Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
621 reviews
Excellent
401
Very good
180
Average
37
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Kai Wah
Malaysia2,790 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This place is located at a suburb of Kelaniya, where is 11km away from Colombo. We used UBER-Tuk to come here from Jami UI Alfar Mosque which saved the trouble of haggling and cost us LKR350. No entrance fee for foreigners, but we saw many local devotees here for worship and meditation. We also happened to see a blessing ceremony to a toddler done by a monk with the parents. The temple is regarded as sacred place by the locals who believed that the Lord of Buddha had visited this place. The architecture of the temple is intriguing with sculptural images. There is graffiti inside the temple that narrates the life of Buddha with famous Reclining Buddha statue inside the temple. Very interesting cultural site with intriguing architecture and history.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chamo😉👻💜️
Ja Ela, Sri Lanka2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
The Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya is the place where the Supreme Buddha visited for the third time. This is a very sacred and special place for Buddhists. The paintings in the temple are very interesting and valuable works of art. The dagoba here also takes the shape of a grain and adds value to the Kelani temple.This is special because of the ancient architecture and beauty of the place. The serenity and serenity here is a wonderful feeling to experience. The beauty of the place at night is soothing and soothing.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SAKINDU
Homagama, Sri Lanka6 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most sacred and historic Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
Such a significant value has been added to this place as Lord Buddha has visited once here.
Also, so many great paintings can be witnessed here.
Crowded on Poya days and weekends. Otherwise, this is a very calm and peaceful place to have a visit and relax your mind.
Such a significant value has been added to this place as Lord Buddha has visited once here.
Also, so many great paintings can be witnessed here.
Crowded on Poya days and weekends. Otherwise, this is a very calm and peaceful place to have a visit and relax your mind.
Written February 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phait_lee
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia528 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
On our way back to Colombo, we swung by this temple.
It isn’t really a main tourist site but non worshippers can come to take a look.
It is said that Buddha came here in his 3rd and final visit to Sri Lanka.
The interior of the temple is simple magnificent. The paintings and the art depicted the different stories in Buddha’s life. It is the most beautiful temple I’ve ever seen.
According to our guide, the locals come here to pray and worship especially under the Bodhi Tree to ask for blessings or wishes. They will walk around the tree 7 times carrying a bucket of water. After that they will pour the water to the tree.
It isn’t really a main tourist site but non worshippers can come to take a look.
It is said that Buddha came here in his 3rd and final visit to Sri Lanka.
The interior of the temple is simple magnificent. The paintings and the art depicted the different stories in Buddha’s life. It is the most beautiful temple I’ve ever seen.
According to our guide, the locals come here to pray and worship especially under the Bodhi Tree to ask for blessings or wishes. They will walk around the tree 7 times carrying a bucket of water. After that they will pour the water to the tree.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brenda H
Durham, UK665 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a very beautiful temple to worship the Lord Buddha. A very sacred area and shoes must be removed of course, however they are removed before you enter the grounds which are quite extensive so do remember to wear socks as the sand and paving stones can be very very hot!
There are places around where worshippers leave flowers and gifts for the Buddha and pray. Inside the temple there is a marvellous gold sleeping Buddha covered with the finest muslin or silk. The frescos are very old and tell the story of the temple.
A very beautiful sacred place.
There are places around where worshippers leave flowers and gifts for the Buddha and pray. Inside the temple there is a marvellous gold sleeping Buddha covered with the finest muslin or silk. The frescos are very old and tell the story of the temple.
A very beautiful sacred place.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jaanya Gamage
16 contributions
May 2021
Kelaniya Rajamaha viharaya is one of the most sacred ancient Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. It is among the country's sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) (Which is one of the 16 places where lord Budhda has visited)
The Kelaniya Stupa enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached.
Lord Budhdha's second visit to Nagadeepaya, Sri Lanka was in the fifth year of enlightenment to settle a dispute between two Naga Kings, Chulodara and Mahodara over the possession of a Gem Studded throne.
