Since the focus towards tourism of Gampaha district has increased with the Maligatenna Raja maha viharaya. Sri Lanka is a rich country of ancient heritages, Maligatenna is a temple that must be visited. Actually Maligatenna raja maha viharaya is a cave temple. In order to reach this place, you have turned to the right from Thihariya junction in Gampaha. The road will take you to the Maligatenna raja maha viharaya. This viharaya is one of the ‘Siyane Korala’ heritage sites of Gampaha. In detail they are Maligatenna raja maha viharaya, Pilkuththuwa raja maha viharaya, Varana raja maha viharaya, Koskandawala maha viharaya and Petta gam gala aranya senasnaya.
The caves are also linked with king Walagamba so called as King Wattagamini Abhaya refugees. The king had been escaping away from the Chola invasions. Maligatenna Viharya is also considered as a spot that King Walagamba used to hide. A person called Hiripitiye Rala helped the king hid in the Maligatenne temple. Caves of various sizes are positioned in the temple. These drip ledged cuttings collected the rain water and turned into another way. Therefore the caves were protected from rain. Obviously, it is astounding to believe that how they have been carved due to the height of the caves. The path is also running through a cave. The steps to the temple are through a rock chasm. The largest cave in the temple was adorned as a shrine room by King Walagamba. Another curious feature of this temple is an 18 feet Buddha statue reclining at the premise. In addition, to reach the top of the Maligatenna, you have to follow a graveled rocky route. The dagoba seems like a white tower amidst on the top of the Maligatenna rock in distance.But it will be breath taking if you completed. A fabulous and panoramic outlook of the ‘Siyane Korale’ can be seen from the top of Maligatenn Raja maha viharaya. Even the dagoba is positioned here. A gust of wind will relax your lassitude. A large rectangular pond with beautiful lilies is believed that it will never dry out. The devotees believe that a treasure hid by King Walagamaba is located in the bottom of the pond.
Many pilgrims are occupied with ‘Sil’ on full moon poya days in the temple. The chief monk is always ready to bear a hand to the devotees. Even the travelers can explore deep into the history of the Maligatenna Raja maha viharaya under the assistance of the Chief monk.