Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is more than just a tropical escape. Beneath its lush jungles, golden beaches, and misty hills lies a rich spiritual heritage that pulses through centuries old temples and sacred sites. Whether it is a cliffside Buddhist cave temple, a vibrant Hindu kovil, or a peaceful mosque with a view, Sri Lanka’s sacred architecture offers a deep dive into the island’s multicultural identity.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply someone who finds peace in sacred spaces, here are the best temples in Sri Lanka which will offer a deeper connection to Sri Lanka beyond the beaches and tea fields. So slip off your shoes, dress modestly, and step into the spiritual heart of the island, one temple at a time!
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
No temple hopping adventure in Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, famously known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. This iconic Buddhist temple – and UNESCO World Heritage Site – is undoubtedly the spiritual epicentre of Sri Lanka. It houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha himself, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, making it one of the most venerated sites in the Theravāda tradition. The relic is enshrined in a golden casket and kept within a heavily guarded inner sanctum, visible to pilgrims only during ceremonial times.
More than its religious significance, the temple in itself is a work of art. Intricately carved wooden pillars, gold plated ceilings, lotus studded courtyards, and traditional Kandyan architecture make the temple both regal and sacred. It is best visited during Esala Perahera, a grand procession that features fire dancers, caparisoned elephants, and drummers celebrating the tooth relic.
The temple complex also includes museums, shrines, and beautiful gardens, offering visitors a full day of immersion into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. The sounds of chanting monks and the smell of burning jasmine and incense linger long after you leave.
Dambulla Cave Temple, Dambulla
Perched 160 meters above the surrounding plains, atop a rocky outcrop in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is the Dambulla Cave Temple. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this temple is a striking blend of natural and man made marvels, and also one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary religious and artistic achievements.
The site dates back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba of Anuradhapura sought refuge here during a South Indian invasion. After regaining his throne, he transformed the caves into a magnificent rock temple to honour the monks who sheltered him. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple consists of five main caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues, some of which are more than 14 meters long. Each cave tells a story of kings, devotion, and a long standing monastic tradition.
The ceilings and walls are covered with elaborate frescoes that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and the history of Sinhalese Buddhism. These paintings date back more than 2,000 years and have been meticulously preserved, offering a vivid look into Sri Lanka’s artistic and spiritual traditions.
Reaching the cave requires a bit of a climb, but the path is dotted with monkeys, flowering trees, and the occasional breeze, making the journey itself feel like a meditative experience. At the top, the serenity is palpable — cool air flows through the caves, and soft light illuminates ancient stone carvings, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Kataragama Temple, Kataragama
Few places in Sri Lanka are as spiritually inclusive as Kataragama. Revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and even the island’s indigenous Vedda people, the Kataragama Temple complex located in the southern jungles of Sri Lanka is a melting pot of faiths and traditions. It is a living, breathing symbol of religious harmony and fervent devotion.
The central shrine is dedicated to Skanda (Murugan), the Hindu god of war, who is also venerated by Buddhists as Kataragama Deviyo, a guardian deity of the island. According to folklore, Murugan married the Vedda princess Valli here, adding to the temple’s significance among local tribes.
You will also find Buddhist stupas, Islamic tombs, and shrines scattered throughout the forested grounds. The temple comes alive during the annual Esala Festival, when thousands of devotees walk barefoot for days, pierce their bodies in acts of penance, and perform fire walking rituals.
Even outside festival time, Kataragama pulses with spiritual energy. Pilgrims chant, light oil lamps, and offer fruit baskets, coconuts, and incense to the gods. It is not just a temple, it is a sacred journey that transcends doctrine and draws people from every corner of the country.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna
Located in the heart of the northern city of Jaffna, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, standing as a vibrant symbol of Tamil Hindu culture. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is famous for its towering gopuram (ornate gateway tower), bright orange walls, and daily rituals, this kovil is both a spiritual centre and a community hub.
The original temple dates back to the 10th century, although it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, due to colonial invasions and conflicts, most recently in the 18th century. The current structure is a vibrant expression of Dravidian architecture, with its tiered towers adorned with sculptures of deities, animals, and celestial beings. Despite being rebuilt multiple times, the temple remains a proud emblem of resilience.
