Seruwila Mangala Viharaya

What?
This is a sacred Buddhist temple built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BCE, enshrining the forehead relic of the Buddha.

Where?
It is located in the Trincomalee district and approximately 260 km from Colombo.

When?
It can be visited all year long.

Seruwila Mangala Vihara is located at Seruwila, 24 km flight distance from Trincomalee town. It is one of the ancient Buddhist temples in Eastern Province. This temple was built during the reign of King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC for containing the sacred forehead bone of the Buddha. There are two Buddha figures seated under the hood of the Naga King Mucalinda. The chetiya at Seruwila Mangala Vihara is the one where the forehead relic of the Buddha was enshrined. There are also some ancient caves around this area. Seruwila Mangala Viharaya can be reached by land and by sea. The sea route is from Trincomalee to Muthur by boat and another 16 km by road, and the land route is via Kantale to Allai, which is about 45 km through a thick forest.