Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most hallowed Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, located about ten kilometers east of Colombo. According to the Mahavamsa chronicle, the Buddha himself sanctified this spot during his third visit to the island, where he mediated a dispute between two Naga kings. Over the centuries, the temple has faced repeated destruction, notably by South Indian invaders and later by the Portuguese in the 16th century, who sought to suppress Buddhist worship. The current structure largely dates from the post-Dutch era, with extensive renovations completed in the early 20th century under the patronage of Helena Wijewardene. The temple is world-renowned for its magnificent murals painted by artist Solias Mendis, which depict significant events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Each year in January, the temple becomes the focal point of the Duruthu Perahera, a bustling and grand procession featuring elephants, traditional dancers, and musicians, held to commemorate the Buddha's visit.

Nearby cities

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, located in the eastern suburban area of Colombo.

Moratuwa

Moratuwa is a large suburb of Colombo, surrounded by water on three sides and known for its furniture industry.

Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia

Located immediately south of Colombo, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is known for its beaches and large zoological garden.

Wadduwa

Wadduwa is a charming coastal town known for its lush coconut palm groves, golden beaches, and world-class Ayurveda retreats.

Kalutara

Kalutara is a coastal city south of Colombo where the Kalu Ganga River flows into the sea, known for rubber and mangosteen.

Gampaha

Gampaha is a growing urban region and the administrative capital of the eponymous district in western Sri Lanka.

Ettukala

A vibrant tourist district in Negombo, known for its excellent hotels, restaurants, and the spacious Negombo Beach Park.

Aluthgama

Aluthgama is a bustling town at the mouth of the Bentota River, famous for its vibrant market and the massive seated Buddha of Kande Vihara.

Chilaw

Chilaw is a coastal city in the northwest, known for its strong fishing industry and cultural richness.

Akurala

A hidden gem on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, famous for its shallow coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons.

Puttalam

Puttalam is a town on the west coast near a large lagoon, known for salt production and wind farms.

🗺️

Rajgama

An idyllic coastal town between Hikkaduwa and Galle, known for its lagoon and traditional crafts.

Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya is a remote peninsula famous for its world-class kitesurfing conditions and dolphin-watching boat tours.

Kitulgala

The adventure sports hub of Sri Lanka, famous for white-water rafting on the Kelani River and dense rainforests.

Galle

Galle is a historical port city on the southwest coast, known for its well-preserved 17th-century Dutch Fort.

History & landmarks

Lotus Tower

A 350-meter-tall television tower in Colombo, the tallest in South Asia.

Gangaramaya Temple

One of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo, blending modern and traditional architecture.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

A historic mosque in Colombo, known for its striking red and white patterns.

St. Anthony's Shrine

A major Catholic church in Colombo dedicated to St.

Galle Face Green

A five-hectare ocean-side urban park in Colombo, ideal for walks and kite flying.

Nature

Kelani River

A major river in Sri Lanka that flows from the Sri Pada Mountain Range to Colombo, vital for the city's water supply.

Beira Lake

A large lake in the center of the city of Colombo, once used for transport within the city and surrounding towns.

Madu Ganga

A complex coastal wetland ecosystem surrounded by mangrove forests and numerous small islands, popular for boat safaris.

More places

Independence Memorial Hall

A national monument in Colombo built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka.

Viharamahadevi Park

The largest and oldest public park in Colombo, featuring a large Buddha statue and water fountains.

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden

A historical garden where the first rubber tree in South Asia was planted.

Galle Fort

A fort first built by the Portuguese and later extensively fortified by the Dutch.

Ceylon Steel Corporation

A leading steel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, located in Oruwala, playing a crucial role in the construction sector.

Lanka Ashok Leyland

A joint venture that assembles buses and trucks for the Sri Lankan market, supporting public transport.

Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation

A state-owned organization managing and developing the fishery harbors across Sri Lanka.

Beruwala Fishery Harbour

One of the main fishery harbors on the southwest coast, handling a significant portion of the country's fish catch.