Miella (Myella) Kanda Ancient Caves
To reach the Miella caves, take the Moneragala-Siyambalanduwa highway and turn off at Kodayana before heading up to Kotiyagala. From there, follow a jungle trail for six miles until you reach the two large caves on the slope of the mountain.
Inside the cave shrine, you'll find a recumbent Buddha image made of brick and clay. Unfortunately, it has been damaged by treasure hunters, with the head, chest, and lower section affected. However, the parts that remain intact suggest that it was a pure white statue with flowing robes, typical of the Anuradhapura period statues.
The cave's ceiling is entirely covered with a series of paintings centered around the recumbent Buddha statue. These paintings include exquisite designs, some of which are very uncommon compared to early paintings like those at Sigiriya. Additionally, you'll find female figures similar to the Apsaras at Sigiriya and Vessagriya.
Renowned photographer Gamini Jayasinghe, keen student of archaeology Dharmasena Rassap...
Inside the cave shrine, you'll find a recumbent Buddha image made of brick and clay. Unfortunately, it has been damaged by treasure hunters, with the head, chest, and lower section affected. However, the parts that remain intact suggest that it was a pure white statue with flowing robes, typical of the Anuradhapura period statues.
The cave's ceiling is entirely covered with a series of paintings centered around the recumbent Buddha statue. These paintings include exquisite designs, some of which are very uncommon compared to early paintings like those at Sigiriya. Additionally, you'll find female figures similar to the Apsaras at Sigiriya and Vessagriya.
Renowned photographer Gamini Jayasinghe, keen student of archaeology Dharmasena Rassap...
