Murals, a large Buddha and, at times, chanting and meditation.

Can visitors meditate?

Ask at the gate about sessions open to visitors.

Ask first; it is an active monastery.

Where can I stay near Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella?

bookingMentor lists 1 place to stay in Ella. Rooms start from $200.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or during evening chanting.

How long should I spend at Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes at Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella.

How many monasteries does it have?

More than 80 in Sri Lanka, plus centres overseas.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, entry is free and donations are welcome.

What is the emergency phone number in Ella?

In Ella, call 119 / 1990 in an emergency. Police 119, Suwa Seriya ambulance 1990.

Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella

Q: Who founded the Mahamevnawa order?

Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero.

Q: Does Mahamevnawa have centres outside Sri Lanka?

Yes. It has branches in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, India, East Asia and Dubai.

Q: When was the order founded?

On 14 August 1999 in Polgahawela.

No reviews yet One of 4 Things to Do in Ella

Ella area, Badulla District, Sri Lanka

Claim Flag

Overview Highlights Location Policies Reviews Q&A Missing some information? Yes /

In short

The Ella monastery of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist order, founded by Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, is a quiet place in Sri Lanka's Uva hill country with murals and a large Buddha, where visitors may observe chanting and meditation. Entry is free. About 45 minutes suits travellers wanting a calm break away from Ella's busier trails.

Mahamevnawa is a Theravada Buddhist monastic order founded by Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, with monasteries across Sri Lanka, and its Ella monastery in Uva Province is a quiet place with murals and a large Buddha, where visitors may observe chanting and meditation. It suits travellers in the hill country who want a calm hour away from the Ella cafes.

An order founded in Polgahawela in 1999

The order was founded on 14 August 1999 in Polgahawela, which is still its headquarters, and it belongs to the Amarapura Sri Kalyanivamsa Nikaya. It runs more than 80 monasteries in Sri Lanka and about 130 monasteries and meditation centres in all, with branches in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, India, East Asia and Dubai; the first overseas centre opened in Toronto. The organisation says more than 1,000 monks and over 100 nuns live in its monasteries.

Sermons, meditation and Shraddha TV

Teaching focuses on the Buddha's discourses and on meditation, with an emphasis on mindfulness as the path to concentration and wisdom. The order runs Shraddha TV, launched in 2012, and Shraddha Radio, and publishes books and recorded sermons, mostly in Sinhala with some in English.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

–/5 No reviews yet

Been here? Your review helps other travellers.

Key information

🧘Order founded: 14 August 1999, Polgahawela

🛕Monasteries: More than 80 in Sri Lanka

🎟️Entry: Free; donations welcome

🤫Etiquette: Quiet, modest dress

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to Mahamevnawa Monastery, Ella Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Experiences

Murals
Large Buddha
Chanting and meditation