Twelve Temples in Sri Lanka: Magnificent Sites That Are Essential Visits for Travellers

By / October 31, 2023

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Twelve Temples in Sri Lanka: Magnificent Sites That Are Essential Visits for Travellers

Sri Lanka is a diamond-shaped archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean. You will instantly develop a deep affection for this nation upon your initial arrival. Visit several highly revered temples in the area, including the Tooth Relic Temple and numerous other sacred sites, in order to fully engage with the illustrious tradition. It is indeed accurate to say that a visit to these temples (your favourite temples in Colombo) will guarantee you divine favour and the restoration of your faith. They are dispersed throughout Sri Lanka and provide an exceptional opportunity to experience spiritual rebirth. Get set for a tranquil visit to the temples of Sri Lanka!

Twelve Temples located in Sri Lanka

It is highly recommended that you visit the temples enumerated below during your tour in Sri Lanka, a mesmerising nation replete with beaches, national parks, and tourist attractions. You may be interested in visiting the following temples:

1. Gangarama Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Colombo and one of the most significant historical temples in Sri Lanka. This city-center temple is a fusion of contemporary and traditional architectural elements. At this temple, the colossal Bodhi tree serves as a sort of attraction. An additional distinctive artefact within this temple is the antiquated Buddhist artwork.

61 Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00200 is the address.

From the Colombo Airport, a taxi ride will transport you to your destination; the journey will take approximately forty minutes.

2. Temple of the Relic of the Sacred Tooth

When you visit Sri Lanka, one must visit the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sri Dalada Maligawa is the preeminent destination in Kandy for individuals seeking a deeply spiritual encounter. This sacred temple contains the most prized relic in all of Sri Lanka. The eminent chamber where the Buddha’s tooth is preserved is located within the regal palace complex. The sanctuary, renowned for its aesthetic appeal and captivating rituals, is among the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

Sri Dalada Veediya is situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The closest airport is Bandaranaike Airport, and flying there is the most practical method of transportation. By train or bus, visitors can reach Kandy from that location.

Kandy Garrison Cemetery and the World Buddhist Museum are two additional noteworthy attractions.

3. Naguleswaram Temple in Kankesanturai

This is the site of one of the most renowned Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, which is dedicated to the worship of Shiva. A unique soul-purifying ceremony is also offered at this temple. It is situated in the vicinity of the sacred water source, Keerimalai. It is recommended that you bathe in the sacred pond in preparation for the occasion.

40000 Keerimalai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka is the location.

To reach the temple, board the morning train from Jaffna station and subsequently utilise a local means of transportation.

Additional notable attractions include Casuarina Beach, Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, Neduntheevu, and Nalur Kovil.

4. Trincomalee’s Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple

It is among the most renowned and ancient temples in Sri Lanka. This magnificent classical-medieval structure is surrounded by Gokarna Bay and the magnificent Swami Rock; it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Trincomalee. A significant Hindu pilgrimage site and one of Lord Shiva’s five abodes, the temple is worth noting.

Trincomalee is situated in Sri Lanka.

Travelling from Fort Frederick, proceed along the shop-lined promenade leading to the temple. Taking the bus from the Central Bus Station is an additional option.

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

5. Trincomalee, the Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple

Ravana allegedly constructed the ancient Shankari Devi Temple in Sri Lanka. It is mentioned in Adi Shankara’s Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. Adjacent to this temple is the Hindu pilgrimage site of Koneswaram Temple. Additionally, the tranquil Indian Ocean is awe-inspiringly visible from the temple.

Trincomalee is situated in Sri Lanka.

Accessible via any mode of transportation: This location is easily accessible.

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

6. Kataragama Temple

Constructed for Hindu devotees, it is among the most ancient temples in Sri Lanka and serves as the abode of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam. On the final day of combat, when Lord Indra extended an invitation to Lord Karthikeya to the battlefield, a momentous chapter in the history of this temple came to light. This action was taken to shield Lord Rama from the Brahma Ashram projectile and King Ravana’s wrath. It is recommended that those who wish to pray in solitude visit the Kataragama temple in Sri Lanka during the week during the off-season.

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

Lunugamvehera National Park, Tissa Wewa, and the Raja Maha Vihara of Tissamaharama are supplementary significant landmarks.

7. Peliyagoda, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple

Kelaniya Temple, a renowned Buddhist temple situated in Colombo, Sri Lanka, holds considerable importance. A visit to this temple is merited due to its magnificent murals, which portray the life story of Lord Buddha on its walls. It attracts a comparable number of tourists and devotees. In spite of being one of the holiest locations in Sri Lanka, this temple has preserved its individuality. It is postulated that an envoy of Lord Buddha once visited this nation.

The setting is Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Public transportation, automobiles, and taxis provide convenient access from all regions of the capital city of Colombo.