The temple is at its most magical during the Nallur Festival in August. Over 25 days, thousands of devotees and visitors gather to witness religious processions, traditional music and dance, and acts of devotion like kavadi carrying and self mortification. It is a sensory feast of colour, sound, and faith.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Kelaniya
Just a short drive of 10 kilometres from Colombo lies Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a temple with deep roots in Buddhist mythology. Legend has it that the Buddha himself visited Kelaniya on his third trip to Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago, making it one of the island’s most sacred sites.
The current temple was built in the 20th century, but its origins trace back to the 3rd century BCE. The temple is particularly famous for its massive stupa which is believed to enshrine a throne gifted to the Buddha by local Naga kings. Surrounding it is a vast prayer hall adorned with a series of vivid murals by the iconic Sri Lankan artist Solias Mendis, which illustrate episodes from the Buddha’s life, and various Jataka tales, as well as Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
Despite its proximity to the capital, Kelaniya retains a peaceful, village like charm. The temple grounds are peaceful and spacious, with bodhi trees, lotus ponds, and smaller shrines offering quiet corners for reflection. Every January, the Duruthu Perahera festival draws thousands to witness the vibrant processions and celebrate the temple’s ancient legacy.
Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee
Perched on the dramatic Swami Rock cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee is as breathtaking as it is sacred. Also known as the “Temple of a Thousand Pillars,” Koneswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is revered as one of the five ancient Pancha Ishwarams which are sacred Shaivite temples along the island’s coast.
Legend has it that Ravana, the mythical king from the Ramayana, was a devotee of Lord Shiva and once worshipped here. Historical records and Tamil poems point to its existence as early as the 3rd century BCE, although the original structure was destroyed by Portuguese colonizers in the 17th century. The temple was later rebuilt in the 20th century, with relics and foundations of the old shrine still visible nearby.
What makes Koneswaram stand out is not just its spiritual significance but the sweeping views of the ocean it commands. As you walk up to the temple, you are flanked by the ocean on one side and lush greenery on the other, making it one of the most beautiful temples in the country.
A visit to the temple can also be combined with the Lovers’ Leap cliff, steep precipice and popular photo spot.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Tissamaharama
An ancient monastic site located in the town of Tissamaharama, in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, this temple dates back to the 3rd century BCE and was once a major centre for Buddhist scholarship. Believed to have been established by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna, this ancient temple is one of the four major Buddhist monasteries founded in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism by Arhant Mahinda Thera. The monastery attracted scholars and monks from across the region, contributing significantly to the spread and development of Theravāda Buddhism in southern Sri Lanka.
The temple’s most striking feature is its massive stupa, rising to a height of 156 feet with a circumference of 550 feet, making it the largest in the southern region of the country. According to historical chronicles, the stupa was constructed to enshrine sacred relics, including the frontal bone relic of the Buddha.
Tissamaharama is an ideal spiritual stopover if you are en route to Yala National Park or the beaches of the south.
Aluvihara Rock Temple, Matale
Nestled in the central hills near Matale, the Aluvihare Rock Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most historically significant Buddhist sites, yet it often flies under the radar of mainstream tourism. What makes it exceptional is its pivotal role in preserving Buddhist teachings. In the 1st century BCE, this is where the oral teachings of the Buddha were first written down on ola leaves during a time of famine and political unrest, giving birth to the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, the cornerstone of Theravāda Buddhism.
Carved into a rocky hillside and surrounded by the jungle, a steep climb up takes you to natural caves that have been transformed into shrines. Inside are vivid paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist cosmology, and reclining Buddha statues. Some caves also contain ancient inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts.
Monks continue to study and meditate in Aluvihara. The temple also has a small but fascinating museum that showcases manuscripts, ancient tools, and items used by monks in earlier centuries.
Unlike the more polished temples of the Cultural Triangle, Aluvihare has a raw, authentic feel. Its uneven stone paths, aging frescoes, and moss covered stupas speak of its long, continuous use. If you are travelling between Kandy and Dambulla, this temple makes a worthwhile and reflective stop.
Dawatagaha Mosque, Colombo
Breaking the mould of conventional temple tours, the Dawatagaha Jumma Masjid is one of Colombo’s most significant Islamic sites. Located near the bustling Town Hall, in the heart of Colombo’s Cinnamon Gardens, this white domed mosque houses the tomb of a revered Sufi saint, Seyedina Shaikh Usman Waliyullah. The saint, who journeyed from Arafat, Arabia, to Sri Lanka, is believed to have visited the sacred Adam’s Peak before settling in the area now known as Cinnamon Gardens.
