Religious site
Island Hermitage
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Island Hermitage is a Buddhist monastery located on a small island in Ratgama Lake, near Hikkaduwa. Accessible only by boat, it provides a tranquil setting for meditation and retreats. Visitors can explore the island's simple huts, meditation halls, and lush gardens. The monastery is known for its peaceful atmosphere and resident monks who follow a strict daily routine. It's a place for quiet reflection rather than sightseeing, with opportunities to observe monastic life and enjoy the lake's scenic beauty.
Don't miss
- Take a boat ride across Ratgama Lake to reach the island monastery.
- Observe monks in meditation or during their daily alms round.
- Enjoy the serene natural surroundings and birdlife around the lake.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Island Hermitage
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inKandy Heritage City Tour by tuktuk5★ · 75 travelers5–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$11 per personSee dates →
Best full dayDay tour to Sigiriya,Dambulla & Polannaruwa (3 word heritage places) from Kandy4.8★ · 108 travelers12–14 hoursFree cancellationFrom$59 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleExplore Colombo Heritage and Cultural Temples Tour by Tuk Tuk5★ · 51 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →More attractions in Hikkaduwa
