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10 Serene Temples for Your Sri Lanka Monk Walk

Discover 10 peaceful Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, perfect for a spiritual journey or monastery stay. Experience Kandy's serene side.

6 Min ReadJul 14, 2026
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a group of monks walking through a lush green field

Ever wondered what it's like to truly slow down and connect with a deep sense of peace? A Buddhist monastery stay in Sri Lanka can offer just that. Imagine waking to the gentle chants of monks, walking quiet temple grounds, and finding a calm you didn't know you needed. I recently spent five days exploring the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, especially around Kandy, and it was a wonderful experience. It's not about becoming a monk, but about experiencing a different rhythm of life. You get to see daily life at these sacred spots up close, learning and reflecting. Ready to discover some truly special places for your own journey of reflection in Sri Lanka?

Exploring these 10 temples gave me such a wonderful sense of peace and connection. A Buddhist monastery stay in Sri Lanka isn't just about sightseeing; it's about slowing down and feeling the gentle rhythm of life. Each place, from the grand Dalada Maligawa to the serene Mahamevnawa Monastery, offers its own special quiet magic. I hope this guide sparks your curiosity to explore these beautiful spots and find your own moments of calm.

1

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Price varies4.7Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Dalada Maligawa

This is a truly special place in Kandy, a main stop for anyone seeking the spiritual side of Sri Lanka. Known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it holds a 4.7/5 rating from over 32,000 visitors, showing how loved it is. It's not just a Buddhist temple but also a history museum and a key historical landmark. You can visit any day from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM. While the price varies for entry, the experience of being in such a revered place, seeing its beautiful architecture and feeling its calm, is truly priceless. It’s a perfect spot to begin understanding the rich spiritual heritage here.

2

Asgiri Maha Seya - Kandy

Price varies4.8Asgiri Vihara Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Asgiri Maha Seya - Kandy

Just a little away from the busiest spots in Kandy, you’ll find Asgiri Maha Seya. This Buddhist temple has a fantastic 4.8/5 rating from 81 reviews, showing how much those who visit appreciate its peace. It's open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore. The price varies, but it's a wonderful place to find a quieter moment for reflection. Unlike some more crowded sites, here you can often enjoy a serene atmosphere. It’s a nice stop during your Buddhist monastery stay to see a local temple still very much in daily use.

3

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya

Price varies4.67JWJ+793, Bahirawa Kanda Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya

Perched on Bahirawa Kanda Road in Kandy, Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is another lovely Buddhist temple and tourist attraction. It has a solid 4.6/5 rating from over 3,300 reviews, so many people enjoy their visit here. You can stop by between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM any day of the week. The price varies, but it's worth it for the views you might catch from this spot, looking out over the city. It’s a place that feels both grand and peaceful at the same time, offering a good chance for quiet contemplation during your Sri Lanka journey.

4

Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya - Kandy

Price varies4.47JVP+JP9, Sri Skanda Kumara Devala Ln, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya - Kandy

While many places here are Buddhist, it’s wonderful to see the mix of faiths in Sri Lanka. Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya is a Hindu temple in Kandy, rated 4.4/5 by over 1,800 visitors. This place is open really long hours, from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. The price varies, but it offers a unique glimpse into another spiritual tradition. It's a great reminder that spiritual journeys can take many forms. Visiting this temple adds a different color to your understanding of the local culture and faith during your stay.

5

Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery- Kundasale මහමෙව්නාව භාවනා අසපුව - කුණ්ඩසාලේ

Price varies4.7Warapitiya Rd, Kundasale 20168, Sri Lanka
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery- Kundasale මහමෙව්නාව භාවනා අසපුව - කුණ්ඩසාලේ

If you're truly interested in a Buddhist monastery stay, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Kundasale is a key spot. It's rated 4.7/5 from 508 reviews and is known as a place for health and spiritual service. You can visit from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with Sunday hours extending slightly to 8:00 PM. The price varies, but this monastery offers a deeper look into monastic life. It’s a place where you can feel the dedication to practice. It is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat or hoping to learn more about meditation.

6

Asgiri Gedige Rajamaha Viharaya

Price varies4.67JXP+P7H, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Asgiri Gedige Rajamaha Viharaya

Another Kandy gem, Asgiri Gedige Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple with a nice 4.6/5 rating from 80 reviews. It’s open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, making it easy to fit into your plans. Like many temples, the price varies, but the calm atmosphere is free. This temple has a rich history, and you can feel that sense of age and wisdom as you walk its grounds. It's a peaceful spot that offers a quiet contrast to the busier parts of the city. A good place to just breathe and take things in slowly.

7

Sri Natha Devalaya | ශ්‍රී නාථ දේවාලය

Price varies4.77JVR+G5W, Temple Square, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Sri Natha Devalaya | ශ්‍රී නාථ දේවාලය

Right in Kandy's Temple Square, Sri Natha Devalaya is a Buddhist temple and a fascinating tourist attraction. It holds a great 4.7/5 rating from 188 reviews. The hours aren't specified, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check locally before you plan your visit. The price varies, but this temple is known for its historical charm. It feels ancient and gives you a real sense of the past. It's a wonderful place to explore if you enjoy old architecture and a quiet moment of reflection during your time in Sri Lanka.

8

Getambe Rajopanaramaya (Buddhist Temple)

Price varies4.81095 Kandy Hwy, Kandy, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Getambe Rajopanaramaya (Buddhist Temple)

For convenience and a truly open welcome, Getambe Rajopanaramaya is a fantastic choice. This Buddhist temple in Kandy boasts an excellent 4.8/5 rating from 168 reviews. What makes it special? It’s open 24 hours, every single day! So, if you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can visit whenever you feel most at peace. The price varies, but its constant availability makes it a standout. It's a place where you can find quiet solace at any time, a true anchor for your Buddhist monastery stay experience.

9

Malwatta Temple Kandy

Price varies4.610 Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Malwatta Temple Kandy

Malwatta Temple in Kandy is another significant Buddhist temple, holding a good 4.6/5 rating from 214 reviews. Situated on Sangaraja Mawatha, it's easy to find. The hours are not specified, so it's best to check locally or call them before you go. The price varies, but this temple is a key part of the monastic tradition in Kandy. It offers a chance to see a working temple and observe local practices. It’s a place that feels very connected to the daily spiritual life of the city, offering a quiet space for visitors.

10

Hanthana Sandagiri Maha Seya

Price varies4.77J6P+WP4, Sri Lanka
Hanthana Sandagiri Maha Seya

Finally, for a tranquil experience and perhaps some lovely views, head to Hanthana Sandagiri Maha Seya. This Buddhist temple has a strong 4.7/5 rating from over 1,000 reviews. Like Getambe, it's open 24 hours a day, making it incredibly flexible for visitors. The price varies, but the serenity you'll find here is priceless. Given its name and location, it likely offers a refreshing perspective, possibly from a higher vantage point. It’s a wonderful spot to end your Sri Lanka journey, reflecting on all you’ve seen and felt.

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