Religious Sites

Anuradhapura Sacred City

Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka. During this era, Buddhism was introduced to the country. Sites of worship created in the period such as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Ruwanweliseya are still venerated by devotees.

Gangaramaya

Gangaramaya Temple is a famous attraction in Colombo that combines Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai and Chinese elements in its unique architecture. Seema Malaka which is situated in the Beira Lake of Colombo is a place that is mainly used for meditation.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is known to be the largest and the best preserved cave temple complex in the island. There are many intricate statues and murals of Buddha to see and admire here.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya, an ancient Buddhist temple located near Tissa Wewa, has gained immense fame because of the intricate carvings that adorn it. The carving of the Isurumuniya Lovers is quite popular in this temple. It was built by King Devanampiyatissa.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred tree in Anuradhapura which is venerated by many devotees. It is the southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi in India under which the Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Kalutara Temple

Kalutara Bodhiya is a sacred bo tree which is one of the 32 saplings of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Located close to the bo tree is the Kalutara Chaitya as well as the Kalutara Viharaya. The site is visited by countless devotees throughout the year.

Kandy Sacred City- Temple of the Tooth Relic

In the iconic city of Kandy is where the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa is located. It houses a relic of the tooth of Buddha and receives homage of thousands of devotees throughout the year.

Kataragama

Buddhists, Hindus as well as the indigenous Vedda people of the country regard Kataragama town as a sacred one. The Kataragama Temple, which is dedicated to Kataragama Deity is located in the town as is the beautiful Buddhist stupa of Kiri Vehera.

Kelaniya Temple

Kelaniya Temple is a prominent site of worship that dates back to 500 BCE. It is believed that Lord Buddha himself visited this venerated site during his third and final visit to the island and preached to the masses seated on a gem studded throne.

Koneswaram Kovil

Koneswaram Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. This temple, which is believed to have been built back in 1580 BC, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Trincomalee, in the Eastern Province.

Kuchchaveli Beach

Kuchchaveli Beach in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka is a quiet, tropical hideaway. This serene beach provides sublime relaxation to all. For the adventurous visitors, Kuchchaveli offers jungles to explore and many water sports to enjoy.

Matale Alu Viharaya

Matale Alu Viharaya, which is also known as Aluvihare Rock Temple, is believed to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa after embracing the peaceful teachings of Buddhism. There are caves that are adorned in vibrant paintings to be seen on site.

Ruwanwelisaya

Great King Dutugemunu who ruled the island between 161 BC and 137 BC built the magnificent Ruwanweliseya which is known to be one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world. It is 103 metres in height and has a circumference of 290 metres.

Nallur Kovil

This is yet another important place of worship among the Hindus of the country. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan or Katharagama Deviyo. It is located in Nallur, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.