Temples in Sri Lanka, visiting a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

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12 Temples in Sri Lanka: Incredible Locations to Visit While Traveling

Sri Lanka is a diamond-shaped island republic in the Indian Ocean. You will fall in love with this country the moment you set foot in it. Take a spiritual journey to some of the region’s most prominent temples, such as the tooth relic temple and many other sacred locations, to completely immerse yourself in the rich history. If you visit these temples (popular temples in Colombo), you will undoubtedly obtain blessings from the Almighty and be able to restore your faith. They can be found all around Sri Lanka and are a fantastic place to find spiritual rebirth. Prepare for a relaxing tour of the temples in Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka has 12 temples

The following is a list of the greatest temples in Sri Lanka that you should not miss if you visit this magnificent country filled with national parks, beaches, and tourist attractions. Here are a few temples you might like to visit:

1. Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most famous tourist attractions and one of Sri Lanka’s most important ancient temples. This temple in the city core mixes traditional and modern architectural elements. The massive Bodhi tree at this temple serves as a kind of attraction. The Buddhists’ use of antiquated art in this temple is another intriguing feature.

61 Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka 00200.

How to Get There: Take a taxi from Colombo International Airport; the trip should take about forty minutes.

2. Relic Temple of the Sacred Tooth

When visiting Sri Lanka, make sure to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Tempel of the sacred tooth relic is part of the most Sri Lanka cultural tours. If you wish to have a profound spiritual experience, go visit Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. The most revered relic in Sri Lanka is housed in this hallowed tooth shrine. The tooth of the Buddha is kept there in a golden room on the grounds of the royal palace complex. The temple, which is gorgeous in its own right and hosts unique events, is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka (20000).

How to Get There: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike Airport, and flying is the most convenient choice. Tourists can get to Kandy by bus or train from there.

Other notable attractions are the World Buddhist Museum and the Kandy Garrison Cemetery.

3. Naguleswaram Temple at Kankesanturai

Naguleswaram is a Hindu temple and off-the-beaten-track tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It is not part of mort Sri Lanka trip packages, however, it is a major tourist atraction for hindu pilgrims, therefore, included in most Ramayan tours of Sri Lanka. Here is one of Sri Lanka’s most well-known temples dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. This temple also offers a unique soul-cleansing ceremony. It’s right next to the Keerimalai Sacred Water spring. To prepare for the event, you should take a bath in the holy pond.

Keerimalai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka (40000).

Take the morning train from Jaffna station to the temple, and then take a local form of transportation.

Other notable attractions are Casuarina Beach, Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, Neduntheevu, and Nalur Kovil.

4. Trincomalee’s Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple

It is one of Sri Lanka’s most old and well-known temples. This classical-medieval architecture, surrounded by the spectacular Swami Rock and Gokarna Bay, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Trincomalee. The temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination and one of Lord Shiva’s five residences.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka is the location.

How to Get There: From Fort Frederick, go along the sidewalk surrounded by shops to the temple. A bus from the Central Bus Station is another alternative.

The Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple and the Trincomalee War Cemetery are two additional significant locations.

5. Trincomalee’s Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple

Ravana is claimed to have erected Sri Lanka’s ancient Shankari Devi Temple. It is mentioned in Adi Shankara’s Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. The Koneswaram Temple is located next to this temple and is an important location for Hindu pilgrims. The tranquil Indian Ocean can also be seen from the shrine.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka is the location.

How to Get There: You can reach this location using any mode of transportation.

The Ravana Abyss, Trincomalee War Cemetery, Kanniya Hot Springs, and Orr’s Hill Army Museum are among noteworthy attractions.

6. Kataragama Temple is located in Kataragama

It was created for Hindu devotees and is the residence of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam. It is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest temples. On the final day of warfare, Lord Indra invited Lord Karthikeya to the battlefield, revealing a unique episode in the temple’s history. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the Brahma Ashram’s bullet and King Ravana’s fury. If you wish to pray silently, it is best to visit Sri Lanka’s Kataragama temple during the week during the off-season.

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Kataragama 91400, Sri Lanka is the address.

Other major attractions are Lunugamvehera National Park, Tissa Wewa, and the Raja Maha Vihara of Tissamaharama.

7. Peliyagoda’s Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple

One of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo is the well-known Kelaniya temple in Sri Lanka. This temple is worth seeing because of its beautiful murals depicting Lord Buddha’s life story on its walls. It is a famous tourist destination as well as a pilgrimage site. While being one of Sri Lanka’s most revered sites, this temple has managed to retain its own personality. Lord Buddha is thought to have visited this country in the past.

Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the setting.

How to Get There: It is easily accessible by bus, vehicle, and taxi from all areas of the nation’s capital, Colombo.

8. Dambulla Cave Temple

It is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. This temple is well-known in Sri Lanka because worshippers can often enjoy the best views of the environs from the cave. The paintings on the walls are lovely and quite old. When in Sri Lanka, make sure to see this incredible underground temple.

Location: Habarana, Sri Lanka 50150, near the Kandy-Jaffna Highway.

Tourists visiting Sri Lanka can take the attractive and practical tuk-tuks instead of using the local bus or hiring a car. Tuk-tuk rides are available from Sigiriya to the temple’s base. Furthermore, it takes fifteen minutes to walk from the Dambulla bus stop to the base.

Other attractions include Dambulla’s Golden Temple, Popham’s Arboretum, and Karu Arts & Crafts.

9. Muthiyangana Temple

Muthiyangana Temple in Badulla Muthiyangana Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent temples, is considered one of the country’s 16 Solosmasthana, or holiest sites. This temple transports you to the time of Buddha and features a stunning Dragon Pandol at the entryway. Make plans to visit this temple because it is a must-see.

Station Road, Badulla, Sri Lanka, 90000.

How to Get There: Badulla is around 20 kilometres from Ella. You can take the rail or bus from Ella, or you can pay for a tuk tuk.

10. Kandaswamy Temple in Maviddapuram

One of the most well-known Hindu temples in Sri Lanka is the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna, which is dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as the God of War and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. A Chola princess from Tamil Nadu is reported to have erected this temple. This temple’s architecture is remarkable, with its tall gopuram and ornately adorned columns. You can visit this temple at any time of year to seek Lord Murugan’s blessings.

Jaffna, Sri Lanka is the location.

How to Get There: There are direct train and bus services from Colombo for the roughly 400-kilometer distance from the capital. Furthermore, the nearest international airport is only 16 km away in Colombo.

11. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

One of Sri Lanka’s most well-known structures is the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built of granite imported from South India. The towering roof of the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, appears to have had a considerable influence. It is also one of the world’s oldest Hindu temples. Tuesday and Friday are the busiest days of the week, so try to avoid going on those days.

Kotahena is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

How to Get There: Buses and taxis connect Colombo to the rest of the country.

Wolvendaal Church, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, and St. Anthony’s Shrine are also noteworthy.

12. Chilaw’s Munneswaram Temple

The Munneswaram Temple Complex contains five temples, three of which are dedicated to Buddhism, Ayyanayake, and Kali, and one to Lord Ganesha. There is also a Shiva temple. They are the most popular of all Sri Lankan temples due to their distinctive architecture. Here, Hindus and visitors alike celebrate Mahashivratri in grand style. The beauty of this temple is attributable to the Munneswaram event, a 28-day festival open to people of all religious backgrounds.

Wariyapola Road, 61000, Chillaw, Sri Lanka

The most convenient method to get there is to fly into Colombo. It’s simple to rent a car from there, or you may take the train.

The Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, Negombo Beach Park, and Negombo Boat Tours are among the other significant attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lankan Temples

How long does a typical visit to the Gangaramaya Temple take?

It differs from individual to person. Touring the rest area takes less than 45 minutes after visiting the main prayer room.

What kind of attire should I wear when visiting temples in Sri Lanka?

Visitors to Sri Lankan temples are strongly advised to dress modestly. Also, avoid anything without sleeves.

Is it possible for someone with a disability to visit these temples?

It is true that a disabled person has access to all facilities that are completely capable of meeting their needs.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka?

Overall, Sri Lanka is safe. Having stated that, when visiting a foreign nation, common sense precautions should always be taken.

What kinds of clothes should you bring to Sri Lanka?

That is entirely depends on when you travel. In the summer, lightweight cotton clothes is a terrific alternative. If you plan to explore the mountains, bring thick clothing because the temperature drops dramatically below 2,000 metres. It is advised to bring cover-up garments when visiting Sri Lankan temples.

What is Sri Lanka’s average annual temperature?

The average temperature in Sri Lanka is 27 degrees Celsius. The warmest average maximum temperature is 31 degrees Celsius between February and May. In January and February, the average low temperature is 22 degrees Celsius.

Is it permissible to eat inside the temples?

No, eating is not permitted on temple grounds. You are only allowed to bring meal offerings.

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