Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Colombo

It’s believed Buddha visited the site of this temple on his third visit to Sri Lanka. Suitably grand and labyrinthine, it has a dramatic past. The original temple was destroyed by Indian invaders, restored, and then destroyed again by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch restored it again in the 18th century in order to curry favour locally.

The dagoba, which (unusually) is hollow, is the focus of the Duruthu Perahera in January each year. The complex is some 7km northeast of Fort, just off the Kandy Rd.

Contact

Address

Biyagama Rd. Kelaniya

Get In Touch

011-291 1505

https://www.kelaniyatemple.org/

Suggest an edit to this attraction

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Dutch Hospital
5.4 MILES
This terracotta-tiled, Dutch-era structure dates back to the early 1600s. Beautifully restored, it's now home to trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. In…
National Museum
4.93 MILES
Offering a captivating walk through Sri Lankan history, this delightful Colombo museum sprawls across a gleaming white, neo-Baroque building constructed…
Galle Face Green
5.49 MILES
This long open space traditionally faced a narrow beach and the sea. It was originally cleared by the Dutch to give the cannons of Fort a clear line of…
Old City Hall
4.59 MILES
Dating to 1865, this municipal building from the British era is mostly empty today, save for some old trucks and municipal equipment on display in the…
Viharamahadevi Park
4.77 MILES
Colombo’s biggest park was originally called Victoria Park, but was renamed in the 1950s after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It’s notable for its superb…
Dutch Period Museum
4.8 MILES
This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor and has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a military hospital, a…
Federation of Self Employees Market
4.65 MILES
The concentrated and manic commerce of Pettah is concentrated even further in its markets. Stretching along 5th Cross St, this don't-miss market is a hive…
Wolvendaal Church
4.22 MILES
The 1749 Wolvendaal Church is the most important Dutch building in Sri Lanka. When the church was built, this area was a wilderness beyond the city walls…

View more attractions

Nearby Colombo attractions

1. Diyatha Uyana

3.25 MILES

On the relatively clean waters of Lake Battaramulla, this modern park has a children's play area as well as food vendors. It's a relaxing place to spend…

2. Parliament of Sri Lanka

3.92 MILES

Sri Lanka's grand parliament complex, designed by Geoffrey Bawa; visits require a complex series of approvals as outlined on the website.

3. St Lucia’s Cathedral

3.92 MILES

This enormous 1881 cathedral lies in the Catholic heart of the Kotahena district. The biggest church in Sri Lanka has an exterior inspired by St Peter's…

4. Sri Muthumariamman Kovil

3.95 MILES

The namesake goddess of this temple is thought to be responsible for many miracles.

5. Wolvendaal Church

4.22 MILES

The 1749 Wolvendaal Church is the most important Dutch building in Sri Lanka. When the church was built, this area was a wilderness beyond the city walls…

6. Grand Mosque

4.25 MILES

The large Grand Mosque is the most important of Colombo's many mosques. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times and Fridays.

7. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

4.34 MILES

This temple in Kotahena, northeast of Pettah, is built of South Indian granite.

8. St Anthony’s Church

4.37 MILES

One of the city’s most interesting shrines is St Anthony’s Church. Outside it looks like a typical Portuguese Catholic church, but inside the atmosphere…

View more attractions

placement: superzone
path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],

targeting:

{
  "url": "sri-lanka/colombo/attractions/kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara/a/poi-sig/450631/357443",
  "destination": "Colombo",
  "city": "Colombo",
  "position": "superzone"
}