Kataragama Devalaya image

Kataragama Devalaya

Tourist attraction Hindu temple Place of worship

One of the Most Reviewed Tourist attractions in Katugasthota


Address

7JVP+JP9, Sri Skanda Kumara Devala Ln, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

Contact

+94 812 232 440

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: temple (26) donation (11) visit (10) room (9) Hindu (9) people (9) forced (8) shoes (7) book (7) time (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Victoria S. 2 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Tourist trap and not recommended to go. During the not-requested tour, which is given by guy who collects the shoes (500 rs for 2), the ‘monk’ will bless you and you ‘must’ write your name in the book with donation 5000 rs…all these happened so quickly and in small room, so I didnt have time to react.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Panayur Subramaniam R. 8 months ago on Google • 201 reviews
    Ancient temple for Lord Murugar located in busy area of Kandy. Understand from the priest that public can have Darshan of Lord Murugar only on the day of " Vaikasi Visakam ". All daily Poojas & Archanai are conducted behind a screen. Mandir for Ganapathy, Veerabhadrar, Muthumariamman and Navagragams can be seen all around the main temple.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Pip D. 7 months ago on Google
    Total scam to take a religious space and take you into a side room to be blessed by two monks and forced to pay a donation of about 5000 lkr. Sad this would occur in Sri Lanka where everyone has been so friendly and great otherwise.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pragash Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Past 25 years I am visiting regularly, couple of times per year, Nothing Much changed, there are plenty of way its can be serve much better way to public, at the same time devotes also should avoid to offer all plastic materials and support environment, every where its pet bottles, red garlands cant you offer atleast fresh floto your god? We have to change out attitudes, save the environment, save the nature, will support to create much beautiful environment to our next generation
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 krasskurwa 2 months ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    A scammy tourist place with a bad spirit. Don't talk to the old man who will approach you. He will force you to pay a high donation. It's not a proper hindutemple anymore, they have destroyed most of it and removed most of the tamil language.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sachinda S. 3 years ago on Google
    Sacred place in Kandy town.Both Hindu and Sinhala pilgrims visit there to worship God "Katharagama".
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 vithursha l. 1 year ago on Google
    A temple which needs hiking to reach there in Sri Lanka. I enjoyed visiting there. It will take time, but on the way there are shops with fruit juices, ice cream and water. So we can be able to quench our thirst. Unavailability of steps will make it harder for persons with small leg to climb the next step. Better go with someone else. Stone edges are sharp. Be careful.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dinesh C. 1 year ago on Google • 111 reviews
    Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is a temple complex situated in Kataragama, down south of the country. It is one of the few religious sites which gather multi ethnicity in the form of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. The temple is dedicated to God Kataragama for Buddhists and God Murugan for Hindus. It is a very popular temple complex of Sri Lanka visited by both locals and tourists. (Copied)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sanjeewa A. 3 years ago on Google
    This temple has a historic value and consider as a hindu temple. If you are visiting just to see historical murals etc stay away from donations requested by different fake individuals. She has to remove before entering any temples in sri lanka. Dont engage in any forced blessings sessions which are run by scammers.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul F. 4 years ago on Google
    This temple has some interesting shrines within, with statues and some 400 year old murals inside. We did get becconed to be 'blessed' by one of the priests, and then of course asked for a donation. This was a bit forced, but perhaps not with ill intension. Best in mind you need to leave your shoes outside the temple at a small booth.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 A.M.Tharusha Nethmina (. 5 months ago on Google
    We were just passing by when a man from inside the temple invited us to enter telling us there was a very important priest there today and we were very lucky. Didn't really believe it but we had some time and decided to visit anyway. He asked 400 rupees, they gave us a sarong to cover our legs. We thought that was it (locals didn't pay anything). Then the guy brought us to the Buddhist side of the temple and then to a room where the "important" monk was, just for today...He made some blessings and show us a book with donations and names, basically forcing us to leave a "donation". The Hindu part looked much more authentic. A classic good scam for tourists.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sampath S. 5 years ago on Google
    This Devale (shrine for the god) has been built during the region of King Narendrasinghe. This was the personal Devale of the Kandian kings for their rituals. A Buddhist temple also remains at the premises
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ivan. l. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Yes, the place is colorful. There are many outlets nearby. You can buy something. Bargain. And most importantly. Be careful. There is a donation box at the entrance. Don't throw ANYTHING at her. Therefore, after you will be forced to buy an entrance ticket for 100 rupees. And only for tourists. No money is taken from local residents. I told the Kasir that I had thrown a large sum of money into the donation box and she said that the ticket still needs to be bought)))))) (Original) Да место колоритное. Рядом много торговых точек.можно и прикупить чего.торгуйтесь.да и главное.будьте внимательны.На входе стоит коробка для пожертвований. НИЧЕГО не бросайте в нее. Потому после вас заставят купить входной билет за 100 рупий. И только для туристов это. С местных жителей деньги не берут. Я сказал касиру что кинул в ящик для пожертвований крупную сумму денег а она сказала что билет все равно надо купить))))))
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Florian B. 6 months ago on Google
