Bahiravokanda Vihara: Some Divinity for your soul!

Sri Lanka is one of the top tourist destinations in South Asia. One of the major reasons is the Green carpet landscape and Sceneries view across Sri Lanka. It also a well-known place for divine temples which could lift up the Spiritual soul. Speaking on which, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue in Kandy one of the topmost attraction in Sri Lanka. While on vacation every tourist must visit this place to see wonderful architecture and panoramic view of Kandy city.

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue in Kandy is one of well-known place among the tourist as well as Locals. It was also called “Big Buddha” true to its name It is 88 feet in height which makes it a breathtaking view from the entire Kandy City. It was built completely in the year 1992. Located on the Bahirawa Kanda hill which is also known as “Devil Hill”. Let see something more about this place to make it easier for you while visiting.

History of Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

This templed actually built on the land that was donated by the Minister of Lands, Hector Kobbekaduwa. Initially, there was a lot of opposition against building this temple by the senior Monk of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) because it would overshadow the centre of Siyam Nikaya. later after so much controversy, finally in the year 1980 Hinatiyana Dhammaloka – the chief monk of the Amarapura Nikaya has got the legal rights to build the Vihara Buddha Statue at the hill of Bahiravokanda.

In the late 1980’s they started to construct and finished in 1992. It was officially opened on 1 January of 1993 by the President Ranasinghe Premadasa

Also read: 10 Most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka

How to reach Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

You can easily reach the base of the Buddha statue by tuk-tuk. From there it will be a 20 Minutes walk up to the hill to reach the statue and its outstanding top view of Kandy City. It is located just 2KM away from Kandy Railway Station.

Address:  Bahirawa Kanda Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: Approximate price starts from 200 LKR. Timings: Open 24 hours a day.
Best time to Visit: Early morning or After sunset
Location: Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue Kandy Sri Lanka

Attractions near Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  It is also one of the oldest Buddhist temples than the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue. It is also called as the Glorious Tooth Temple. In ancient times, the relic has played a vital role in local politics because of the belief that whoever holds the relic will hold the governance of the country.

• National Museum
  The national museum of Kandy is located next to the temple of the tooth in the part of Former Royal Palace Kandy. You can witness various weapons Jewels and tools of the Kandyan period. In 1942, this place was opened for the public view

• World Buddhist Museum
  It is the First International Buddhist Museum in the World. It located near to the National Museum and Temple of the tooth

There are many more places like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy lake, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary and much more. To visit all these places you must have to stay a minimum of 2-3 nights in Kandy. Let plan your vacation with some Exciting places in Sri Lanka, also please check out Sri Lanka vacation packages in Pickyourtrail.