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Sri Lanka is a country surrounded by the Indian Ocean and has the appearance of a precious gem. Once you arrive in this country, you will adore every aspect of it. Immerse yourself in the abundant legacy by embarking on a spiritual journey to the most significant temples in Sri Lanka and various other religious monuments. Undoubtedly, your visit to these temples will undoubtedly encourage you to reaffirm your faith and receive blessings from the Divine. They can be found throughout Sri Lanka and are an ideal source of spiritual renewal. Prepare yourself to spend some tranquil moments in the temples!
12 Temples In Sri Lanka
The list below highlights the top temples in Sri Lanka that you should not miss during your visit to this beautiful country, which is abundant in natural heritage, national parks, beaches, and tourist attractions. So, here are a few temples for you:
- Gangaramaya Temple – Colombo
- Temple of the Holy Tooth Relic – Kandy
- Naguleswaram Temple – Kankesanturai
- Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple – Trincomalee
- Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple – Trincomalee
- Kataragama Temple – Kataragama
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple – Peliyagoda
- Cave Temple – Dambulla
- Muthiyangana Temple – Badulla
- Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple – Jaffna
- Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil – Colombo
- Munneswaram Temple – Chilaw
1. Gangaramaya Temple – Colombo
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Gangaramaya Temple is an ancient and prominent temple in Sri Lanka. Combining contemporary architecture with cultural significance, this temple is located in the heart of the city. The splendid Bodhi tree inside the temple is a captivating sight. Furthermore, the temple houses a remarkable collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts.
Location: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
How to Reach: You can opt for a taxi from Colombo Airport, and the journey should take approximately 40 minutes.
Entry Fee: INR 120 /-
Places to Stay: Residence by Uga Escapes, Hilton Colombo Residences, Unique Towers Luxury Boutique
Other Key Attractions: Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo City Centre
Essential Reading: 15 Activities To Experience In Ella And Enhance Your Sri Lanka Vacation
2. Sacred Tooth Relic Temple – Kandy
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If any individual desires to spend a satisfactory religious time in Sri Lanka, then Sri Dalada Maligawa is the ultimate location to explore. This temple of the revered tooth holds Sri Lanka’s most hallowed Relic. It accommodates the tooth of Buddha, maintained in a chamber made of gold and is situated within the grounds of the royal palace complex. The temple itself is stunning and the rituals conducted inside are exceptionally captivating to witness, making it one of the most intriguing Sri Lanka tourist destinations.
Site: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri LankaHow to Arrive: The finest choice is to travel by air, and the nearest airport is Bandaranaike Airport. Travelers can then opt for a bus or train to reach Kandy.Admission Fee: INR 400/-Other Main Attractions: World Buddhist Museum, Kandy Garrison CemeteryPlaces to Lodge: Queens Hotel Kandy, Ayaana Boutique Hotel, Hotel Casamara
Recommended Reading: 4 Top Resorts in Katunayake For An Enriching Experience In Sri Lanka
3. Naguleswaram Temple – Kankesanturai
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This is one of the most renowned temples in Sri Lanka where the Hindu deity Shiva is venerated. Located in front of Keerimalai Sacred Water spring, this temple also offers a unique purification ritual, preceding which it is recommended to cleanse oneself in the holy pond.
Site: Keerimalai, Jaffna 40000, Sri LankaHow to Reach: You can catch the morning train from Jaffna station and then utilize local transportation to arrive at the temple.Admission Fee: No admission feePlaces to Lodge: Jaffna Heritage Bungalow, Margosa Green, Gaja Rest, Fox Resorts JaffnaOther Main Attractions: Nalur Kovil, Neduntheevu, Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, Casuarina Beach
Recommended Reading: 3 Best Restaurants in Katunayake With The Finest Food In Sri Lanka
4. Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple – Trincomalee
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This is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by the impressive Swami Rock and Gokarna Bay, this traditional-medieval complex is among the top tourist spots in Trincomalee. The temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage center and also one of the five residences of Lord Shiva.
Location: Trincomalee, Sri LankaHow to Get There: The temple can be accessed through Fort Frederick using the path that is lined with shops. Another option is to take a bus from the Central Bus Station.Entrance Fee: No charges, but worshippers are encouraged to make donations.Places to Stay: Blue Ocean Hotel, Elegant Green Beach Resort, Golf Link Hotel-TrincomaleeOther Major Attractions: Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee War Cemetery
Recommended Reading: 5 Activities To Experience In Moratuwa In Winter To Bask In The Sun In Sri Lanka!
5. Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple – Trincomalee
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It is believed that the original Shankari Devi Temple in Sri Lanka was constructed by Ravana. It is mentioned in the Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Peethas composed by Adi Shankara. This temple is located next to the Koneswaram Temple, which holds great importance for Hindu pilgrims. Additionally, the temple provides a stunning view of the serene Indian Ocean.
Location: Trincomalee, Sri LankaHow to Get There: All modes of transportation are available to reach this destination.Entrance Fee: No fee, but donations are welcomed.Other Major Attractions: Kanniya Hot Springs, Trincomalee War Cemetery, Orr’s Hill Army Museum, The Ravana Abyss.Places to Stay: Hotel Tobiko, Skandig Beach Resort, Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Recommended Reading: Spend Only 5 Days In Sri Lanka To Explore The Exotic Paradise That It Is!
6. Kataragama Temple – Kataragama
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It is another of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka constructed for Hindus and where Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam is venerated. Lord Karthikeya was summoned to join the battle by Lord Indra on the final day of warfare – an intriguing tale about this temple. This action was carried out in order to shield Lord Rama from the devastation of Brahma Ashram shot by King Ravana. It is suggested to pay a visit to the Kataragama temple in Sri Lanka preferably during the off-season on weekdays to worship serenely.
Location: Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Kataragama 91400, Sri LankaHow to Reach: You can catch a bus from Kandy Secretariat Bus Stop and take it to any of the bus stations such as – Kandy Clock Tower Bus Station, Torrington Bus Station, and Maligawa Bus Stop.Other Main Attractions: Tissa Wewa, Lunugamvehera National Park, Tissamaharama Raja Maha ViharaEntry Fee: INR 260/-Places to Stay: Grand Tamarind Lake, Thisara Rest Kataragama, Mandara Rosen, Lavendish Okrin Hotel
Recommended Reading: 4 Things To Do In Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka For An Incredible Vacation!
7. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple – Peliyagoda
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Renowned Kelaniya temple in Sri Lanka is one of the most significant temples in Colombo for Buddhists. With astonishing frescoes adorning its walls depicting the tales about Lord Buddha, this temple is worth visiting not only as a tourist but also as a devoted follower. This temple holds an exceptional status as one of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka where it is believed that Lord Buddha had paid a visit during his stay in this country.
Location: Colombo, Sri LankaHow to Reach: Conveniently accessible from all corners of the Capital city of Colombo by taxi, car, and even bus.Admission Fee: No charges, but visitors are welcome to make a donation.Other Notable Attractions: Sri Lanka Planetarium, National Art Gallery, Crow Island Beach ParkAccommodations: Aubrona Hotel, Earl’s Red Colombo, Elyon Colombo Hotel, Opulent River Face Hotel.
Recommended Reading: 4 Things To Do In Moratuwa For Party Enthusiasts In Sri Lanka!
8. Cave Temple – Dambulla
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This temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Considered one of the most popular temples in Sri Lanka, worshippers can enjoy splendid views of the surroundings from specific points within the cave. The murals on the walls are ancient and exquisitely executed. Make sure to visit this exceptional cave temple during your trip to Sri Lanka.
Location: Kandy – Jaffna Highway, Habarana 50150, Sri LankaHow to Reach: Besides local buses or hired cars, tourists can opt for the adorable and efficient tuk-tuks to travel in Sri Lanka. Tuk-tuk services are available from Sigiriya, which will take you to the base of the temple. From the Dambulla bus terminus, it is a 15-minute walk to the base.Admission Fee: INR 600/-Other Notable Attractions: Golden Temple of Dambulla, Popham’s Arboretum, Karu Arts and CraftsAccommodations: Jetwing Lake, Boulde Range Resort, Sigiriana Resort, Dambulla Villa
Recommended Reading: 3 Religious Things To Do In Moratuwa For A Spiritual Holiday In Sri Lanka!
9. Muthiyangana Temple – Badulla
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The Muthiyangana Temple is one of the most exquisite temples in Sri Lanka and is regarded as one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred places in Sri Lanka. This temple will transport you to the time of Buddha, and you will come across a magnificent Dragon Pandol at the entrance. Be sure to include it in your itinerary as a must-visit temple.