    Tourist Scam- Has nothing to do with a spiritual Place! Warning! This Place of shame is nothing but a Tourist Scam. Avoid this place as a Tourist! You might get tricked for the first time when you have to Turn Off your shoes at the counter (what is Not that bad, because that might Costs you a few rs more but is very poor for a Wannabe Spiritual place). After that you'll come together with two unscrupulous wannabe monchs (you have No choice ) using a cheap Photo with the Dalai Lama for their Scam. Although we didnt want to have contact with This creepy Wannabe monchs in their typical monchs Outfits so that it Looks real, youre getting forced to a poor ceremony with Them. This we let Happen to Not to disrespect Something religious (of course IT was not- it was just a Play of cheap unscrupulous men). After that they gave us a book and forced us to "donate" Like described from Other people. The amaounts in the book are very high for Sri Lanka Like 5000 rs and more (of course WE didnt "donated" that much what brought US Into some Further discussions with the "Dollar monchs"). Regret that I have been at this (scam) temple.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 David W. 11 months ago on Google
    You can be either a sacred space or a tourist attraction but you cannot be both. This place lets in locals for free (regardless of religion) and charges white people to enter (regardless of religion). There's a word for that: racism. Don't support racist businesses. There are dozens of free temples nearby including 4 nice Hindu devales between here and the tooth temple.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Krzysztof H. 1 year ago on Google
    Total scam. You are led by a man (who looks like a security officer) to the room with a Buddhist monk. Once he performs some prayers and put a band on your wrist, they both force you to make some “donations”. They show you a notebook with a list of donations made by visitors ranging from 2000 rupees to 5000 rupees (or even more). Everything happens so quickly (and in some dark room), that you have basically no other choice than paying. Fortunately we gave some small amount (of course they were far from being happy), so it is even not an issue of money, but of a total disappointment.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ellie B. 9 months ago on Google
    SCAM ALERT! Please be aware that there is a 'friendly' monk that will start talking to foreigners, then show you his picture with the Dalai Lama and before you know it or get the chance to say no he starts performing an elaborate blessing. Afterwards he shoves a notebook in your hands to write down your name and country and shows you how much the other foreigners 'donated' and he forces you (in a friendly but nevertheless bad way) to give a donation as well. Most foreigners were made to pay 5000 rupiah!! Sorry, but this is a total scam!! You should never be forced to have a blessing or pay such a large donation. I realise temples are run on donations and blessings are a service monks do for visitors but it should never be forced like this! So best avoid this place. For tourists this temple is not that interesting anyway....
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Cycloscope 11 months ago on Google
    We were just passing by when a man from inside the temple invited us to enter telling us there was a very important priest there today and we were very lucky. Didn't really believe it but we had some time and decided to visit anyway. He asked 400 rupees, they gave us a sarong to cover our legs. We thought that was it (locals didn't pay anything). Then the guy brought us to the Buddhist side of the temple and then to a room where the "important" monk was, just for today...He made some blessings and show us a book with donations and names, basically forcing us to leave a "donation". The Hindu part looked much more authentic. A classic good scam for tourists.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Doris L. 1 month ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    Should have checked the review before entering. A tourist trap and scam. The temple is interesting, and the entrance fee of 200 Rupee per person seems reasonable, but there will be a guide that follows you, and then brings you to a prayer room to be blessed by a monk. After the prayer, they handed you a donation book, stating that the previous groups had donated 5k rupees. We initially gave 100 rupees, then they pressured us to give more. To avoid trouble, we gave 1k for two people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dilan K. 4 years ago on Google
    One of a historical Religious place in kandy. This is a one of a four major devala which are connected to Temple of the Tooth. This devalaya special for hindu people as its dedicate to katharagama god. Most of people use to visit this devalaya at regular basis.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dileepa D. 2 years ago on Google
    Another house for Katharagama Deviya. How many houses does he has in this contry? Might be he travels to all the devala houses with his peacock . But the thing is he doesn't help people who don't have money. Money is the main thing to get the help or the blessings from god. And it's doesn't matter that you earn your money in a good way or bad way, you can spend those black money to god and god will surely give his full support.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sanka I. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful hindu kovil.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Matthew K. 1 year ago on Google
    Scam warning! The negative reviews on Trip Advisor are perfectly accurate. After you pay 150 to leave your shoes, you are dragged to a small room where a supposed priest does a hasty ceremony and then demands money 4,000 - 5,000. This is a shame and an embarrassment. I gave 500 and left, and regretted paying anything at all. This is a religious blackmail. If they wish to offer any service they can advertise a price clearly and explain what is included before one accepts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 H.M.M. M. 3 years ago on Google
    Wewatta
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael Rohan S. 5 years ago on Google
    This is one of 4 Devalayas in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. It's origins aren't exactly known but may date back to the 13th century AD. It is dedicated to the Kataragama deity which is a Hindu god but is worshipped by people from different religions too. The temple has Hindu priests and I was lucky to be there when they held a ceremony which happens daily, if I am not mistaken, and those are the times to visit. Images and statues of Lord Buddha are also in the premises.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dumindu Nuwan J. 1 year ago on Google • 43 reviews
    It is a very cultural place. Parking facilities available. Lot of street shops are available with toys for children and sweet foods. Fruits are specially allocated for sacred temple but expensive to buy. I was very shocked by seeing the waste of fruits.

