Neelagiri Maha Seya
A colossal ancient stupa in Lahugala Forest Reserve, undergoing reconstruction, offering a blend of history and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience nature and wildlife
Neelagiri Maha Seya
Best Time
Experience nature and wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal ancient stupa in Lahugala Forest Reserve, undergoing reconstruction, offering a blend of history and nature.
"The drive through Lahugala Reserve is often filled with thousands of butterflies."
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A suitable vehicle is recommended for the drive through Lahugala Forest Reserve. :car:
🦋 Butterfly Spectacle
The drive to the stupa is often filled with thousands of butterflies. :butterfly:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colossal Stupa
Lahugala Forest Reserve
The largest Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, a testament to ancient architecture.
Lahugala Forest Reserve Drive
En route to Neelagiri Maha Seya
A picturesque journey through the reserve, often teeming with thousands of butterflies.
Historical Significance
Neelagiri Maha Seya site
Explore the rich history of this ancient site, believed to be built by King Kavan Tissa or Bhatikabaya.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Neelagiri Maha Seya
Navigating Lahugala Forest Reserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A suitable vehicle is recommended for the drive through Lahugala Forest Reserve. :car:
🦋 Butterfly Spectacle
The drive to the stupa is often filled with thousands of butterflies. :butterfly:
🏗️ Active Construction Site
The stupa is currently under construction, impacting its pilgrimage readiness. :construction:
🌳 Nature Immersion
Enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings of the forest reserve. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A suitable vehicle is recommended for the drive through Lahugala Forest Reserve. :car:
🦋 Butterfly Spectacle
The drive to the stupa is often filled with thousands of butterflies. :butterfly:
🏗️ Active Construction Site
The stupa is currently under construction, impacting its pilgrimage readiness. :construction:
🌳 Nature Immersion
Enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings of the forest reserve. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Neelagiri Maha Seya is a historically significant, colossal stupa undergoing reconstruction in the serene Lahugala Forest Reserve. Visitors are captivated by its scale and the beautiful drive, often highlighted by thousands of butterflies. While the active construction impacts its current pilgrimage readiness, the site offers a unique blend of history and nature.
"Neelagiri Seya is a beautiful ancient stupa hidden inside Lahugala Forest Reserve. It’s peaceful, rich in history, and one of the largest in the Eastern Province. A great spot to explore if you love heritage sites and quiet surroundings."
Rishan Sampath
"Neelagiriseya (Sinhalaː නීලගිරිසෑය) is an ancient colossal Stupa situated in Lahugala, Ampara District, Sri Lanka. It is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the Eastern Province of the country. It has a circumference of 182 m (597 ft) and 22 m (72 ft) height in the current status. In the recent history the Stupa and its monastery site had been neglected and abandoned over three decades as the rise of activities of military organization LTTE (Tamil Tigers) in the area.
Neelagiriseya is believed to be built by either King Kavan Tissa (205–161 BC) or King Bhathikabaya (20-9 BC) and has been called as Uttara Seevali Pabbata Viharaya in ancient times. According to an inscription belongs to the 1st century, found during the archaeological excavations done in 2011, describes about a grant to the temple by the Maharaajinee Chula Sivalee Queen, a daughter of the King Bhatikabaya. In historical resources Bhatikabaya is described as a viceroy, who reigned in Ruhuna when King Kutakanna Tissa (42-20 BC) was ruling the country. Another inscription recovered from the site in 2011 excavation, also reveals about donations made by king Jettatissa I (263-273) or by the King Jettatissa II (328-337 CE).
The first reference about the Nilgiriseya in modern history could be found in the early decades of the 20th century. A.M. Horcart, who had visited this place in 1928, has published some details about the Stupa after 2 years later of his journey."
THISARA NEO
"Ancient temple in Monaragala which is under construction now."
Nuwan Gunarathne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Neelagiri Maha Seya is located in the Lahugala Forest Reserve in the Ampara District. The journey involves driving through the reserve, which can be a scenic experience with opportunities to see wildlife and butterflies.
The road leading to Neelagiri Maha Seya is within the Lahugala Forest Reserve. While it offers beautiful natural views, road conditions can vary, so a suitable vehicle is recommended for a comfortable journey.
Accessibility can be affected by its location within the forest reserve and the ongoing construction. It's advisable to check current conditions before your visit.
Information on public transport directly to Neelagiri Maha Seya is limited. It's generally recommended to arrange private transportation or a taxi for easier access.
Nearby towns include Lahugala and Pottuvil, which are often associated with the Arugam Bay area. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entry fees for Neelagiri Maha Seya is not widely available. As it's an active construction site, access might be managed differently.
As the site is under reconstruction, there may not be fixed opening hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours to experience the surroundings.
The stupa is currently under construction and has been neglected for a long time. While it's a historical site, its readiness for pilgrimage is impacted by the ongoing work.
Yes, the site welcomes volunteers willing to help with the construction.
Limited parking is available at the moment due to the ongoing construction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Neelagiri Maha Seya is renowned for being the largest Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, with a significant historical background.
The stupa is currently undergoing reconstruction and renovation after a period of neglect.
The drive through Lahugala Forest Reserve offers a chance to witness nature's beauty, including thousands of butterflies.
The ancient stupa and the surrounding natural landscape offer unique photographic opportunities, especially the butterfly sightings.
It's believed to have been built by ancient Sri Lankan kings and has inscriptions dating back centuries, highlighting its rich past.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the colossal stupa and the serene forest surroundings. The drive through Lahugala Forest Reserve, especially during butterfly season, offers stunning photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Daytime offers the best natural light to capture the stupa and the vibrant butterfly populations in the forest reserve.
The sheer scale of the stupa and the unique sight of thousands of butterflies on the route are prime subjects for memorable photographs.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the stupa's scale, and a telephoto lens could be useful for wildlife spotting in the reserve.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a scenic but potentially bumpy ride, so ensure your vehicle is comfortable for the journey. While the historical significance might be more for adults, the natural beauty and the active restoration project can engage children's imaginations. Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond the butterflies, the reserve provides a peaceful escape and an opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka's flora and fauna. The historical context of the stupa adds another layer of interest, blending natural beauty with ancient heritage.
🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring the site allows for contemplation of its past grandeur and the resilience of its history. The inscriptions and architectural remnants, even in their current state, speak volumes about the site's historical importance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Tapestry of Neelagiri Maha Seya
For centuries, the monastery site and the stupa faced neglect, exacerbated by the LTTE's activities in the region, rendering it inaccessible for over three decades. Modern historical references to Neelagiri Seya emerge in the early 20th century, with A.M. Horcart documenting the site in 1928. Recent archaeological excavations in 2011 have unearthed more inscriptions, shedding further light on its past.
Currently, Neelagiri Maha Seya is undergoing reconstruction. This ongoing work presents a unique opportunity to witness the restoration of a significant historical monument. Visitors can contribute to its revival, making their visit a part of its ongoing story.
Experiencing the Lahugala Forest Reserve
While the primary focus might be the stupa, the reserve itself is a haven for nature lovers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you traverse the roads. The serene environment and the vibrant natural spectacle make the drive a memorable part of the visit.
It's recommended to have a suitable vehicle for navigating the reserve's roads. The experience is enhanced by the tranquility of the forest and the unexpected bursts of color from the butterfly swarms, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit