10 Best Temples in Sri Lanka: A Guide to Must-Visit Sri Lankan Temples
Sri Lanka is a nation in South Asia, located about 20 miles off the southern coast of India. Among its many cultural treasures, the temples in Sri Lanka stand out for their remarkable architecture, spiritual significance, and centuries-old traditions, attracting devotees and travellers from around the world. The highly educated country is also known for its abundant natural resources, producing coffee, tea, rubber, coconuts, cinnamon, and many other products. Beyond its agricultural richness, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations, celebrated for its lush forests, pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Home to sacred places of worship for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, the island offers a fascinating blend of faiths and traditions. To explore these iconic temples along with the country’s other must-visit attractions, consider choosing one of the Sri Lanka tour packages for a well-planned and memorable holiday.
10 Best Temples in Sri Lanka
- Sri Dalada Maligawa – The Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic
- Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple
- Kataragama Temple – Kataragama
- Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
- Sri Vajiraramaya Temple – Colombo
- Buduruwagala
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil – Colombo
- Naguleswaram Temple
- Isipathanaramaya Temple
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1. Sri Dalada Maligawa – The Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic
Sacred Tooth Relic Temple
Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and is one of the most iconic places to visit in Sri Lanka. Housed within the royal palace complex, it is believed to enshrine a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Since ancient times, this sacred relic has played a significant role in local politics, as it was believed that whoever possessed it held the right to govern the country. Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the temple being one of its greatest highlights. Visitors looking to explore this historic city and its iconic landmarks can opt for Kandy tour packages, which often include the temple along with botanical gardens, scenic viewpoints, and cultural experiences.
2. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple
Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, surrounded by intriguing legends, was commissioned by an 8th-century Chola princess in homage to Lord Murugan after she was cured of her illness and horse-like disfigurement. Because of this, the surrounding area came to be known as Maviddapuram, meaning “the holy city where the horse-face was removed.” Although the temple has been restored several times over the centuries, the present structure dates back to the 17th century, making it an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious history. Travellers interested in exploring such historic landmarks can choose Sri Lanka tour packages that include visits to the island’s ancient temples, heritage sites, and cultural attractions for a more enriching travel experience.
3. Kataragama Temple
It is another one of the most ancient temples in Sri Lanka, constructed for Hindus and dedicated to Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam. According to legend, Lord Karthikeya was summoned to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the final day of the war to protect Lord Rama from the Brahma Astra unleashed by King Ravana. To worship comfortably, it is best to visit the Kataragama Temple during the offseason on weekdays. Exploring this sacred shrine is one of the most meaningful things to do in Sri Lanka, especially for travellers interested in the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Families can also include this iconic pilgrimage site in their itinerary through Sri Lanka family packages, which combine religious landmarks with wildlife parks, beaches, and other attractions suitable for all ages.
4. Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
Buddha temple in Sri lanka
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and is believed to be the site of Lord Buddha’s first visit to the island. It is also one of the 16 sacred Solosmasthana, the holiest Buddhist sites in the country. Declared an archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government, the temple is admired for its remarkable architecture and historical importance. Visiting this sacred monument also offers a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka culture, reflecting the island’s rich Buddhist traditions, centuries-old heritage, and enduring spiritual practices that continue to shape local life today.
Also Read: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka
5. Sri Vajiraramaya Temple – Colombo
Vajiraramaya Temple is located on Vajira Road in Colombo and is undoubtedly one of the most ornately adorned Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. For over a century, it has served as an important centre of Buddhist learning, with monks spreading the teachings of Buddhism to Western countries. The temple is admired not only for its grand Buddha statues and stunning architecture but also for its peaceful atmosphere that offers a welcome escape from the city’s bustle. On weekends, it also functions as a learning centre for hundreds of Buddhist children through its kindergarten classes. Travellers planning to explore the capital can choose Colombo tour packages, which often include Vajiraramaya Temple along with other cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant local markets.
6. Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is a rock temple from the 9th or 10th Centyrt. It is made up of seven ancient Buddhist figures that have been carved into the face of a high mountain. The tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is 51 feet tall, making it the tallest in the country. The massive Buddha figure stands in the middle of the cliff face, flanked on both sides by three smaller statues. The Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Goddess Tara, and Prince Sudhana are depicted on the right, while the Maitree Bodhisattva and Vajrapani Bodhisattva are depicted on the left. These are Buddhist personalities from the Mahayana school of thought.
Also read: Things to do in Sri Lanka
7. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is one of the most remarkable Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the golden mouth of a lion-like beast and take a short walk up the hill to discover five magnificent caves that house some of the island’s most awe-inspiring shrines. Inside, you’ll find larger-than-life Buddha statues and intricately painted murals depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. Visitors can also stroll along colonial-style outdoor corridors that connect the caves to peaceful man-made lily ponds. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple has been an important Buddhist pilgrimage site for centuries and continues to be home to Buddhist monks who preserve its rich spiritual and historical legacy.
8. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil – Colombo
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and built with South Indian granite. It is one of the most famous temples in Sri Lanka. The temple seems to be highly inspired by a high dome, similar to the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also one of the world’s holiest and most ancient Hindu temples.
9. Naguleswaram Temple
This is one of the most well-known temples in Sri Lanka, where the Hindu god Shiva is worshipped. This temple, located in front of the Keerimalai Holy Water spring, also provides a special soul-cleansing ceremony, which should be preceded by a bath in the sacred pond.
10. Isipathanaramaya Temple
Temple in sri lanka
It was founded in 1916 by wealthy merchant Duenuge Disan Pedris in memory of his only son Henry Pedris, who was executed by British authorities in 1915 for alleged incitement of ethnic disturbances (which were proven false). The temple was built on 4.9 acres of land acquired by Pedris in 1905. The temple is well-known for providing visitors with a peaceful environment.
Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most famous temples in Sri Lanka include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Kataragama Temple, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Vajiraramaya Temple, Naguleswaram Temple, Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, and Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil.
Yes. Sri Lanka is home to several important Hindu temples, including Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, Kataragama Temple, Naguleswaram Temple, and Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil. These temples are significant pilgrimage sites and reflect the island’s rich Hindu heritage.
Yes. The Shankari Devi Temple in Trincomalee is traditionally regarded as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in Hindu belief. Although the original temple no longer exists, the site remains an important place of worship for devotees.
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is one of the largest and most significant temple complexes in Sri Lanka. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it consists of five caves featuring hundreds of Buddha statues and intricate murals dating back to the 1st century BC.
Kataragama Temple is closely associated with the Ramayana legend, as it is believed that Lord Karthikeya was summoned by Lord Indra to protect Lord Rama during the battle against King Ravana. Several other sites across Sri Lanka are also linked to the Ramayana trail.
Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil in Colombo is one of the largest and most renowned Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Built entirely of South Indian granite and dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is admired for its magnificent Dravidian architecture.
Some of the most popular Buddhist temples include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Vajiraramaya Temple, Buduruwagala, and Isipathanaramaya Temple.
There is no single temple officially known as the Ravana Temple in Sri Lanka. However, several places connected to the Ramayana, including Ravana Cave, Ravana Falls, and nearby temples around Ella and Kataragama, are associated with the legendary king Ravana.
Naguleswaram Temple, Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, Kataragama Temple, and Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil are among the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, attracting devotees and visitors throughout the year.
Pilgrims should visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Kataragama Temple, Naguleswaram Temple, Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, and Isipathanaramaya Temple for their spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.
Kataragama Temple and Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple are among the most prominent temples dedicated to Lord Murugan (Lord Karthikeya) in Sri Lanka. Both are important pilgrimage centres and host vibrant annual religious festivals.
The best time to visit temples in Sri Lanka is during the dry seasons, typically from December to April for the south and west and May to September for the north and east. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays offers a quieter and more peaceful experience.
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