Sri LankaTEMPLES20 May 20265 min read
Temples in Sri Lanka
Not every temple is worth your time. These four are.
Sri Lanka is stuffed with temples. In my opinion, not all of them are worth your time. There are plenty where you walk past the same rows of Buddha statues you've already seen ten times by that point. So here's a shortlist of the temples that actually add something. If you only have one day for culture, pick from these four.
Temple of the Tooth
— Sri Dalada Maligawa
The holiest site on the entire island, because it houses the left canine tooth of the Buddha. Don't expect to actually see the tooth: the relic is hidden inside seven golden caskets stacked like Russian nesting dolls. You come here for the atmosphere and the daily ceremonies, where dozens of drummers make an almighty racket while locals stand praying with lotus flowers. Entrance is around 2000 LKR.
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Location. Kandy
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Fun fact. The tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka in the fourth century by an Indian princess. She hid it in her hair braid to get past customs. Impressive smuggling work that wouldn't fly at any airport today.
Dambulla Cave Temple
— Golden Temple
Five enormous caves carved high into a massive rock. Inside you stumble over murals and more than 150 Buddha statues staring at you from the dark. It smells of incense and it actually feels pretty magical — provided you survived the climb in the blazing sun. Entrance is also around 2000 LKR.
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Location. Dambulla
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Fun fact. The walls and ceilings of all five caves are completely covered in religious murals. Together they span an area of over 2,100 square metres. The ultimate art gallery, just without air conditioning.
Gangaramaya Temple
The most bizarre temple in the country. Alongside the traditional statues, every corner is packed with antique clocks, taxidermied animals, ivory trinkets and a few gleaming vintage cars donated by wealthy devotees. You keep wondering whether you're in a temple or a museum. Honestly, not sure either.
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Location. Colombo
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Fun fact. For years the temple had its own resident elephant named Ganga, who lived in a pen right in the middle of chaotic Colombo. Sounds a bit rough. Fortunately she has since been released.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
A unique circular twelfth-century temple with a small stupa at its centre and four stone Buddhas each facing a different direction. It sits within the ancient royal city and the whole complex looks like you've wandered onto an Indiana Jones film set.
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Location. Polonnaruwa
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Fun fact. Polonnaruwa was conquered in the 10th century by the Chola dynasty from South India, which makes the city a unique mix: alongside Buddhist stupas you'll find perfectly preserved Hindu Shiva temples. Two religions in one place, without anyone arguing about it.