12 Famous Buddhist Temples In Sri Lanka To Explore

The famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka have a long way and are scattered all around the place. Also, they have their own special significance for those seeking to have high power and find inner peace. 

Finding the best Sri Lanka trip packages would let you explore the divine beauty of the country. But, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy stands out as one of the most significant temples, as visitors can feel the powerful energy and reverence that is spread all around this place.  

So, make sure you are visiting the best Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and making the best out of your trip.

Famous Buddhist Temples In Sri Lanka 

1. Dambulla Cave Temple

It is made up of five caves, which have intricate murals and over 150 Buddha statues. Also, the largest cave houses a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, while the others also have many murals and statues attached. 

Visit the beautiful place and experience a breathtaking glimpse of the place, adding to the overall enchantment of the historical treasure. 

Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

2. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Kandy 

The temple is known for housing a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it an object of veneration and a pilgrimage destination. So, why not spend your time in the most beautiful place and know more about its fascinating history? 

Time: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM 

3. Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple

It is a unique charm as it is not only a place of worship but also an archaeological site to witness. Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to the tranquility of the temple, where they can also explore the cave art, meditate, and absorb the good energies.

So, have a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural legacy of this remarkable destination. 

Time: 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

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4. Mihintale Temple

It is located near the Ancient city of Anuradhapura, and Mihintale is a sacred mountain closely associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. 

There are various structures, including stupas and monastic buildings. So, the pilgrims need to climb the grand staircase leading to the summit to pay homage to this sacred site and the area is also dotted with ruins of ancient monasteries and meditation caves where monks once lives and practiced. 

5. Rumassala Temple

It is a modest structure, having intricate carvings and beautiful paintings depicting the scenes from the Ramayana. The travelers and devotees come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings. 

Also, nature adds to the charm, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna and enjoy the soothing views. 

6. Seema Malaka Temple

This temple is characterized by a modern and minimalist architectural style, making a harmonious blend of traditional elements all around. Also, it is supported by wooden pillars and interconnected platforms, giving it a huge appearance as it is floating on the water’s surface. 

The hall also has a sacred Bodhi tree, a symbol of enlightenment, adding to the spiritual ambiance. It is known as a cultural landmark for tourists who are visiting the place. 

7. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa 

The stupa is very special for Buddhists because it has a part of Buddha’s body inside, like ashes or a relic. Many people visit Ruwanwelisaya to pray, meditate, and feel peaceful. The stupa is surrounded by a big area where people can walk and spend time with family and friends. It’s a very important place in Sri Lanka and shows how much people respect and remember Lord Buddha.

8. Kandy Esala Perahera

During the festival, there is a big parade with elephants, dancers, and musicians. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and colorful decorations. People from different parts of Sri Lanka and even from other countries come to see the parade and enjoy the festivities at the Kandy Esala Perahera temple. It is a time for joy, prayers, and coming together as a community.

9. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi 

People from all around the world visit this temple to pay their respects to the sacred tree. The temple is a peaceful and serene place where visitors can meditate and reflect. It is a symbol of Buddhism and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple holds a significant place in the hearts of people who follow the teachings of Buddha.

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10. Anuradhapura

The temple is in a city called Anuradhapura, and it’s a big, ancient place where people used to pray and do important ceremonies. The temple has tall towers called stupas, and they are really amazing to look at. 

Many people come to visit the Anuradhapura Temple because it’s a peaceful and sacred place. People believe that the temple has a lot of history and spiritual significance. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the past and feel a sense of calmness.

11. Polonnaruwa

The temple has a big statue of Buddha, who was a wise and kind teacher. People come here to pray and learn about history. It’s like a time machine that takes us back to ancient times. The trees and gardens around the temple make it a peaceful place. Polonnaruwa temple is like a living history book that helps us understand how people lived and worshipped in the olden days.

12. Sri Dalada Maligawa

The architecture of the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a stunning blend of Kandyan, South Indian, and Indo-Aryan styles, showcasing intricate carvings, colorful paintings, and a beautiful array of traditional Kandyan roof structures. The temple complex also includes a series of smaller shrines, pavilions, and museums that further enrich the visitor’s experience.

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