  • 2/5 Danny L. 1 month ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    We got got here too 😅😆 A gentleman meets tourists at the front door and helps you with your shoes and ushers you through. I found him to be friendly enough and learnt a few things I didn't previously know about the temple/prayer etc. Mid way through the unsolicited tour you'll be taken into a side room with an 'important priest' and shown a picture on the wall of the 'priest' with the dalai lama 😅 and then the priest will bless you. After you'll be given a book with tourists names in it and high 'donation' suggestions. 5k LKR per person. We 'donated' 1k each (about £5 in total). The explotive nature of the experience leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth however would I really have tipped that much if they hadn't gotten creative with their hussle?

  • 4/5 sudath a. 5 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    It is a multi religious place for worship. Peoples those who are coming to worship they are doing it with their wishers.

  • 5/5 Ashan C. W. 4 years ago on Google
    Best to visit in July and August the season , but it is too much crowded

  • 5/5 Yashomi F. 10 months ago on Google
    It is a religious place of Multi-culrural beliefs. Mainly this is considered as God Kataragama's shrine and apart from that this place has a Buddhist value as well since it is considered that Lord Buddha has visited this place with 500 Arahath Bikkhus (monks). Also in modern era some Muslim beliefs has also been added to this place

  • 1/5 Suranga S. 1 year ago on Google
    Incomplete Documents got visas. other are rejected.we don't know officers who is doing this . un educated staff or they have sell visa. we heard some indian got visa for spend €1000.others countries applicants rejected them.there are involve with staff.Malta goverment want to investigate whole embassy. if not they known this issues.

  • 5/5 zuki o. 3 years ago on Google
    one of the best places to worship in srilanka

  • 5/5 saman j. 3 years ago on Google
    Both Buddhist and Hindu temples together Hindu temple for God Skanda Kumar. Katharagama devalaya situated in Kandy city center.

  • 5/5 Kasun U. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the greatest place. Very calm and cool place even it is situated in the middle of the Kandy city.

  • 5/5 Yugantha S. 3 years ago on Google
    Famous Hindu kovil in Kandy dedicated to god Kataragama.The place is worshipped by both Hindus abd Buddhists .The architecture represents mixture of South Indian and Kandyan era influences.There wont be much time to enjoy the atmosphere since the place is very crowded almost every hour of the day.

  • 5/5 sajith a. 3 years ago on Google
    Colombo Light Rail Transit project located in 4th floor

  • 4/5 Kalaru N. 3 years ago on Google
    🙏

  • 5/5 Nimal K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful (Original) අසිරිමත්

  • 5/5 Ravidu M. 3 years ago on Google
    Spiritual and relaxing

  • 5/5 Selaka J. 3 years ago on Google
    Sacred and Religious Place

  • 2/5 lochana b. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Dodama �. 3 years ago on Google
    Blessed place in the city

  • 5/5 danushka p. 3 years ago on Google
    Peoples comes here for wishing. Everybody said all the things they wished.it was happened

  • 5/5 Nalaka A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place

  • 5/5 Seniru S. 2 years ago on Google
    Kataragama devalaya is the most religious place in SP, Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan people go there to serve puja for the god Katharagama wishing there future success.

  • 5/5 Mahesh P. 3 years ago on Google
    Our national property

  • 5/5 Rukshan de S. 3 years ago on Google
    Most Popular

  • 5/5 Ahamed R. 3 years ago on Google
    👍

  • 5/5 Pramod M. 3 years ago on Google
    I love this place

  • 1/5 Layla A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The view is breathtaking ... not the temple (Original) المنظر خلاب ... وليس المعبد

  • 5/5 Iro W. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the sacred place in Kandy.

  • 5/5 Jagath K. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place

  • 5/5 Ravindu S. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place we ware visit this place since in 2014 that is our annual trip we all are believe this place i think everyone should visit in this place in 🇱🇰

  • 5/5 Jayashan C. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to visit and make your mind calm and peaceful..

  • 1/5 MrPazan's S. 2 years ago on Google
    This God couldnt protect my shoes. So beware of shoe thieves,protect your shoes 👍

  • 1/5 Bogdan U. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Scam place, do not pay the old guy next to the shoe counter anything. Better even stay away from the temple altogether. It's a real shame a temple condones such behaviour within its grounds
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dahara W. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    You will feel divine there. A must visit place for every devotee who loves god Skanda✨🙏🏻


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