Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Tourism

Type of destination: Buddhist Temple

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is an iconic Buddhist temple located 11 kilometers north-east of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, near the banks of the Kelani River. This sacred site is believed to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after his enlightenment. It is one of the most revered temples in the country, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during the Duruthu Maha Perehera festival held in January. The temple’s history is chronicled in ancient texts dating back to 500 BCE. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara showcases exquisite architecture, impressive sculptures, and murals that depict various events in the life of Buddha, making it an important cultural and heritage site. Renowned for the Kelaniya Dagoba, the complex also includes shrines, a museum, and a library. The temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries, particularly during the Kotte era and under the patronage of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe in the 18th century. The temple's walls are adorned with paintings by the famous Sri Lankan artist Solias Mendis, which contribute to its artistic and spiritual ambiance.

Top 5 Reviews on Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

749devendrag

Wrote on 24th Jun, 2024

Vibhishana temple

Kelaniya temple is also known as the Vibhishan temple. This is a buddhist temple, and it is believed that Gautam buddha visited the place on his third and final visit to Sri Lanka. On the back of the ..

NilushaAshen

Wrote on 23rd Apr, 2024

Favorite ,Beautiful and historic

The temple is praised for its elaborate architecture, including a stunning main entrance and intricate carvings. Some reviewers mention its significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, believed to have..

LolaGo1

Wrote on 9th Mar, 2024

Last Temple to visit during our Day Tour

The staff here are quite restrict about enforcing the dress code and no shoe policy here. From the parking lot, we were approached by 3 different men telling us to remove our shoes. At this time it w..

maximilian1988

Wrote on 19th Dec, 2023

A Marvelous Experience at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

My visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya was nothing short of exceptional. This stunning temple complex is not only breathtaking in its architectural and artistic beauty but also radiates a profound se..