Temples in Sri Lanka For A Divine Pilgrimage

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Temples in Sri Lanka

The influence of religion on Sri Lanka can be widely attested by the huge number of temples in Sri Lanka. Buddhism and Hinduism - the two major religious sects of the country - account to the multipl (Read More)e number of temples that reside in almost every nook and corner of Sri Lanka. Most of the temples are extremely popular amongst pilgrimages and have even made it to UNESCO's Heritage Sites list. While visiting Sri Lanka, one should definitely pay these temples a visit to soak in the spirituality of the country.

Here is the list of 16 Temples in Sri Lanka For A Divine Pilgrimage

1. Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
4.2 /5

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa ,is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Located within the premises of the Royal Palace Complex of Kandy facing Kandy Lake. The golden chamber housing the tooth of Buddha, museums, and bo trees are populr attractions.
Timings : Sun - Sat : 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Puja Timings: Morning: 5.30 AM -6.45 AM, 9.30 AM-11 AM; Evening: 6.30 PM - 8 PM
Entry Fee: Foreigners LKR 1500.00; SAARC Countries LKR 750.00

2. Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
4.5 /5

Gangaramaya Temple is a popular 19th century Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka with a unique blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese and India. There are several buildings including a museum housing decorations, artifacts, Buddhist statues and ornaments. Bodhi tree and the library with Buddhist sciptures are other popular attraction.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: 300 LKR for foreigners

3. Isipathanaramaya Temple

Isipathanaramaya Temple

Built in 1916, Isipathanaramaya Temple in Havelock Town is one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Colombo. This temple in Sri Lanka is widely famous for its exuberant murals painted by Maligawe Sarlis. A wealthy merchant Duenuge Disan Pedris commissioned it in memory of his son Henry Pedris who was executed by the British officials wrongfully. Recently, a 12-meter tall statue of Buddha was erected at the site.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fee (Foreigners): LKR 330

4. Vajiraramaya Temple

Vajiraramaya Temple

Probably among the most famous Buddhist Temples in the world, Vajiraramaya Temple established in 1901 by Pelene Sri Vajiraramaya Maha Nayaka Thera is known for its resident monks from all over the world and alumni from all over the world. This temple in Sri Lanka plays a huge role in educating the youth on the principles of Buddhism, and teaches thousands of students every year. There are Bodhipujas every day, and meditation is  popular activity.
Timings: Open 24 Hours

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5. Naguleswaram Temple

Naguleswaram Temple

Located in the northernmost part of Sri Lanka in Jaffna, Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple is among the Pancha Ishwarams of Lord Shiva. One of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka, it is revered by Hindus from all over the world. A lake found adjacent to the temple, Keerimalai Springs is believed to have medicinal properties by the locals. There are accomosation facilities available nearby.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6. Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam

Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam

The oldest Hindu Temple in Colombo, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha and Shiva and was built by Indians in 18th century.  The temple is located around 2 km from Pettah Floating Market and can be accessed by walk from Fort Train Station. this temple in Sri Lanka is also a site for Tamil wedding ceremonies. Make sure to wear temple appropriate clothing and to leave your footwear outside before entering. 
Timings : 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

7. Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple (Koneswaram Temple), Trincomalee

Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple (Koneswaram Temple), Trincomalee
4.6 /5

The Koneswaram temple, also known as the "Kailasa of the South", is an important temple in Sri Lanka, located above the bay in Triconmalee with breathtaking of the Indian Ocean. Hiking to the temple from the beach, and watching deers and peacocks freely roaming are main attration. There is parking near the temple but buses are not allowed uphill. There are several gift shops and small eateries on the way. 
Timings : 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

8. Muthiyangana Temple

Muthiyangana Temple

Muthiyangana Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Badulla District. This temple in Sri Lanka believed to be visited by Buddha and is an important sacred site for the followers of Buddhism. Some of the main attrations of the temple are the old pagodas and the shrine hall with ancient Buddhist paintings. Parking and accomodation facilities are available near the temple. Entry is free for locals and foreigners.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

9. Munneswaram Temple

Munneswaram Temple

A vital temple complex that built in 1000 CE, Munneswaram Temple is among the Pancha Ishwaram temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord Shiva. A collection of five temples which includes a Buddhist Temple, and the biggest and most famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex is also the site of  Munneswaram Festival, a four-week-long event attended by Buddhists and Hindus alike. There are shops, parking facilities and washrooms available nearby.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM

10. Dambulla Cave Temple , Sigiriya

Dambulla Cave Temple , Sigiriya
4.5 /5

The Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambullais a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Matale District, in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is the best-preserved and largest cave temples in Sri Lanka. It comprises of five main caves, with statues of Lord Buddha, and paintings and statues of kings and Lord Vishnu. The temple has a 20 minute walk uphill and is not wheelchair accessible
Timings : 7 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee : LKR 1500

11. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple

Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple

Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple was commissioned by an 8th century Chola Princess in gratitude honouring the God Murugan for taking away her illness and horse-like disfigurement. Although the temple was rebuilt at certain times, the present-day temple dates back to the 17th century and has the biggest Cahriot in Sri Lanka. This temple in Sri Lanka is located near the Palaly airport and the Kaankesanthurai harbour. The temple is accessible by buses or taxi.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

12. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Located in the heart of Colombo city near the harbour, Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil  is the only temple in Sri Lanka made entrely of granite The temple has intricate carvings and designs and  recieves hundreds of pilgrims daily, and hosts several festivals and pujas. Cameras are banned inside the premises and it is required to wear long and temple appropriate clothing. Parking space and gift shops are available inside the complex.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM

13. Peace Temple, Ampara

Peace Temple, Ampara

The Peace Pagoda in the small town of Ampara in Sri Lanka is a holy buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. There are around 5 such peace temples across Sri Lanka and were commisioned after the World War II to aim at a non-violent vision of the world. The temple is surrounded by greenery and has a view of the Ampara tank. It is best visited in the evenings, and there are chances of spotting elephants. Accomodation is available nearby.
Timings: Open 24 Hous

14. Tenavaram Temple

Tenavaram Temple

This beautiful historical complex of temples in Sri Lanka is located at the southern port town of Tenavaram near Galle. Tenavaram Temple is known for its Dravidian style(Kerala) architecture. The Shiva Shrine among the temples is revered as one of the Pancha Ishwarams while the biggest and most famous shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Parking and accomodation facilities are available nearby.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

15. Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara

Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara

Known for its beautiful Kandyan-era murals and architecture, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist Rock Temple located in the city of Amunugama in Kandy. Commissioned by King Kirti Sri Ranjasinha in 1771, this cave temple in Sri Lanka is constructed out of a rock that stood at a height of about 13 meters. The temple is generally not crowded and the reclining Buddha statue, greenery, and ancient wall paintings are popular attractions
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

16. Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara

Believed to be the site where Buddha first visited in Sri Lanka, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist Temple in the city of Mahiyangana. It is also among the 16 sacred places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka to have been visited by Buddha called Solosmasthana. This temple in Sri Lanka was declared as an archaeological site. Sri-Lankan architecture,  museum housing ancient scriptures and artifacts, and Buddhist relics are main attractions.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee (Museum): LKR 50

Visit these temples in Sri Lanka to find peace for your mind and to reflect upon the architectural as well as historical significance these temples bring to Sri Lanka and its local communities!

This post was published by Muhammed Salih

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