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Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya - Colombo - Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

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Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Rating★4.8(18,123 reviews)
AddressKelaniya, Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
Place Of WorshipAttractionTop Rated

Sacred, historic temple said to be visited by the Buddha with paintings by a renowned artist.

Last updated: February 11, 2026

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Overview

Sacred, historic temple said to be visited by the Buddha with paintings by a renowned artist.

Opening Hours

Monday
Open 24 hours–
Tuesday
Open 24 hours–
Wednesday
Open 24 hours–
Thursday
Open 24 hours–
Friday
Open 24 hours–
Saturday
Open 24 hours–
Sunday
Open 24 hours–

Visitor Reviews

**★★★★★ Lucky Fonseka — 4 weeks ago

We attended the annual procession of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, and it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The entire atmosphere was filled with devotion, tradition, and cultural beauty. The beautifully decorated elephants, dancers, and drummers, along with the deep sense of spirituality, made the procession unforgettable. We were seated in the VIP area, and despite their very busy schedules, the organizers thoughtfully provided a box of snacks and drinks for VIP attendees, which was a kind

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**★★★★★ Siyu K — 4 weeks ago

Excellent historical place to visit closer to Colombo (~40mins). Free entry for everyone. The art inside the Buddha statue room are from the 18th century, they are beautiful and are excellently preserved. There's not much English signage so remember to go with a local guide/friend who can describe some of the art.

**★★★★★ Dilhan Perera — a month ago

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most sacred and peaceful Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple has a calm spiritual atmosphere, beautiful murals, and well-maintained surroundings that make it perfect for worship and meditation. It holds great historical and religious value, as it is believed to be a place visited by Lord Buddha. The Duruthu Perahera is truly magnificent and deeply cultural. The traditional dancers, drummers, decorated elephants, and vibrant costumes create a breath

**★★★★★ Sam — a month ago

A Sacred Treasure of Sri Lankan Buddhism The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of Sri Lanka's most ancient and revered Buddhist temples, constantly filled with devoted worshippers and curious visitors from around the world. This sacred site is not just a place of worship—it's a living masterpiece of art and history. What makes this temple truly extraordinary are the stunning murals and hand-painted artworks that adorn its walls. These paintings showcase the unique style of Sri Lankan Buddhist art

**★★★★★ Kavinda Deshan — 3 months ago

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most beautiful and historically significant temples in Sri Lanka. The atmosphere here is incredibly peaceful, and you immediately feel a sense of calm and serenity as you enter the temple grounds. The murals inside the temple are simply breathtaking — rich in detail and telling so many stories from Buddhist history. The architecture itself is stunning, blending history, culture, and devotion seamlessly.

The temple grounds are very well maintained, and i

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