Kande Viharaya
Western Province
About Kande Viharaya
Kande Viharaya - the Temple on the Hill - has watched over Aluthgama and Bentota since 1734, but its skyline-changing feature is modern: a 48.8-metre seated Buddha, completed in 2007 as one of the tallest of its kind in the world, whose serene gaze now dominates the coastal plain. The statue's hollow base contains a walk-in shrine, and the surrounding terraces gather the full vocabulary of a great Sri Lankan temple: a bo tree centuries old, a relic-bearing stupa, image houses with vivid Kandyan-style murals, devales to the guardian gods, and a lively schedule of poya-day devotion that draws pilgrims from across the island. For beach-stayers in Bentota or Beruwala it is the essential culture stop - fifteen minutes inland, best in the soft light and drum ceremonies of early evening.
Top Activities
- ✓The 48-metre seated Buddha and shrine
- ✓Bo tree terrace and stupa
- ✓Kandyan murals in the image houses
- ✓Evening drumming and puja
- ✓Combine with Bentota beach and Brief Garden
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Evening puja (around 6pm) adds drums, incense, and golden light.
Modest dress and bare feet on the terraces - bring socks if stones are hot.
Poya days are crowded but show the temple at its devotional best.
Quick Info
Best Time
Year-round; evening puja
Weather
Warm and humid; evenings are the most pleasant.
Estimated Daily Budget
6.4370°N, 80.0050°E
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