Sri Lanka is an island nation located 55 km away from the southern coast of India. The highly educated country is well known for its various natural resources, from which they grow coffee, tea, rubber, coconuts, cinnamon, crabs, and many other items. Sri Lanka is an island that is the most popular travel destination globally because of its breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. There are numerous cultural and architectural wonders of places, worshiped by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in Sri Lanka.
The temples of Sri Lanka offer insight into the nation’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, and spiritual experiences. Each of these temples offers a unique experience that reflects the island’s diverse religious traditions, from Buddhism to Hinduism.
8 Best Temple To Visit In Sri Lanka
Let us walk you through the most sacred Sri Lanka temples that should be on a traveler’s itinerary to Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is one of the most worshiped Buddhist temples in the world. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it a focal point of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
- Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy
- Approximate Entry Fee: Rs. 1500 for adults
- Best Time to Visit: During the Esala Perahera festival (July-August), when the relic is paraded through the streets.
- Official Website: Sri Dalada Maligawa
Explore Temples in Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Community Tour
Tip: Wear modest clothes for all genders, not exposing too much skin from the shoulders or legs. Remove your footwear outside the temple.
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
A short trip from Kandy brings you to Dambulla, home to the UNESCO-sited Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, popularly known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple complex constitutes five caves that contain about 150 ancient Buddhist statues and murals dating back to the 1st century BC. Its artworks and carvings are depictions to narrate the life and teachings of Buddha. King Valagamba refuged here and carved the caves into magnificent rock temples. The intricate paintings and serene atmosphere make it a great spot of important and religious art. The creation of artwork continued into the 20th century as well.
- Location: Kandy – Jaffna Highway, Habarana (located in the center of the Cultural Triangle)
- Approximate Entry Fee: Rs. 450 for an adult
- Best Time to Visit: Either early in the morning or in the afternoon.
Tip: You can climb the Sigiriya Rock (30 minutes from Dambulla) in the morning as a long hike or short trek, and enjoy a peaceful sunset from the Cave Temples.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Kataragama Temple
Kataragama Temple is unique as it is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and other faith systems. This Hindu temple in Sri Lanka is dedicated to the divine deity with 6 faces, and 12 hands, known as Skanda-Murukan. Hindu devotees believe it to be dedicated to the Hindu God of War-Lord Murugan (Kartikeya in Hinduism). While Buddhists believe that Kataragama is one of the 16 sacred places that were visited by Lord Buddha during his travels,
- Location: Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Kataragama
- Entry Fee: Free (Donations accepted), Kataragama (museum) $5
- Best Time to Visit: During the Kataragama Perahera festival in July, when pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay their respects. Or during the weekdays, for early morning prayers to avoid major day crowds.
Tip: It is customary to walk barefoot inside the temple, so wear comfortable footwear for walking around the complex.
Sri Maha Bodhi
The Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is one of the oldest trees in the world, sacredly known as the “Tree of Enlightenment” grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is over 2,300 years old fig tree and is a highly sacred place for Buddhists. Visiting the site is like stepping into ancient history, and the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for reflection and meditation.
- Location: Anuradhapura
- Entry Fee: LKR 200
- Organization Website: Sri Maha Bodhi
Know More: Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
Munneswaram Kovil Temple
The Munneswaram Kovil Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Sri Lanka. The complex has a collection of five temples including a Buddhist Temple, a Shiva temple, and other temples of Lord Ganesha, Ayyanayake, and Kali. This temple is dedicated to Ishwar in the form of Lord Shiva. This Hindu temple is believed to have been visited by Lord Rama after his victory over Ravana, making it a key pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple’s architecture and tranquil atmosphere attract visitors looking for both spirituality and history.
- Location: Wariyapola Road, Chilaw, Puttalam District (approximately 80 km from Colombo)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time to Visit: Maha Sivarathri, when special pujas and rituals are conducted. Or you can visit anytime during the 28-day Munneswaram festival which can be attended by people of all religions.
Tip: You can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Wilpattu National Park.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Located in the northern city of Jaffna, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Murugan (Karthikeya, son of Lord Shiva). The temple is known for its vibrant festivals and beautifully preserved Dravidian architecture. It is a must-visit for those who are connected with Tamil culture and history.
- Location: Jaffna District of Northern Province
- Entry Fee: Free (Donations welcomed)
- Best Time to Visit: Nallur Festival in August, when the temple hosts elaborate rituals by the day and parades by the night.
Tip: Dress modestly, as there are strict requirements for visitors, especially during festival times. Men must wear traditional attire like a sarong or dhoti. Women must dress modestly, mainly in traditional wear, ensuring the legs and shoulders are covered.
Gangaramaya Temple
Right in the heart of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is a 19th-century unique blend of modern and traditional architectural styles of Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese. Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo. It’s not just a place of worship but also a learning center and museum. The temple is particularly famous for its Vesak celebrations, which attract visitors from around the world.
- Location: Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo
- Entry Fee: Free. (Donations welcomed) whereas the museum has a small fee.
- Best Time to Visit: Vesak Festival in May, when the temple is illuminated with lanterns and decorations.
- Official Website: https://gangaramaya.com/
Isurumuniya Temple
Another gem in Anuradhapura, Isurumuniya Temple is famous for its stunning rock carvings, including the famous “Isurumuniya Lovers” sculpture. The temple dates back to the 3rd century BC and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a small pond, making it a peaceful escape. It truly is a place where art takes on a different dimension.
- Location: On the banks of Tissa Wewa, Anuradhapura
- Entry Fee: Rs. 1000
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Recommended Read: Things To Do In Sri Lanka
Travel Tips for Indian Travelers
It is necessary to have the essentials ready before your travel to Sri Lanka in order to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip.
- Currency: The Sri Lankan Rupee is equivalent to 0.28 Indian Rupees. It is advisable to carry some cash in LKR for temple donations and entry fees, although many places accept international cards.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing is required in all temples or any spiritual sites. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. You may also be provided with coverings outside the temple. Many temples also require visitors to remove their shoes.
- Food: Sri Lankan food is quite similar to South Indian cuisine, so you will feel right at home with the spices and flavors of the cuisine! Don’t miss out on trying local delicacies like hoppers and kottu roti.
- Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
If you are flying from India, you can land in Colombo, the capital city. You can then explore the temple towns like Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna. For Indian travelers, Sri Lanka also offers an e-Visa, which is easy to apply for online. Make sure to check Sri Lankan immigration website for the latest updates on visa policies.
Temples To Visit In Sri Lanka FAQs
What are the must-visit Hindu temples in Sri Lanka?
- Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee
- Munneswaram in Chilaw
- Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna
What are the famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka?
- Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- The massive Dambulla Cave Temple
- The Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura
What are the rules for entering temples in Sri Lanka?
Remove your shoes and hats before entering. Dress conservatively. Do not pray vocally to Lord Buddha, instead bow down. Always stay respectful, and avoid loud conversations or photography in sacred areas.
Is there an entrance fee for visiting temples in Sri Lanka?
Many temples are free to enter, but a few, like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, may charge a small fee. Although, many temples welcome a small amount of donations. Be prepared with local LKR currency!
What type of clothes should be worn for temples of Sri Lanka?
Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, Light cotton clothes work best for the tropical weather.
Let us help you plan a Sri Lanka itinerary for a seamless experience!