Make your visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Located 11 KM north of Colombo, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is venerated by the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The temple has a long and eventful history; the Buddhists believe that the temple was visited by Gautama Buddha on his last visit to the country, which also means that the temple’s history goes back to 500 BCE. During the Kotte era, the temple flourished; however, things changed when the country fell under the governance of the Portuguese. No records of the temple’s origin are found anywhere, but historians believe that the temple was built before the 3rd century BC.

The gem-studded throne

It is said that the stupa at the temple has a gem-studded throne inside it, which, according to history, was used by Buddha. As per historical records, inside the temple are several other utensils used by Buddha as well.

Visiting the temple

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a revered religious site, so make sure you wear modest clothing when visiting the temple. Also, it’s customary to wear white clothes when visiting Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.

Getting here, accommodation, entrance fee

The temple is located just 29 minutes from city hotels like Cinnamon Red Colombo. The site has become a popular religious site, so if you are wondering where to stay in Colombo, don’t worry, you’ll be able to find many accommodation options in the vicinity. Getting here is quite easy; you can take a cab or a tuk-tuk. Also, there’s no entrance fee, and the temple is open all day long.