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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Plan your visit

Times, etiquette, and simple preparation—so your visit feels calm from the moment you arrive.

Enrol in a RetreatAbout SessionsContact

DAILY SCHEDULE

Four sessions daily.

The program offers four visitor meditation sessions daily (except full moon day). Arriving a little early helps you settle quietly.

06:00–07:30

Silent meditation: breathing and walking

Sitting meditation focused on the breath, with walking meditation to settle attention and calm the mind.

09:00–11:00

Guided tour and meditation

09:00–10:00 guided tour inside the pagoda, then 10:00–11:00 guided loving-kindness and breathing meditation with Q&A.

  • 09:00–10:00Guided tour inside the pagoda
  • 10:00–11:00Guided loving-kindness + breathing meditation and Q&A
14:30–18:00

Tour, viewpoint and introduction

14:30–15:30 guided tour inside the pagoda, 15:30–16:30 guided loving-kindness and breathing meditation, 16:30–17:00 talk on meditation and introduction to Buddhism, 17:00–17:30 viewpoint tour, and 17:30–18:00 tea break.

  • 14:30–15:30Guided tour inside the pagoda
  • 15:30–16:30Guided loving-kindness and breathing meditation
  • 16:30–17:00Talk on meditation and introduction to Buddhism
  • 17:00–17:30Viewpoint tour
  • 17:30–18:00Tea break
20:00–21:00

Silent meditation

A quiet hour of silent meditation to close the day.

Chanting

Chanting is performed daily at 18:00 and visitors may observe.

Private discussion (on request)

Available during 09:00–11:00 and 13:00–20:00.

ETIQUETTE

Simple respect.

This is a temple setting. Visitors are warmly welcomed when behavior and dress are respectful.

  • - Women’s clothing should cover from knee to above shoulders; coverings are available on request.
  • - Remove shoes at the pagoda entrance.
  • - Remove hats in sacred spaces.
  • - Smoking and drugs are prohibited.
  • - Keep voices low; avoid disruptive behavior and respect those in meditation.
  • - Photos are generally allowed if appropriate—asking politely first is appreciated.

What to bring.

Bring what supports quiet: water, a light shawl if you get cold, and a small bag you can keep close. Most importantly, bring time— and a willingness to be gentle with yourself.

ContactSee the Setting

Reach us at +94 76 619 6727 (WhatsApp) or meditatewithamonkinella@gmail.com.

Find us.

Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Kumbalwela Road, Ella, Sri Lanka.

STAY LONGER

Consider a 3, 5, or 10-day retreat.

Go deeper with extended time for meditation, teaching, and quiet reflection.