Avukana Buddha statue Monument
Large standing Buddha statue carved from granite
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.
Avukana Buddha statue at a Glance#
Address: Avukana, near Kekirawa, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Admission: No formal entry fee; small local donations or nominal parking fees may apply
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Avukana Buddha statue#
Dry season provides the most reliable visiting conditions and comfortable travel on local roads.
Weather & Climate near Avukana Buddha statue#
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.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The driest month with just 15 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.