10 Sacred Pilgrimage Sites in Kandy, Sri Lanka

This grand temple is home to the sacred Tooth Relic, believed to be a canine tooth of Buddha. It's a truly important place in Sri Lanka, attracting many visitors who come for its daily rituals and services. Expect a serene but busy atmosphere, especially during the daily offerings known as Thewawa. One visitor wrote, "Sri Dalada Maligawa is a truly majestic and sacred place filled with blessings and spiritual energy. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful." It's open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore its beautiful grounds.

This Buddhist temple might not be as famous as some others, but it holds a quiet charm. It's a wonderful spot if you're looking for a peaceful moment away from the main crowds. Inside, you'll find beautiful walls and friendly monks who add to the welcoming feeling. One visitor noted, "It is not well known by people but it has its own beauty. The walls inside were beautiful and there are friendly monks there." Remember to take off your shoes; bringing socks might make the walk up the stairs more comfortable. It's open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Right in the center of Kandy, you'll find this smaller Hindu temple with a powerful presence. It offers a deeply spiritual experience with its vibrant rituals. The temple is open for a long day, from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, allowing visits at almost any time. One visitor shared, "A small temple in the very center of Kandy. Nicely received and with a great helper, we went through all parts of the temple with rituals that we saw, respected and felt strong good vibrations." Just be aware that some visitors have mentioned small fees or requests for donations, so be prepared.

If you love a good view, this Buddhist temple is for you! You'll climb some steep stairs to reach the top, where a massive white Buddha statue sits, visible from many parts of Kandy. The panoramic views of the city are truly rewarding. One visitor raved, "Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Kandy. Sitting high on a hill, the massive white Buddha statue can be seen from many parts of the city." There's a small entrance fee, about 300 LKR ($1), and you'll need to remove your shoes at the top. Open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

For a truly peaceful and immersive Buddhist experience, head to Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Kundasale. This large monastery is known for its calm environment and is ideal for meditation and learning. They often host meditation programs and Dhamma classes. One visitor highlighted, "Visiting the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Kundasale offers a serene, peaceful environment and a fully immersive Buddhist experience." It's a great place to slow down and reflect. The monastery is open from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM most days, with Sunday hours extending to 8:00 PM.

This ancient Buddhist monastery holds a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it a fascinating stop. It's believed to be one of the oldest buildings remaining in Kandy. Take your time to really appreciate the intricate artifacts and murals inside. One visitor praised, "Beautiful temple with rich history. Architecture is beautiful. Take time to appreciate the artefacts and murals." It's a place where you truly need to be there to soak it all in. The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Right within Kandy's Temple Square, you'll find Sri Natha Devalaya, a small Buddhist temple from the 14th century. It stands out with its carved-stone gateway and a charming inner shrine. This temple is actually considered the oldest sacred building in Kandy, holding significant historical importance. One visitor shared, "The story of the historic Nath Temple site - the oldest sacred building in Kandy." Since hours aren't specified, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm if you're planning a visit at a particular time. It's an easy addition to a visit to the Tooth Relic Temple.

Even though it's located near a busy road, Getambe Rajopanaramaya offers a wonderfully calm and peaceful atmosphere. This Buddhist temple is open 24 hours, making it perfect for a visit whenever you seek quiet. Many recommend coming in the evening, especially after 6:30 or 7 PM, for a truly serene experience. One visitor said, "Very calm place, I recommend everyone to visit at evening ( after 6.30 or 7). That time was very very peaceful time which I cannot explain." Its location near the Mahaweli River adds to the tranquil setting.

Malwatta Temple is a historically important Buddhist temple in Kandy, known for its peaceful and well-maintained grounds. It's a great place for quiet prayer and reflection, offering a calm, spiritual atmosphere. One visitor described it as, "A peaceful and well-maintained Buddhist temple with strong historical importance. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, making it a nice place for quiet prayer and reflection." While specific hours aren't listed, its historical significance makes it a key site to visit for those interested in Kandy's Buddhist heritage.

Embekka Dewalaya is a fascinating Hindu temple built between the 14th and 15th centuries, famous for its beautifully ornately carved wooden pillars. It's a truly historic site, offering a serene and peaceful vibe, though some visitors find it quite small. One visitor mentioned, "Decent historic temple where the pillars are made out of wood. The place was very serene and peaceful. Not much to see. Can cover the whole thing in 7-8 minutes." There is an entrance fee of 500 LKR. It's open 24 hours, but it's a bit of a drive from central Kandy, so plan accordingly.