Although interesting scraps of masonry are scattered across the large Yudaganawa archaeological site, the most striking construction is the ruined dagoba that looms large in a clearing between majestic hard wood trees. The stupa is thought to have been built some 2300 years ago, though various alterations over the years – including an ongoing renovation that began in the 1970s – have somewhat obscured its history. Offerings of blue waterlilies still garland a small adjacent shrine with finely carved wooden doors.
Dating back to the 7th century, the shrine is protected by a pair of carved wooden doors depicting leopards, while the interior is adorned with sensitive wall paintings of three-eyed elephants among other striking imagery. Three-hundred year old Buddha statues complete the tiny but engaging ensemble. It's a short walk, often in the company of monkeys, to the minimal ruins of Chulangani Vihara.
