Kelaniya Temple
What?
This is a sacred Buddhist temple believed to have been visited by the Buddha during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka.
Where?
It is located in the Gampaha district and approximately 10 km from Colombo.
When?
It can be visited all year long, with January being particularly special due to the Duruthu Maha Perahera festival.
Kelaniya Temple is a historically valued temple situated in the Gampaha district. The Buddha is believed to have come here on his third and last visit to the island. A temple and later the entire city were built around the area where the Buddha trod. According to the Sri Lankan chronicle Chulavanshya, the Kelaniya Temple was a five-story building of traditional styling and roofing. It was rebuilt by King Vijayabahu III and King Parakramabahu II. The architecture and the paintings inside reflect Sinhalese art. The Duruthu Perehara, organized by the sacred Kelaniya Temple, is held in January each year.
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