8. Dambulla Cave Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Site status notwithstanding, it is alternatively referred to as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Additionally, it is Sri Lanka’s most expansive and finest-preserved cave temple. This temple is widely recognised in Sri Lanka due to the fact that devotees can at times behold the most picturesque panoramas of the vicinity from the cave. The wall paintings are quite antique and exquisite. It is highly recommended that you visit this magnificent subterranean temple while in Sri Lanka.

Surrounding the Kandy-Jaffna Highway in Habarana, Sri Lanka, 50150

In lieu of renting a car or riding the local bus, tourists can reach their destination in Sri Lanka via the adorable and practical tuk-tuks. From Sigiriya to the base of the temple, tuk-tuk services are available. Moreover, it takes fifteen minutes to walk from the Dambulla bus stop to the base.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla, Popham’s Arboretum, and Karu Arts and Crafts are additional points of interest.

9. Badulla Muthiyangana Temple

Badulla Muthiyangana Temple One of the most aesthetically pleasing temples in Sri Lanka, the Muthiyangana Temple is considered one of the country’s sixteen Solosmasthana, or holiest sites. This temple transports visitors to the era of the Buddha, and its entrance features a magnificent dragon pandol. This temple merits your time and attention; it is a must-see.

90000 Station Road, Badulla, Sri Lanka, is the location.

Badulla, the location of the location, is approximately 20 kilometres from Ella. Ella provides train and transport services, while a tuk-tuk ride will require payment.

10. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple

One of the most renowned Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna, is dedicated to Lord Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and widely recognised as the God of War. It has been said that a Chola princess from Tamil Nadu constructed this temple. This temple possesses stupendous architecture, particularly evident in its towering gopuram and elaborately adorned columns. At any time, one may visit this temple in an effort to obtain the favours of Lord Murugan.

Jaffna is situated in Sri Lanka.

In order to reach the location, which is approximately 400 kilometres away from the capital, Colombo offers direct train and bus service. In addition, the international airport in Colombo, which is the closest, is only 16 kilometres away.

11. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

The Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, an esteemed Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva, stands as a monumental structure in the nation of Sri Lanka. It was built using granite imported from the southern region of India. It appears that this temple had a significant impact on the elevated ceiling of the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. Additionally, it is among the most ancient Hindu temples worldwide. Tuesday and Friday are the busiest days of the week, so please refrain from making visits on those days.

Kotahena is situated in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Taxis and buses provide transportation between Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka.

Additionally, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Wolvendaal Church, and St. Lucia’s Cathedral are noteworthy sites of interest.

12. Chilaw’s Munneswaram Temple

Three temples within the Munneswaram Temple Complex are devoted to Ayyanayake, Kali, and Buddhism, while one is devoted to Lord Ganesha. Additionally, there is a Shiva temple. Owing to their distinctive architectural design, they continue to be the most well-liked temples in Sri Lanka. Here, visitors and Hindus alike observe Mahashivratri in grand fashion. The 28-day Munneswaram festival, which is open to people of all religions, is responsible for the splendour of this temple.

61000 Wariyapola Road, Chillaw, Sri Lanka, is the location.

The most practical mode of transportation is by air into Colombo. Thereafter, renting a car is a simple process, or you may choose to travel by train.

Negombo Beach Park, the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, and Negombo Boat Tours are additional noteworthy attractions.

Frequent Questions Regarding Sri Lankan Temples

What is the average duration of a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple?

It differs depending on the individual. Following a visit to the main prayer chamber, the rest area can be explored in under 45 minutes.

For visits to Sri Lankan temples, visitors are strongly advised to dress modestly. Additionally, avoid wearing anything without sleeves.

Does one with a disability have access to these temples?

Indeed, individuals with disabilities are granted access to all amenities that are sufficiently equipped to accommodate their requirements.

Is travel to Sri Lanka deemed secure?

Overall, Sri Lanka is secure. Nevertheless, when travelling to a foreign country, usual precautions ought to be observed.

What are the acceptable garments to wear in Sri Lanka?

That is entirely contingent upon the time of your trip. During the summer, lightweight cotton apparel is an excellent choice. It is recommended that you bring along warm clothing when planning a trip to the mountains, as temperatures dip considerably below 2,000 metres. It is advisable to carry appropriate coverings for temple visits in Sri Lanka.

What does the mean annual temperature in Sri Lanka amount to?

27 degrees Celsius is the mean temperature in Sri Lanka. February through May have the highest average maximum temperatures, reaching 31 degrees Celsius. January and February exhibit the lowest mean minimum temperatures, reaching a degree Celsius.

Is dining permitted within the temples?

No, dining is strictly prohibited on temple grounds. Bring only the supper offerings that are permitted.

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