Skip to content
The Galle Face promenade and the Colombo skyline beside the Indian Ocean

Temple · Colombo

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

A Buddhist temple 11 km north-east of Colombo, traditionally linked to a visit by the Buddha and one of Sri Lanka's best-known temples.

DirectionsOpen in Maps Add to a trip
Best season
December to March. May and October are usually the wettest months.
Time to allow
1 hr (at least 40 min)
Best time of day
Evening
Entry
Free entry
What to wear
Cover your shoulders and knees, and be ready to take your shoes off.
Good for
Easy going, families, wet days

Free to enter; donations are welcome.

Around Colombo

Families flying kites on Galle Face Green on a Sunday, with the city's towers behind
Families flying kites on Galle Face Green on a Sunday, with the city's towers behind
Buddha statues at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
Buddha statues at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
The golden seated Buddha inside Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
The golden seated Buddha inside Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

We have no photo of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara itself yet. These show the area.

More information

Back to Colombo