Sri Lanka has been a center of Theravada Buddhism for over 2,000 years, and the island is home to thousands of temples, ranging from ancient forest monasteries to ornate city viharas. Here are the most important ones to visit.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy) — The most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. UNESCO World Heritage.
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa (Anuradhapura) — A 2,000-year-old stupa built by King Dutugemunu, one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country.
Dambulla Cave Temple — A 2,000-year-old monastery with five caves containing 153 Buddha statues and ancient frescoes.
Mihintale — The cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism, where the monk Mahinda first introduced Buddhism to the island in 247 BC.
Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo) — A fascinating mix of modern and traditional Buddhist architecture, with a museum, library, and resident elephants.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Colombo suburbs) — A sacred temple mentioned in the Mahavamsa, with stunning murals.
Etiquette: Always remove shoes and hats. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Sit with feet pointing away from Buddha statues. Avoid turning your back to Buddha images when photographing. Ask before photographing monks.
