Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam

The Ancient Cities


Just north of the bus stand for Kandy (at the north end of town) is this interesting South Indian–style Hindu temple. A couple of garages to the side house five enormous, colourful ceremonial chariots pulled along by people during the annual Theru festival in February/March.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Ancient Cities attractions

1. Matale Heritage Centre

1.02 MILES

This crafts centre draws on the rich traditions of the area, producing quality batik and embroidery, which visitors can see being made on site. The future…

2. Aluvihara

1.39 MILES

Set in the foothills 3km north of Matale, surrounded by giant boulders, this monastery is a low-key, but intriguing, site. There's a charming series of…

3. Heritage Spice & Herbs Garden

8.12 MILES

With an attractive, shady garden, this spice specialist runs informative tours and has a cafe for snacks and drinks. Around 15km north of Matale.

4. Euphoria Spice & Herbal

8.15 MILES

Offers very detailed tours of its spice garden and has a shop selling all kinds of creams, potions and lotions that are said to help everything from…

5. Monaragala Viharaya Buddha

8.69 MILES

This 20m-tall sitting Buddha, 4km southeast of Ridigama, was unveiled in 2015 as the largest (but not the loveliest) granite statue in the world. Set on a…

6. Ridi Vihara

9.91 MILES

The primary attraction at this Buddhist temple is the golden standing Buddha statue in the main cave called the Pahala Vihara (Lower Temple), which also…

7. Udawattakelle Sanctuary

12.21 MILES

This forest on the north side of Kandy Lake has soaring hardwood trees and giant bamboo, good birding and loads of cheeky monkeys. Birdwatchers can…

8. Asgiriya Maha Vihara

12.22 MILES

The head monks here also administer the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Inside, there's a large reclining Buddha. It's located 1km northwest of the town…

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