The origins of the mosque are steeped in legend. In 1820, a Sinhalese woman, the sole provider for her family, was traversing the cinnamon jungle when she tripped, breaking her pot of oil. In her despair, she encountered a venerable figure who miraculously replenished her oil. This event led to the recognition of the saint’s resting place and the subsequent establishment of the Dewatagaha Mosque.
For travellers seeking a deeper understanding of Colombo’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions, a visit to the Dewatagaha Mosque offers a poignant glimpse into the city’s harmonious blend of history, faith, and community.
Mihintale, Anuradhapura
Often referred to as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is a mountain monastery located just 13 kilometres from Anuradhapura, the island’s ancient capital. It was here, in 247 BCE, that Mahinda Thera, sent by Emperor Ashoka of India, met King Devanampiyatissa and introduced him to Buddhism. This meeting is said to have taken place on Poson Poya day, a sacred full moon that is still celebrated with deep reverence across the country.
Climbing Mihintale is an act of pilgrimage in itself. A long, ancient stairway of over 1,800 granite stone steps leads you to the summit, winding through leafy groves, ancient ruins, and lookout points that offer panoramic views of the North Central Plains.
The temple complex includes several key sites: the Ambasthala Dagoba, marking the spot where Mahinda met the king; the Aradhana Gala rock where Mahinda is said to have meditated; and the Maha Stupa, offering sweeping views and a serene vibe. Statues, inscriptions, and bathing pools dot the area, testifying to Mihintale’s long standing role as a monastic retreat.
If you are exploring the Anuradhapura area, do not skip Mihintale. It is less crowded than the UNESCO listed sites, yet just as profound.
Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
In the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, Gangaramaya Temple stands as a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. This eclectic temple complex, located near Beira Lake in Colombo, is not just a place of worship, it is also a museum, library, cultural centre, and a vivid reflection of how Buddhism adapts to urban life.
Founded in the late 19th century by the scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Gangaramaya is unique in both style and function. Architecturally, it is a curious mixture of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences. You will find towering Buddha statues alongside vintage cars, antique brassware next to ancient relics, and a Bodhi tree encircled by gilded shrines. The contrast between the sacred and the worldly gives this place a distinctly layered personality.
Gangaramaya is also the epicentre of Colombo’s grandest religious celebration, the Navam Perahera. Held every February, this procession features fire dancers, drummers, and elephants decked in dazzling garments, drawing massive crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The eight sacred places in Sri Lanka, known as the Atamasthana, are sites in Anuradhapura that hold immense significance in Buddhism. These are: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree), Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya Stupa, and Lankarama. Each of these sites is closely associated with the life of the Buddha or early Buddhist monks, and collectively they form the spiritual heart of ancient Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While “number one” can be subjective, many consider Angkor Wat in Cambodia the most iconic temple globally. Originally built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later transformed into a major Buddhist temple. It is the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of national pride in Cambodia, even appearing on the national flag. Its grand scale, intricate bas reliefs, and spiritual aura draw millions of visitors annually. Other contenders for the top spot include the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica, India’s Meenakshi Temple, and Borobudur in Indonesia.
Sri Lanka is full of stunning spots, but many consider Ella to be the island’s most beautiful destination. Nestled in the central highlands, Ella is famed for its lush tea plantations, rolling hills, misty mornings, and iconic views from places like Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. The Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial era railway marvel surrounded by greenery, adds to its postcard charm. Whether you are trekking through cloud forests or sipping tea with panoramic views, Ella offers a mix of adventure and serenity that captures the island’s natural splendour.
The Shakti Peetha believed to be in Sri Lanka is Shankari Devi Temple, located in Trincomalee, within the premises of the Koneswaram Temple complex. According to Hindu mythology, Shakti Peethas are sacred sites where parts of the goddess Sati’s body fell to earth. It is believed that Sati’s groin fell at this location, making it a powerful and sacred energy centre. Though the original temple was destroyed by colonial forces, the area remains spiritually significant to Hindu pilgrims and is revered for its divine feminine energy and oceanfront location atop Swami Rock.
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