Quick answer
The best Buddhist sites outside Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle are Kelaniya near Colombo; Mahiyangana on the Mahaweli; the rock temple of Mulkirigala; Kataragama's Kiri Vehera and the Tissamaharama stupas in the south; the rock carvings of Buduruwagala and the Maligawila Buddha in Uva; Seruwila near Trincomalee; Deegavapi near Ampara; Nagadeepa on Nainativu island; Weherahena near Matara; and Gangaramaya in Colombo.
Key takeaways
- Several of the sixteen sacred places, the Solosmasthana, lie outside the Triangle.
- Kelaniya and Mahiyangana are linked to the Buddha's visits.
- Southern sites recall the ancient Ruhuna kingdom.
- Eastern and northern sites are quiet and often rarely visited by foreigners.
- Dress codes apply at all sites; full moon days are busiest.
Why look beyond the Triangle
The Cultural Triangle holds Sri Lanka's great ancient capitals, but Buddhism spread across the whole island. The Solosmasthana, or sixteen sacred places, traditionally visited by pilgrims, include sites far from Anuradhapura: Kelaniya, Mahiyangana, Kataragama's Kiri Vehera, Nagadeepa and Sri Pada.
Many of these sites are close to beach and hill destinations, so they fit easily into trips that never reach the Triangle, or add depth to those that do.
They are also quieter, with local pilgrims rather than tour groups.
- →Close to beaches and hills.
- →Quieter and more local.
- →Part of the sixteen sacred places.
Kelaniya and Colombo
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, roughly 30 minutes from central Colombo, is believed to have been visited by the Buddha. Its murals, painted in the twentieth century, are among the finest in Sri Lanka, and its full moon pilgrimages and January perahera draw crowds.
Gangaramaya in Colombo is a busy, eclectic temple with a museum of donated objects and the Seema Malaka pavilion on Beira Lake. Kalutara's hollow stupa, beside the Galle road, is a popular stop for travellers heading south.
Sri Pada, Adam's Peak, is also one of the sixteen sacred places, climbed by Buddhist pilgrims in the season roughly December to May. Lanterns lit along the path and crowds chanting on the way up make the climb a powerful experience.
- →Kelaniya: murals and pilgrims.
- →Gangaramaya: eclectic and central.
- →Kalutara: the hollow stupa.
The south and Ruhuna
The ancient kingdom of Ruhuna left many Buddhist sites in the south. Tissamaharama's large stupas stand beside reservoirs, and Kataragama's Kiri Vehera is the Buddhist heart of that multi-faith town. Sithulpawwa, near Yala, is an ancient rock monastery.
Mulkirigala, near Tangalle, is a rock temple with cave shrines climbing a sheer outcrop. Weherahena, near Matara, has underground murals and a large Buddha. Wewurukannala at Dikwella has a giant seated Buddha.
These sites combine easily with beach stays and Yala safaris.
- →Tissamaharama and Kataragama.
- →Mulkirigala.
- →Weherahena and Wewurukannala.
Uva and the hills
Mahiyangana, on the Mahaweli east of Kandy, has a stupa believed to mark the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka. Muthiyangana temple in Badulla is another of the sixteen sacred places.
Buduruwagala, near Wellawaya, has seven rock-cut figures including a towering standing Buddha. Maligawila, further east, has a giant limestone Buddha, and the Dambegoda Bodhisattva nearby. Dowa rock temple near Bandarawela has an unfinished cliff Buddha.
Lankan Stays & Trails often adds Buduruwagala or Dowa to the drive between Ella and Yala, turning a transfer into a pilgrimage stop.
- →Mahiyangana: the first visit.
- →Buduruwagala: rock carvings.
- →Maligawila: the limestone Buddha.
The east and north
Seruwila, south of Trincomalee, is an ancient stupa said to enshrine the Buddha's forehead bone relic. Deegavapi, near Ampara, is another of the sixteen sacred places, believed to have been visited by the Buddha. Both are peaceful and rarely visited by foreigners.
In the north, Nagadeepa Vihara on Nainativu island, reached by ferry from Jaffna, is believed to mark the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka. It shares the island with a major Hindu temple. Kantarodai, on the Jaffna peninsula, has a cluster of small ancient stupas.
- →Seruwila near Trincomalee.
- →Deegavapi near Ampara.
- →Nagadeepa on Nainativu.
Visiting respectfully
Dress modestly in light colours, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and hats, walk clockwise around stupas and never pose with your back to a Buddha image. Full moon Poya days are busiest and most atmospheric.
Small donations are welcome. Some sites have no signage in English, so a local guide adds a great deal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the sixteen sacred places in Sri Lanka?
The sixteen sacred places, or Solosmasthana, are Buddhist pilgrimage sites linked to the Buddha's visits and relics. They include the Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya and other Anuradhapura sites, Mahiyangana, Kelaniya, Sri Pada, Nagadeepa, Kataragama's Kiri Vehera, Mihintale and Muthiyangana, among others.
Is Kelaniya temple worth visiting?
Kelaniya temple is worth visiting for its fine murals, sacred status and the atmosphere on full moon days. It is roughly 30 minutes from central Colombo and easy to combine with a day in the city. Dress modestly. Go early to avoid traffic and heat.
Which Buddhist sites are near the south coast?
Near the south coast are Mulkirigala rock temple, Weherahena and Wewurukannala near Matara and Dikwella, the Tissamaharama stupas, Kataragama's Kiri Vehera and Sithulpawwa near Yala. Kalutara's hollow stupa is on the way south from Colombo. Most are under an hour from Mirissa, Tangalle or Tissamaharama.
Where did the Buddha visit in Sri Lanka?
According to Sri Lankan tradition, the Buddha visited the island three times: at Mahiyangana, at Nagadeepa on Nainativu island and at Kelaniya, where he is also said to have left his footprint on Sri Pada, Adam's Peak. These visits are recorded in the ancient chronicles.
Is Seruwila worth visiting?
Seruwila is worth visiting for travellers interested in Buddhist history on the east coast. The ancient stupa, said to enshrine a relic, stands in quiet countryside south of Trincomalee. It fits on the coastal road between Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Allow roughly an hour, and dress in light, modest clothing.
Can I visit Nagadeepa from Jaffna?
You can visit Nagadeepa on Nainativu island from Jaffna by driving along the island causeway to Kurikadduwan jetty, then taking a short ferry. The trip takes a half to full day, often combined with the Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil on the same island.
What is the best Buddhist site near Ella?
Near Ella, Dowa rock temple, with its unfinished cliff Buddha, is a short drive towards Bandarawela. Buduruwagala, with seven rock-cut figures, is roughly an hour away near Wellawaya. Muthiyangana temple in Badulla is one of the sixteen sacred places.