After having listened to the Dhamma sermons by Buddha the Naga kings paid homage to Buddha with overwhelming faith and the throne was offered to Lord Buddha by two Naga kings.
The throne was then presented to Naga King Maniakkika- Ruler of Kelaniya by Lord Budhdha as he pleaded for a souvenir to worship. King Maniakkika in turn constructed a Cetiya (Stupa) covering the Gem studded Throne in Kelaniya for thousands of devotees to worship and invited lord Budhdha to visit the holy site.
Lord Buddha together with 500 Arahats (Supremely enlightened beings) visited Kelaniya and preached Dhamma, on Wesak Poya Day, after eighth year of enlightenment as Lord Budhdha .It was lord Buddha's third and final visit to Sri Lanka. “The sin of a life time are all rendered null, Once Kelaniya is worshiped a single time"
The Kelaniya Stupa enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached.
Lord Budhdha's second visit to Nagadeepaya, Sri Lanka was in the fifth year of enlightenment to settle a dispute between two Naga Kings, Chulodara and Mahodara over the possession of a Gem Studded throne.
After having listened to the Dhamma sermons by Buddha the Naga kings paid homage to Buddha with overwhelming faith and the throne was offered to Lord Buddha by two Naga kings.
The throne was then presented to Naga King Maniakkika- Ruler of Kelaniya by Lord Budhdha as he pleaded for a souvenir to worship. King Maniakkika in turn constructed a Cetiya (Stupa) covering the Gem studded Throne in Kelaniya for thousands of devotees to worship and invited lord Budhdha to visit the holy site.
Lord Buddha together with 500 Arahats (Supremely enlightened beings) visited Kelaniya and preached Dhamma, on Wesak Poya Day, after eighth year of enlightenment as Lord Budhdha .It was lord Buddha's third and final visit to Sri Lanka. “The sin of a life time are all rendered null, Once Kelaniya is worshiped a single time"
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael Todd Davis
20 contributions
Jan 2020
During our 21 day trip to Sri Lanka, we saw about 15-20 temples, this one being the last on the way to the airport. Not very interesting, though the architecture was more interesting than most. Do not recommend. No western tourists, except my wife and me, and I think for good reason. A lot of paintings on the walls, but again not interesting. Locals seem to love this temple.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rohan A L F
Gampaha, Sri Lanka153 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
It’s believed Buddha visited the site of this temple on his third visit to Sri Lanka. Suitably grand and labyrinthine, it has a dramatic past. The original temple was destroyed by Indian invaders, restored and destroyed again by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch restored it again in the 18th century in order to curry favour locally.
The dagoba, which (unusually) is hollow, is the focus of the Duruthu Perahera in January each year. The complex is some 7km northeast of Fort, just off the Kandy Rd.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/colombo/sights/religious/kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara#ixzz3IlF9dnzJ
The dagoba, which (unusually) is hollow, is the focus of the Duruthu Perahera in January each year. The complex is some 7km northeast of Fort, just off the Kandy Rd.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/colombo/sights/religious/kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara#ixzz3IlF9dnzJ
Written November 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ribhu95
Bengaluru, India172 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
This is a park with a circumference of approximately 2.5 kms. It is good for both early morning and evening walks.
Written March 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HammerM
Zionsville, IN177 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
This sprawling temple complex, one of the most sacred Buddhist religious sites, is worth a visit. Remember not to wear shorts, above knee-length skirts or revealing tops - this is a revered place of worship and it is important to be respectful of the hundreds of devotees there at any given time. Having a bag to carry your shoes in would be helpful as you have to enter barefoot.
Despite being crowded, the large area means that the Kelaniya complex feels quiet, peaceful and serene. It is the perfect place to sit down & reflect or to observe the cultural and religious practices of the locals.The buildings, structures, statues, trees are all full of character. Great place for photographers or architecture enthusiasts. A word of warning for dog-lovers, though: some of the strays that live here are in pretty heart-breaking shape.
