Top Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most beautiful hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is a mix of a place of worship, a learning center, and a museum. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, and Thai styles, making it unique and beautiful. Inside, there are large statues of Lord Buddha, intricate paintings, and many ancient relics. Visitors can also explore the library and museum, which contain old Buddhist scriptures and historical items.

One of the best times to visit is during the Navam Perahera Festival, where grand processions with elephants, dancers, and drummers take place. The temple is located near Beira Lake, offering a peaceful environment for meditation and relaxation.

Tourists and devotees from around the world visit this temple to experience its spiritual and historical significance. When visiting, remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Gangaramaya Temple is a perfect place to learn about Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture.

Location: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200
How to Reach: Take a taxi from Colombo Airport, and you should reach in around 40 minutes.
Entry Fee: INR 120 per person

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. It is located in the beautiful city of Kandy and holds the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. This relic is believed to bring good fortune and protection to the country. The temple is known for its golden rooftops, beautiful paintings, and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, the tooth relic is kept in a golden casket, which is displayed to devotees during special prayers.

A major event at the temple is the Esala Perahera Festival, held every year. This grand celebration includes decorated elephants, drummers, dancers, and a parade through the streets of Kandy. The temple is also surrounded by Kandy Lake, a great place to take a peaceful walk.

Visitors must wear modest clothing and remove their shoes before entering. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must-visit for those interested in Sri Lankan history and Buddhist culture.

Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000
How to Reach: Take a train or bus from Bandaranaike Airport to reach Kandy.
Entry Fee: INR 400 per person

Naguleswaram Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Keerimalai, Jaffna, and is an important place of worship for Tamil Hindus. The temple is also famous for its nearby Keerimalai Springs, which are believed to have healing powers. Many devotees visit the temple to pray and then take a holy dip in the spring water, hoping for spiritual and physical well-being.

The temple has beautiful stone carvings, colorful statues, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is especially lively during the Maha Shivaratri Festival, when devotees gather to offer prayers, chant hymns, and take part in religious rituals. The temple is an important symbol of Hindu heritage in Sri Lanka and attracts visitors from both Sri Lanka and India.

Since the temple is free to enter, it is a great place to explore for those interested in history and culture. Visiting during festival time makes the experience even more special.

Location: Keerimalai, Jaffna 40000

How to Reach: Take the morning train from Jaffna station, and you can easily reach the temple using local transport.
Entry Fee: Free

Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple, also known as Koneswaram Temple and is one of the most gorgeous hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on a hilltop in Trincomalee, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The temple is an important religious site for Hindus and is known for its Dravidian architecture, with beautifully carved pillars, statues of Hindu gods, and colorful decorations.

One of the most interesting features of the temple is the “Lovers’ Leap”, a cliff near the temple with a sad legend attached to it. Many pilgrims visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is especially busy during the Maha Shivaratri Festival, which is celebrated with prayers, music, and rituals.

Visitors can also explore Fort Frederick, an old Portuguese-built fort near the temple. The temple is a peaceful and spiritual place where people can pray, meditate, and enjoy the stunning views of Trincomalee’s coastline.

Location: Trincomalee
How to Reach: You can reach the temple via Fort Frederick by following the path lined with small shops. Alternatively, take a bus from Central Bus Station to reach Trincomalee.
Entry Fee: Free

Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred places associated with Goddess Sati. It is one the most popular hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is located in Trincomalee and is considered one of the most powerful temples for Hindus. According to mythology, this is where Goddess Sati’s body part fell, making it a significant spiritual site. The temple is dedicated to Shankari Devi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and is visited by devotees seeking divine blessings.

The temple has a peaceful atmosphere, and its location near the ocean adds to its beauty. The architecture features traditional Hindu designs, with colorful statues and intricate carvings. Many pilgrims visit during festivals like Navratri and Durga Puja, when special prayers and rituals take place.

Since it is a sacred site, visitors are encouraged to maintain silence and dress modestly. This temple is not just a place of worship but also a place where people feel spiritually connected and blessed.