Location: Station Road, Badulla 90000, Sri LankaHow to Reach: It is situated in Badulla town, approximately 20 km from Ella. You can opt for a bus or train from Ella and a tuk-tuk will require some money.Admission Fee: No entrance feeAccommodation: Weligama Holiday Inn, Capital City Hotel, River Side Holiday Inn, RIO Hotel and Resorts
Suggested Read: 10 Exciting Activities To Experience In Moratuwa During the Summer For A Wonderful Vacation In Sri Lanka!
10. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple – Jaffna
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This temple is renowned as one of the most popular Hindu temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as the God of War, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is believed that a Chola Princess from Tamil Nadu constructed this legendary temple. The temple showcases breathtaking architecture with extensively adorned pillars and a towering gopuram. You can visit this temple at any time of the year to seek blessings from Lord Murugan.
Location: Jaffna, Sri LankaHow to Reach: Located approximately 400 km from Colombo, you can avail direct railway services and buses from Colombo. Another option is to travel to the nearest international airport in Colombo, which is only 16 km away.Admission Fee: No fees, but donations are appreciated.
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Explore Near Sinharaja Forest Reserve With Friends During Your Sri Lanka Trip
11. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil – Colombo
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This Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most popular temples in Sri Lanka. It is constructed using South Indian granite and is heavily influenced by the high ceiling resembling the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also one of the oldest and ancient Hindu temples worldwide. Avoid visiting on Fridays and Tuesdays as they are the busiest days of the week.
Location: Kotahena, Colombo, Sri Lanka
How to Reach: Buses and taxis connect Colombo with other places in Sri Lanka.
Entry Fee: No charge.
Places to Stay: Golden Pier City Hotel, City Motel, Earl’s Red Colombo, Elyon Colombo Hotel
Other Key Attractions: St Anthony’s Shrine, St Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolvendaal Church
Suggested Read: 4 Astonishing Locations To Explore In Udawalawa On Your Sri Lankan Getaway This Year!
12. Munneswaram Temple – Chilaw
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The Munneswaram Temple Complex is a collection of five temples that includes a Buddhist temple, a Shiva temple and the other three includes the temples that are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Ayyanayake and Kali. They remain popular of all the temples in Sri Lanka whose unique architecture appeal to all. Tourists and Hindu population celebrate Mahashivratri here with grandeur. The beauty of this temple is its Munneswaram function that remains a 28-day festival and can be attended by anyone and everyone from various religious faiths.
Location: Wariyapola Road, Chillaw 61000, Sri Lanka
How to Reach: It is best to travel to Colombo via air and then you can easily hire a car or also prefer railways from Colombo.
Entry Fee: No charge
Places to Stay: Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw, Carolina Beach Hotel, Chilaw City Hotel, Hotel Athina and Restaurant
Other Key Attractions: Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, Negombo Beach Park, Captain Fernando Negombo Boat Tours
Further Read: 3 Excellent Resorts In Galle, Sri Lanka For A Comfortable And Luxurious Stay
The temples in Sri Lanka are worth visiting to know the illustrious past of the region for centuries. You may be a devotee seeking to worship here or simply a traveler willing to explore the region to the best, a trip to Sri Lanka welcomes tourists to visit some of its finest temples that remain popular globally.
Disclaimer: Some images are for representation purposes only. TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Sri Lanka
How much time is needed to explore the Gangaramaya Temple?
It varies from person to person. Once you have been to the main prayer room, the rest time can be explored in less than 45 minutes.
What is the dress code to be observed while visiting temples in Sri Lanka?
It is highly recommended to observe a modest dressing while visiting the temples in Sri Lanka. Also, avoid anything sleeveless.
Can a differently-able person have access to these temples?
Yes, all possible facilities are available for differently-able people, which can help them in every possible way.
What is the value of Sri Lankan Rupee as compared to India Rupee?
One Sri Lankan Rupee equals 0.40 Indian Rupee.
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is safe as a whole. However, basic precautions should always be taken while visiting a new country.
What type of clothes should be carried while traveling to Sri Lanka?
It completely depends on the season during which you are traveling. Light cotton clothes are a good idea during summers. In case of traveling to the mountains, you will need to bring some warm clothes as the temperature above 2000 meters of height is extremely low. Some covered clothing should also be carried for visiting Temples in Sri Lanka.
How is the average weather in Sri Lanka throughout the year?
The average temperature in Sri Lanka is 27 degrees Celsius. The warmest average maximum temperature is 31 degrees Celsius around February-May. The coolest average low temperature is 22 degrees Celsius in January and February.
Are food allowed inside the temples?
No, food is not allowed inside the temples. You can only carry food offerings but nothing more than that.
