Literally the "Silver Temple," Ridi Vihara (rideeviharaya.lk) was named for the silver ore that was discovered here in the 2nd century BCE and which helped King Dutugemunu finance the construction of the huge Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba in Anuradhapura. The main attractions are the wonderful frescos painted in two Buddhist cave temples, but the entire monastery complex is a delight and feels firmly off the beaten track. Remove your shoes before entering the monastery gate.
The primary attraction for pilgrims is the golden standing Buddha statue in the main cave, the Pahala Vihara (Lower Temple), which also houses a 9m recumbent Buddha resting on a platform decorated with a series of blue-and-white tiles. The 16th-century tiles were a gift from the Dutch consul and depict scenes from the Bible, including animals entering Noah's ark two by two. As you exit the room past a giant Maitreya Buddha statue look for the stunningly ornate ivory inserts in the old wooden door to the left.
The next-door Uda Vihara (Upper Temple) was built by Kandyan King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe in the 18th century and features stunningly vibrant murals and carvings painted in yellows, reds and black, along with a statue of Vishnu in a glass case. Guides will point out the fresco above the exterior doorway to the right, which appears to be an elephant but is actually made up of nine women.
The monastery celebrates an annual elephant-led perahera (procession) in August, with dancing and drumming that draws pilgrims up the traditional stairway approach to the east.
Outside the temple complex you can walk past the renovated 12th-century Indian-style stone Varaka Velau temple up the ceremonial pathway, past several ancient rock inscriptions, to the Serasumgala Stupa. From here, paths lead through the forest (bring your shoes) for 800m up to fabulous views from Pahangala rock.