This historical landmark is situated in the tiny fishing hamlet of Weligama along the Galle-Matara (A2) highway in southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. This is just 12 km away from the town of Matara. Dating back approximately to 1300 years, belonging to the period of 7-9 centuries, this statue carved out of a rock face is one of the best preserved statues of Awalokitheshwara bodhisattva of the history of Mahayana sector in Sri Lanka. Possessing unique features this statue has many similarities to the Buduruwagala statue in Wellawaya. Kushtarajagala is the only statue in the wet zone of Sri Lanka to be found preserved. The hamlet of Weligama is steeped in history as it was used as a harbour by foreign traders in ancient times. Today, Weligama is a bustling tourism hub with numerous hotels and restaurants offering highly commendable services and facilities for travellers.

A must visit while in weligama. Easy to get to. Buddhist significance.

The place is close to velingama beach and is very peaceful. The rock structure is very close to road yet hidden. If one does not pay attention, you are expected to miss it. There is no entry fee and no separate parking. The place is kept open and is well maintained. It also houses a grave. Should not be missed.

If you have an interest in seeing and enjoying historical but places most people don't take time to visit, this is the place.

It's a beautiful spot but there is no English Information, you have to google the background of the rock yourself. It's also not as big and tall. It's a nice visit of about 10 minutes.

This is a 3 metre high statue carved onto a face of huge boulder. There are two theories of the identity. The first is that a king of ancient times came to this location with a ailment and was cured . Hence the name Kushta Raja gala. The second and more likely fact is that this statue represents a Bodhisattva...probably Avalokiteshvara.

Well maintained and an interesting story behind this site, which was explained to me by a tuk driver named Sisira who's stand is opposite the site.

Even though this is remarkable historical, tourists attractive place. The security and care is minimal from Department of Archeology and government.If this was created in other country even in asian region,they will definitely have huge income while having proper care popularity.But this how our educated politician's rulings.

Lost between narrow streets, but beautiful. It definitely needs more info somewhere at the place.

If you around the place go and have a look for change , but wouldn't make a separate journey for that

Small tranquil spot a short walk from Weligama centre / beach.

Peaceful place. Access is free. Keep in mind that this place is a place of worship.

Although a small place, it is a place of great historical importance and a spectacular statueකුඩා ස්ථානයක් වුවද එය අතිශය ඵෙතිහාසිකව වැදගත් ස්ථානයක් එමෙන්ම දර්ශනීය ප්‍රතිමාවක් Now a part of the Kustarajagala Viharaya, the larger than life statue is one of the best remaining statues built under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Despite the long believed legend that the statue represents a foreign prince suffering from an incurable skin disease, who sought refuge in Weligama away from the prying eyes of the world, the archaeologists and historians now believe that the statue is of a deity or the Awalokatheesvara Bodhisattva belonging to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism which was a major influence in Sri Lanka during the 6th and 7th centuries AD. Believed to be once a part of the ancient AggrabodhiViharaya, the temple still retains its ancient charm despite being left to the effects of nature.

Beautiful statue and a special place. Definitely worth a stop on your way.