This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BCE), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine murals. Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock.
The small museum features the famous Gupta-style "lovers" sculpture, which dates from around the 5th century AD and depicts Prince Saliya (the son of Dutugemunu), who gave up his right to the throne in order to marry his low-caste love Asokamala.
