeological sites.
Can I visit Thantirimale from Sigiriya?
It is possible but long, roughly two and a half to three hours each way. It works much better from Anuradhapura, about an hour away. Combine it with a second day there rather than a long round trip from Sigiriya.
Who was Sanghamitta?
Sanghamitta was a Buddhist nun and daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka. Around the 3rd century BC she brought a sapling of the Bo tree to Sri Lanka, planted in Anuradhapura as the Sri Maha Bodhi. Her arrival is remembered on Unduvap poya in December.
How long should I spend at Thantirimale?
About an hour on site is enough to see the rock carvings, the Bo tree and the caves at a relaxed pace. Add roughly two hours for the return drive from Anuradhapura, making it a comfortable half-day outing.