Location: Trincomalee
How to Reach: You can reach the temple by taking a bus from Central Bus Station.
Entry Fee: Free

Kataragama Temple is a famous multi-religious temple in Sri Lanka, where Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims come to pray. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kataragama Deviyo), a Hindu god of war and wisdom. It is believed that those who pray here with a pure heart will have their wishes fulfilled. The temple complex also has a Buddhist shrine and a mosque, showing harmony among different religions.

One of the best times to visit is during the Kataragama Festival, which takes place in July or August. Devotees perform special rituals like fire-walking and body piercing, showing their deep faith. Pilgrims from all over Sri Lanka and India walk for days to reach the temple as part of their religious vows.

The temple is located in a peaceful area near the Menik Ganga River, where devotees take a holy bath before offering prayers. It is a must-visit place for those who want to experience Sri Lanka’s religious traditions.

Location: Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Kataragama 91400
How to Reach: Board a bus from Kandy Secretariat Bus Stop and get down at either Kandy Clock Tower Bus Station, Torrington Bus Station, or Maligawa Bus Stop.
Entry Fee: INR 260 per person

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is among the most important hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited this place during his third visit to the island. The temple is known for its beautiful paintings, ancient relics, and peaceful surroundings. The main hall has a large reclining Buddha statue, while the walls are covered with detailed murals that depict important events from Buddha’s life.

One of the biggest events at this temple is the Duruthu Perahera Festival, held in January. It includes colorful processions with elephants, drummers, dancers, and Buddhist monks, attracting thousands of visitors. The temple is also visited by those who want to meditate and find peace.

Many people believe that praying at Kelaniya Temple brings blessings and good fortune. It is a great place to learn about Buddhism and experience Sri Lanka’s spiritual traditions. The temple is open to all, and visitors should dress respectfully.

Location: Colombo
How to Reach: Easily accessible from all parts of Colombo by car, bus, or taxi.
Entry Fee: Free

Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of five caves filled with beautiful Buddha statues and paintings. The temple is located on a high rock, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.

Inside the caves, there are over 150 Buddha statues, including a huge reclining Buddha that is 14 meters long. The walls and ceilings are covered with colorful murals that tell stories from Buddhist teachings. The temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and has been a place of worship for centuries.

Visitors need to climb stairs to reach the caves, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes. The temple is a perfect place for those interested in history, art, and Buddhism. It is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka.

Location: Kandy – Jaffna Highway, Habarana 50150
How to Reach: Apart from local buses or hired cars, you can take tuk-tuks from Sigiriya to reach the base of the temple. The temple is just 15 minutes walking distance away from Dambulla bus terminus.
Entry Fee: INR 600 per person

Muthiyangana Temple is an important Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, believed to be visited by Lord Buddha himself. The temple is located in Badulla and is known for its beautiful white stupa, ancient sculptures, and peaceful gardens. It is one of the Solosmasthana, or 16 sacred places, where Buddha is believed to have traveled.

The temple is visited by Buddhists who come to pray and meditate. One of its special features is the "Bo Tree", which is considered sacred. The annual Perahera Festival at the temple attracts many visitors, with grand processions and religious ceremonies.

The temple is a great place for those interested in Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture. It is surrounded by nature, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

Location: Station Road, Badulla 90000
How to Reach: It is located in Badulla town, around 20 km from Ella. You can take a bus or train from Ella, and a tuk-tuk will take you to the temple.
Entry Fee: Free

Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple is one of the famous hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda or Kandaswamy. It is one of the most important temples in Jaffna and has a history of over 1,000 years. According to legend, a Chola princess who was suffering from a skin disease was cured after visiting this place, and she built the temple in gratitude. The temple is known for its beautiful Dravidian-style architecture, with tall gopurams (temple towers) decorated with colorful carvings of Hindu gods.

The temple is an important religious site, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during the Thaipusam Festival, when grand processions and rituals take place. Devotees offer prayers, perform special poojas, and walk barefoot as a sign of devotion. The temple complex is a peaceful and spiritual place where visitors can experience Hindu traditions.

People visiting Jaffna should not miss this historic temple. It is best to dress modestly and respect the temple customs while visiting.

Location: Jaffna
How to Reach: Located about 400 km from Colombo, direct railway services and buses from Colombo are available.
Entry Fee: Free