Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa ViharayaKumbalwela, Ella · Sri Lanka
Discover a sacred Buddhist monastery in the hills of Ella, home to a magnificent stupa dedicated to the Seven Buddhas. We warmly welcome pilgrims and visitors to explore its spiritual heritage, learn about the Buddha's teachings, and experience the living Buddhist tradition.
The Seven Buddhas Great Stupa illuminated at dusk
Welcome
Nestled among the hills of Kumbalwela, Ella, Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya is a Buddhist monastery dedicated to honouring the Supreme Buddha and sharing his teachings.
At its heart stands the Seven Buddhas Great Stupa, a sacred monument commemorating seven fully enlightened Buddhas.
Associated with the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastic Order, the monastery welcomes Buddhist devotees who come to pay homage and visitors from other backgrounds who wish to discover Buddhist heritage and learn about the Buddha's teachings.
Whether you come to worship, explore the sacred architecture, or learn about Buddhism, you are warmly welcome.
The Seven Buddhas Great Stupa
A Sacred Monument Dedicated to the Wisdom of the Buddhas
The Seven Buddhas Great Stupa is the spiritual centrepiece of Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya. Standing on the Bodhiparvatha hilltop, it honours seven fully enlightened Buddhas recognised in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
Each Buddha independently realised the truth and taught the path to liberation from suffering. For devotees, the stupa is a sacred place to pay homage, express gratitude, and reflect upon the extraordinary qualities of the Buddha.
Spiritual Significance
For Buddhists, visiting a sacred stupa is an opportunity to recollect the Buddha's extraordinary qualities and express gratitude for his teachings. Devotees may offer flowers, pay homage, and spend time reflecting upon the Dhamma.
Visitors unfamiliar with Buddhism are also welcome to observe these traditions respectfully and learn about their meaning.
A visit to Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya offers an opportunity to appreciate not only sacred architecture and Buddhist art, but also the teachings and values they represent.
Your Visit
Whether you are visiting Ella for a short time or wish to spend longer learning about Buddhism, there are different ways to discover Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya.
Come to pay homage, appreciate the sacred architecture, and learn about the Seven Buddhas. Visitors of different religious and cultural backgrounds are welcome to explore the monastery respectfully.
Plan Your Visit
Discover the Buddha’s teachings through Dhamma discussions, meditation, and opportunities to learn within a living Buddhist monastery.
Explore Buddhist Learning
Learn about traditional Buddhist meditation practices through the monastery’s regular programme. Beginners are welcome to explore available sessions and participation arrangements.
View Meditation Schedule
For visitors who wish to spend more time in Buddhist practice, the monastery provides information about structured meditation retreats. Arrangements should be confirmed in advance.
Enquire About a RetreatMeditation & Dhamma
An Opportunity to Learn, Reflect, and Practise
The teachings of the Buddha, known as the Dhamma, offer guidance for developing wisdom, compassion, and a virtuous way of life.
At Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya, visitors can explore Buddhist teachings through meditation sessions, Dhamma learning, and appropriate opportunities to ask questions. Whether you are familiar with meditation or encountering Buddhism for the first time, the monastery offers opportunities to begin learning.
Learn about traditional Buddhist meditation practices, including mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving-kindness.
Explore Buddhist principles and learn about the path taught by the Buddha.
Practise meditation during the scheduled silent sessions.
Enquire about opportunities to ask questions and learn about Buddhist practice from resident monks.
No booking needed — simply arrive a little early.
Gallery
Discover the sacred stupa, Buddhist artwork, devotional spaces, and natural surroundings of Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya through photographs from the monastery.
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Visitor Stories
I have just spent the last five days living here with the monks, and I have had an opportunity to further my knowledge in Buddhism and meditation.
The monks here are very eager to talk to anybody, whether you're an avid meditator or just a curious traveller. It's a wonderful place to begin your spiritual journey.
We had a lovely relaxing afternoon.
Mahamevnawa Heritage
Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya is associated with the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastic Order, founded in Sri Lanka in 1999 by Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnānānanda Thero. The monastic order is devoted to preserving and sharing the teachings of the Buddha.
Through Dhamma teaching, meditation, publications, and monastic practice, Mahamevnawa seeks to make the Buddha's teachings accessible to people from different backgrounds. The monastery in Ella continues this commitment by welcoming those who wish to encounter Buddhist teachings within a living monastic environment.
Discover MahamevnawaPlan Your Visit
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya is located in Kumbalwela, Ella, amid the beautiful hills of Sri Lanka. Whether you wish to pay homage, explore Buddhist heritage, or participate in a meditation session, a little preparation will help you make the most of your visit.
Location
Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya
Kumbalwela, Ella
Sri Lanka
The monastery can be reached from Ella town by tuk-tuk or taxi. Coming from Bandarawela, Haputale or Nuwara Eliya? Message the monastery for directions.
Visitors are kindly requested to dress modestly, with clothing covering the shoulders and knees. Wraps are available on request. Please remove hats in sacred spaces.
Remove footwear at the stupa entrance, speak quietly, and respect those engaged in worship or meditation. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not permitted.
Photography is generally allowed, but please ask first, particularly around monks and those in worship.
Daily sessions are open to drop in — no booking needed. Consult the daily schedule and arrive a little early. Longer retreats require separate enquiries.
Drinking water, a light shawl or jacket, and a small bag.
Kumbalwela, Ella
Open the monastery's location in Google Maps
Full details are on the daily schedule and visitor information pages. To arrange a retreat, send your preferred dates.
An Invitation
At Sri Sathbudu Maha Thupa Viharaya, the sacred stupa, Buddhist teachings, and living monastic tradition come together in a setting of religious devotion.
Whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim wishing to pay homage or a visitor hoping to learn more about Buddhism, we invite you to discover the monastery and the significance of the Seven Buddhas Great Stupa.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kumbalwela, Ella.
