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Prince Roy from Vientiane, Laos CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Avukana Buddha statue

Monument

Near Kekirawa in Central Province, the Avukana Buddha is a large granite standing figure visited for close study of ancient stone carving and the neighbouring temple precinct.

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In this guide

Avukana Buddha statue essentials

Address: Avukana, near Kekirawa, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Admission: No formal entry fee; small local donations or nominal parking fees may apply
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About Avukana Buddha statue

The Avukana Buddha statue is a large standing stone sculpture of the Buddha near the village of Avukana in north-central Sri Lanka. The statue, carved from a granite outcrop, measures around 12 metres in height and is noted for its fine detail and balanced proportions.

Carved in an open rock face, the figure stands in a classical contrapposto pose with detailed robes and a halo carved into the rock behind it. The statue is regarded as an outstanding example of Sinhalese sculpture and craftsmanship from the early medieval period.

Local tradition and art-historical study typically date the work to the 5th century CE, and it is located close to the Kala Wewa reservoir in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province.

  • Scale: The statue is approximately 12 metres tall, making it one of the largest standing Buddha figures in Sri Lanka.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Avukana Buddha statue

Dry season provides the most reliable visiting conditions and comfortable travel on local roads.

Dry season (best)
Dec-Mar · 25-32°C
Clear skies and lower rainfall make for comfortable viewing and easier travel on rural roads.
Monsoon shoulder months
Oct-Nov · 24-30°C
Occasional rains but fewer tourists, giving a quieter experience around the statue.

Weather & Climate near Avukana Buddha statue

Climate

Avukana Buddha statue's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1431 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 66 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
MarchJuneJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 21° - 29° 25° 108 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
February Very Good 21° - 31° 26° 64 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 22° - 33° 31° 88 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Good 24° - 33° 33° 172 mm partly cloudy 77% 1.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Good 25° - 32° 34° 92 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
June Very Good 25° - 32° 32° 15 mm overcast 80% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
July Very Good 24° - 32° 31° 35 mm overcast 77% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
August Very Good 24° - 32° 31° 38 mm overcast 76% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
September Good 24° - 32° 31° 76 mm overcast 76% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
October Acceptable 23° - 31° 30° 252 mm overcast 81% 1.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 23° - 30° 26° 254 mm overcast 88% 1.2 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
December Good 22° - 29° 25° 237 mm overcast 89% 1.6 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Avukana Buddha statue

Avukana is about 8-10 km north of Kekirawa. The nearest larger town is Dambulla (about 30-40 minutes by road). Hire a tuk-tuk or car from Kekirawa or Dambulla to reach the site.

Tips for Visiting Avukana Buddha statue

  • Visit early to avoid heat; the statue sits in an open area and is best viewed in soft morning light.
  • Combine the trip with visits to nearby Kekirawa and the Kala Wewa tank for a fuller archaeological loop.
  • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent - the dry zone sun is fierce and there are mosquitoes in the scrubby vegetation.