Why is it advised to avoid visiting Kubalwela Asapuwa on Poya days?

Foreign tourists looking for a calm visit should generally avoid Kubalwela Asapuwa on full moon Poya days because there is extremely heavy crowding, at times almost unbearable, so it’s not the peaceful experience people expect.

Every full moon counts as a national public holiday in Sri Lanka, and that pulls in thousands of local lay devotees, many wearing white robes, to gather at the monastery for long, day-long sil observances, sermons, and group meditation. It is also quite an interesting cultural scene; however, the sheer density of people means parking becomes impossible, getting around turns messy, and the normal quiet, mountain retreat atmosphere is completely replaced by loudspeaker announcements.