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Sri Lanka, an island nation of stunning natural beauty and profound spiritual heritage, captivates visitors with its exquisite temple art and breathtaking architecture. The temples in Sri Lanka are living testimonials of their deep-rooted religious traditions and architectural brilliance. A sacred landscape set amidst indescribably beautiful landscapes, these temples offer an evocative fusion of spirituality, history, and artistry. Whether you are on a spiritual pilgrimage or a cultural journey, visiting the temples of Sri Lanka remains an invisible treasure unexplored.
Top 10 Best Temples in Sri Lanka
Exploring the colourful landscapes of Sri Lanka and its ancient temples forms an enthralling experience. In this regard, some of the most important temples in Sri Lanka include:
1. Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
The Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of Sri Lanka’s famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is in Kandy and holds Lord Buddha’s holy tooth, which explains why it is an essential pilgrimage in the region. The temple complex, with its intricate sculptures and breathtaking vistas, is an architectural masterpiece that resembles a United Nations World Heritage Site. Visitors can experience the daily rituals and the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and beautifully decorated elephants.
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 1500
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2. Dambulla Cave Temple
Photo: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons
The Dambulla Cave Temple, commonly called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is the most spectacular collection of cave temples on a rock. The Lord Buddha is represented with frescoes and images of life at this recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are five caves, and there are fine paintings in the buildings and over 150 statues of Buddha, gods, and kings. The temple affords foresight and vision of the landscape below. Dambulla Cave Temple is the finest of an array of cave temples to be found in Sri Lanka.
Location: Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 1500
3. Ruwanwelisaya
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Among the must-visit stupas in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya is located in Anuradhapura. Constructed by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, this colossal stupa had been a symbol of the rich Buddhist heritage of the island. Its large courtyard and many small shrines have great historical and religious value. The Ruwanwelisaya against the sky with its white dome is imposingly majestic. This is a holy place that scores of devotees and tourists visit to offer prayers and relaxation in the peaceful ambience around this ancient monument.
Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
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4. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the suburb of Kelaniya near Colombo city, Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. During his third visit to the island, it is believed that Lord Buddha left his holy footprint there. A strikingly painted mural inside the temple portrays new tales from the everyday life of the Buddha walking among humans and scenes showing Jataka tales. The place is silent and is of divine importance; hence, it is visited by many locals or travellers.
Location: Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Gangaramaya Temple
Photo: Dan arndt / Wikimedia Commons
The city centre of Colombo houses the vibrant and colourful temple complex of Gangaramaya temple. Here at this temple, you will find designs ranging from modern thinking to traditional styles. It is a religious, Buddhist learning, and cultural place. The interiors that are present in the temple are decorated with carved designs, statues, and paintings. The people’s pilgrimage takes place once a year in the shrine month of February, in which there is a massive procession of several people, among them traditional dancers, drummers, elephants, performers, and chieftains around the precinct.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 300
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6. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a divine place in Anuradhapura, a sacred site in the country. This is a sapling of the ancient fig tree, believed to be the oldest in the world, from a tree under which Prince Siddhartha had gained enlightenment. Bo Tree was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. by Princess Sangamitta. The Bo tree is worshipped at each full moon. The Bo tree has been the fulcrum of attraction for devotees worldwide. There are several shrines and stupas around the Bo tree.
Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 200
7. Kataragama Temple
Photo: Adbar / Wikimedia Commons
Kataragama Temple, located in the town of Kataragama in southern Sri Lanka, is a multi-religious site dedicated to the deity Skanda-Kumara in the name of Kataragama Deviyo. This temple is unique because pilgrims come from across the country: Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the indigenous Veddas. The Esala Festival is full of life and is held in July or August. It comprises special processions, traditional dances, and many significant rituals that give insight into this temple’s exciting culture and traditions.
Location: Kataragama, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
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8. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
One of the many significant Hindu holy temples in Sri Lanka, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, located in Jaffna, is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is famous for its tremendous structure and length, which span colourful festivals. A very tall gopuram stands at the temple entrance, which leads to the temple complex. This niche carries concretely carved ancient statues standing by concrete pillars. The annual Nallur Festival in August is one of the most significant events. The temple accommodates and receives hundreds of thousands of devotees who indulge in a myriad of rituals and cultural performances.
Location: Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Timings: 4:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Photo: Dan arndt / Wikimedia Commons
Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara, a fine ancient rock temple, is located in the Hambantota District and is more popular as Mulkirigala Rock Temple. This temple has been constructed over a 205-metre-high rock and offers panoramic views from the top, displaying glimpses of the surrounding countryside. Cave temples in the setting are laden with many delicate murals and statues, which depict various scenes in the life of Buddha—Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara—a serene spiritual place surrounded by historical and natural beauty.
Location: Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry cost: LKR 500
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10. Isurumuniya Temple
Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / Wikimedia Commons
The Isurumuniya Viharaya temple is in Anuradhapura and is known for its beautiful rock carvings and peaceful surroundings. This 3rd-century B.C. temple is famous for its rock carvings, generally known as the Isurumuniya Lovers, which depict a romantic couple in stone. Beautiful lotus ponds and surroundings with scenic beauty add to the charm and make it a quiet retreat for visitors inside the temple complex. A combination of historical value and aesthetic appeal makes Isurumuniya Temple a must-see destination for those visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 200
Temples in Sri Lanka hold a peculiar charm, where one finds an island nation’s spiritual and cultural ethos. Stories are told by ancient rock temples in Anuradhapura and within the dynamic festivals of Kataragama. Each temple in Sri Lanka tells the story of dedication, artistic skill, and history. Visiting these places of worship not only offers spiritual rejuvenation but also a look into the architectural prowess and rich culture of Sri Lanka. Discover exclusive deals and curated packages for your Sri Lanka trip on TripXL.
Cover Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
