Dowa Temple

Dowa Temple, also known as Dowa Cape Temple, is located on the Bandarawela – Badulla Road, a few kilometres from Bandarawela. This temple is thought to have been built in the first century BC by King Walagamba. This is one of many temples constructed by the king. While he was seeking refuge in the Uva Province following an Indian invasion.
The temple’s popularity stems primarily from its massive 38-foot-tall Buddha Statue carved in granite rock. But this temple also holds some long-forgotten secrets.

The unfinished Buddha image is carved out of a granite boulder that is well hidden from the main road. This statue has received little attention, and it appears to be crumbling. A small stupa sits atop the boulder. This stupa is on the same level as the road. It is the only indication of a temple to a passing traveller.

A small stupa inside a cave is located behind the image house. Behind this stupa, inside the cave, is a tunnel called the Ravana Guhawa. It is guarded by a clay King Cobra figure. This 11-kilometre-long tunnel is said to connect the Ravana Maha Viharaya in Ella and the Bogoda temple in Bogoda. However, due to various vandalism acts by treasure hunters, the temple has sealed off this tunnel entrance with cement. According to reports, the king disappeared from the area overnight via the tunnels, causing the work on the Buddha Statue to be halted.