Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
A revered Buddhist temple on the Kelani River, said to have been hallowed by a visit from the Buddha, famous for its vivid modern murals and its grand January perahera.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, sitting on the banks of the Kelani River just outside Colombo. Tradition holds that the Buddha himself visited the site during his third and final trip to the island, invited by the Naga king Maniakkhika to settle a dispute between two rival Naga chiefs. It's said that a stupa was later built over the very spot where the Buddha sat and preached, making Kelaniya one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist sites, or Solosmasthana, in the country.
The temple as it stands today owes much of its character to a major restoration led by Helena Wijewardene in the early twentieth century, after earlier structures were damaged during colonial rule. The image house is the real highlight, its walls and ceiling covered in vivid murals depicting the Buddha's life, the story of his visit to Kelaniya, and scenes from the Jataka tales (Jathaka Katha Wathuwa). The paintings, done in a distinctly Sri Lankan style with rich colour and intricate detail, are considered some of the finest examples of religious art in the country.
Kelaniya is also home to a large reclining Buddha statue and a moonstone at its entrance, carved with the traditional layered motifs found at many ancient Sri Lankan temples. Beyond its architecture and art, the temple remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage, drawing large crowds especially during the annual Duruthu Perahera in January, a colourful procession with dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants that commemorates the Buddha's legendary visit to the site.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free, donation welcomed
- Opening hours: 6:00am to 8:00pm
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best time: Daytime, or the Duruthu Perahera in January
Getting there
At Kelaniya, about 10km northeast of central Colombo.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara?
- Free, donation welcomed.
- What are the opening hours at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara?
- 6:00am to 8:00pm.
- How long should I spend at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara?
- Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- When is the best time to visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara?
- Daytime, or the Duruthu Perahera in January.
- How do I get to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara?
- At Kelaniya, about 10km northeast of central Colombo.