Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

3.4 Island Hermitage (Polgasduwa)
source: leaflet and Samanera S. updated from Erik Hausstädtler July 2005
Address: Island Hermitage (Polgasduwa)
To the Monk in Charge
80250 Dodanduwa, Galle District, Sri Lanka
Tel: Tel.: 0094 91 54 52 453
Informations: www.metta.lk/temples/ih/Info.htm
Registration: To preserve the tranquil and secluded character of the center is is
mandatory to apply and wait for an invitation. Only with this invitation the boat will
take you there!
Description: The Island Hermitage is a monk hermitage in the Theravada forest
tradition. It was founded in 1911 by the first German monk, Ven. Nyanatiloka.
Polgasduwa is about 104 km from Colombo and about 5 km south of the seaside
resort of Hikkaduwa.
Seriously interested males can pursue Buddhist studies or meditation techniques of
the Theravada tradition. Excellent library (German and English books) and good
atmosphere for practice. Sanitary areas are a bit run down.
How to get there: From Colombo take bus or train direction of Galle and get off in
Dodanduva. From there, walk to the laguna or take a threewheeler for the short way.
Lodging: Double kutis (sufficient space in between).
Costs: Donation.
Climate: Humid and hot.
What to bring: For overnight stays, bring passport with valid visa, alarm clock,
flashlight with spare batteries, umbrella, insect repellant, sheet cover and blanket or a
light sleeping bag. White upasaka clothing (white shirt and white sarong or trousers).
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