Despite being crowded, the large area means that the Kelaniya complex feels quiet, peaceful and serene. It is the perfect place to sit down & reflect or to observe the cultural and religious practices of the locals.The buildings, structures, statues, trees are all full of character. Great place for photographers or architecture enthusiasts. A word of warning for dog-lovers, though: some of the strays that live here are in pretty heart-breaking shape.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neranjana G
25 contributions
Bus...there is a direct bus, no 150, between the tourist love Gangarama temple in Colombo and This historical and real kelaniya temple. You can always get seats as the bus no.150 starts and finishers from these two temples. Great ride across Colombo!
Kushan G
Colombo, Sri Lanka9 contributions
Yes this is true information. If some one would like to go for the both gangaramaya and kelaniya temples in this is the easy and best routine.
How can come to kelani viharaya by bus from peliyagoda? What is the route number?
Kalpana Y
Colombo, Sri Lanka75 contributions
Hi,
you can take bus which goes route No 135 from Kohuwala to Kelaniya.
MONEPRA
Nice, France
Hello, is there a public or private bus from the Colombo Fort railways station to the Temple ? if yes, what is the bus number, the bus stops and how much (approximately) have I to pay in the bus ? Thanks for your help.
"Kalani DewLaya" is this open sunday 17 Jun 2018. How is the opening time plz.
Rohana P
Colombo, Sri Lanka64 contributions
Yes, it is open. about 10 am would be ok.
Rosaa_08
281 contributions
I am a Muslim and I wear a headscarf would I be able to visit this temple??
jthatparan j
Colombo, Sri Lanka251 contributions
There are no any restriction in terms of clothing. Though, you are not allowed to do the same in few Hindu temples, but others are fine.
Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia5,340 contributions
Do the temples in Sri Lanka practice ANIMAL SACRIFICE? Had a horrible experience in India that haunts me to this day. Don't want to experience this again
Rav S
Colombo, Sri Lanka14 contributions
Not at all at Buddhist Temples anywhere on Earth. Buddhist temples do animals rescuing, donating to poor families (such as milk cows). Real buddhists and buddhist temples never practice animal sacrificing. Kelaniya Temple is one of top places where Lord Buddha visited. Therefore this place is highly accepted by buddhists and also other religious people. Visit Kelaniya temple and feel the Greatness of buddhism. May Triple Gem Bless you.
GCityHopper
Jaipur, India19 contributions
Will this temple be open next week? I want to do a tour of Colombo next week, is it safe ?
Please reply soon
zarooksamsudeen
Kadawata, Sri Lanka5 contributions
Yes, it is open all 7 days of the week and it is quite safe to visit.
Zuna2010
Rimini, Italy52 contributions
vorrei sapere fino a che ora si può visitare il tempio nel pomeriggio e se è aperto tutti i giorni.
Diane C
Aluthgama, Sri Lanka32 contributions
i plan to go to the temple on the 10th January for the festival, does anyone know how i can buy a ticket for the viewing platform, and what time should i plan to get to the temple
Sampath K
Colombo, Sri Lanka5 contributions
I live near kelaniya temple.. I could help you if you like Diane C.. just let me know that I will be able to arrange you this free
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Colombo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- We recommend booking Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 21 Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara:
- Departure Transfer : Colombo to Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA) (From $17.34)
- Shore Excursion Kelaniya Temple & Colombo City Tour (From $38.94)
- Colombo City Day Tour (From $50.00)
- Colombo Sightseeing and Shopping Private Tour Including Lunch (From $95.00)
- Colombo Private Day Tour (From $70.00)
- Hotels near Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara:
- (0.40 mi) Heritage Eco Resort Kelaniya
- (0.44 mi) Melvila
- (5.31 mi) Cinnamon Grand Colombo
- (4.00 mi) Maniumpathy
- (4.99 mi) Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo
- Restaurants near Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara:
- (0.11 mi) Balasooriya North Indian Restaurant
- (4.80 mi) FLOW
- (5.33 mi) Menya Hanabi Sri Lanka
- (5.36 mi) Shang Palace, Shangri-La Colombo
- (5.47 mi) King of the Mambo