HERITAGE TOURS – Dowa Temple in Bandarawela in Sri Lanka (Text and pix by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris)

When travel along the Colombo - Badulla road just passing the Bandarawela town one can come across the Dowa historical temple. It is mentioned on books that this temple was built by King Walagamba while he was hiding in fear of enemies.

The frescoes in the temple and the stream that flows by the temple adds beauty to this historical place. There exists a tunnel that starts from this temple and leads to Nuwara Eliya and Hava Eliya. Even today the visitors to this temple can see this tunnel closed at its mouth.

The Bo-tree which has grown attractively demonstrates the beauty of lush greenery. A tank could be seen with a fountain close by this Bo-tree. It has been used for bathing this ancient Bo-tree.

The half built stone carved image of Lord Buddha could be seen beside the cave temple. Modern day cement constructions could be seen covering the half built image to offer it a sense of completion.