It will be difficult for me to visit this temple due to the reason how the temple authorities ignored mistreatment of the elephant Sak Surin, the Thai elephant. This can't be a Buddhist temple. Update as at 7th September 2023: I visited Sak Surin (= Muthu Raja, the mistreated elephant in Sri Lanka) at Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang Province, Thailand. It was such a pleasure to see that Sak Surin is recovering well and very happy with its his new environment (see photos). The elephant is looked after 24/7 by at least a dozen Vets and helpers. This conversation centre is doing a great job by looking after not only Sak Surin but also lots of other elephants who require medical treatment and care. The mahouts (I saw at least 3 of them) taking care of Sak Surin very well. They are very kind a gentle to Sak Surin. The mahouts who mistreated this animal in Sri Lanka should see and learn from them how a mahout should look after and treat an elephant. As I mentioned earlier, its' a shame that this happened in a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. A big thanks to Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE) and the Thai Officials who rescued this animal. Sak Surin should stay in Thailand.

One of famous temples in Sri Lanka. Crowded on poya days. If you want to worship or visit freely avoid poya days. There is a massive budda statue aside and beautiful. Parking available.

One of the most iconic places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha Statue established here is said to be the biggest in Asia. This place witnesses heavy footfall during the poya days. It is said to avoid the poya days if you want to go and pray there. One must visit this place in the evening or early in the morning as the sun goes up the rocks outside the temple get warm and it gets difficult to walk through barefoot.

Very famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Vehicle parking facility provided. There is a heavy crowd in weekends and Poya days. Please pay attention to your dress before entering this place.

Beautiful temple in beruwala. The upper floors in the buddha statue is closed now. Too many crowd on weekends. Only sad thing is the baby elephant in temple premises. I think he deserves freedom.

Very atmosphere place . You should walk barefoot and for girls please wear long skirt when you’re coming here. It’s totally free to come. There is monks and religious school for locals . Nice architecture and paintings Under small bridge a lot of small fish.

it is an ancient temple situated in Kaluthara district .It has become more beautiful due to the recent upgrades and reconstructions. One of most popular Buddhist' sacred place in Sri Lanka.

This temple serves an important purpose on special holidays when it also gets ten times more spectacular. The Buddha statue itself is an impressive sight even from afar. Note, that you should never take a photo with the Buddha with your back against the statue. The easiest way to get here is with a train or bus, then catch a tuk tuk.

Buddhist religious place with a calm environment even with lot of people. You can park your vehicle outside and inside of the temple. A good place to do religious activities in the morning or afternoon. Can't walk on the tiles in front of the big lord Buddha's statue because of the high heat.

Kande Viharaya Temple,Aluthgama. One of the most famous buddhist temple in Aluthgama area.Peaceful place and ancient temple.

One of the most iconic places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha Statue established here is said to be the biggest in Asia which is a soothing sight. A great place to venerate Lord Buddha. Shrines for gods and goddesses are also present here who are believed to be historically and religiously paramount for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Very famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Vehicle parking facility provided. There is a heavy crowd in weekends and Poya days. Please pay attention to your dress before entering this place. So much attractive place.

this Buddhist temple is popular among local and foreign peoples. really useful when you want collect some merits. usually an elephant also located nearby. Vehicle parking available with police support. There is lot of lotus flower and other flower sellers at entering places. make sure bring some flowers :)

We reached the church complex via a flight of stairs, in front of which the TUKK-TUKKs are parked. The 108-meter-high Buddha statue itself is very imposing, but the point was hidden behind the back entrance. A fantastic sight greeted us in the room behind the beautiful doors (see pictures). We didn't see a tourist here, but a local man, I don't think many of them went in, because the locals went to the church building next door to sacrifice, so I think most of the tourists followed them. It is worth visiting all the buildings, you can discover many beautiful things in the exterior and interior art design of the buildings.

The temple was founded by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero in 1734,[2] under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara thero who was then chief incumbent of Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara and a pupil of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero. Since then the temple was renovated and developed time to time under state patronage that lead the temple to become a major Buddhist shrine in the country. In 1904 the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, was attached to the temple as a result of the efforts done by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero.[3] The pirivena acts as a center for Buddhist education in the country, is also conducted by the Kande Vihara.

The temple's hilltop location enhances its allure, and the grand Buddha statue is truly impressive.

The Aluthgama Kande Viharaya is a Buddhist temple located in Aluthgama, Sri Lanka. It is situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple is known for its serene and picturesque setting, attracting both local devotees and tourists seeking spiritual solace and cultural exploration. The temple's history dates back many centuries, and it holds significance as a place of worship, meditation, and cultural heritage in Sri Lanka.

A Buddist temple having a Lord Buddha's huge statue. Nice place to visit near Bentota tourism area. Very close to Galle Colombo main road.

"I recently visited the Kande Viharaya temple in Sri Lanka and was immediately struck by the tranquil and peaceful ambiance of this sacred place. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an oasis of calm to pray and meditate. The breathtaking architecture and serene surroundings of the temple are awe-inspiring and create a perfect setting to connect with the inner self. The temple's history is fascinating. I highly recommend experiencing the calming energy of Kande Viharaya for anyone seeking spiritual rejuvenation."

We visited there with our friends. Actually the Buddha statue is really huge, to worship the temple you should climb stairs. And it takes around 5 to 10 minutes, we had a free green tea at the temple. You can take pictures. City view is good. Parking also available there.

A beautiful temple located in a beautiful environment.😍😍 When you see the huge Buddha statue there, you will feel great respect and devotion. 🙏🙏🙏

A beautiful temple close to Galle road. Very high statue. A calm place.

Kande Vihara is a prominent Buddhist temple located in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka. It gained recognition as an archaeological site by the government and is known for its historical significance. The temple sits atop a hill near Aluthgama town and derives its name from being a mountain temple. Founded in 1734 by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero, under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero, who was a pupil of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero and the chief incumbent of Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara at the time. Over the years, the temple has undergone renovations and development with state patronage, solidifying its status as a major Buddhist shrine in the country. In 1904, the temple established the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, through the efforts of Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero. The pirivena serves as a center for Buddhist education in Sri Lanka and operates under the auspices of Kande Vihara. The temple features several ancient structures, including an image house, a stupa, and a sacred Bodhi tree enclosed by an octagonal wall. The Bodhi tree, believed to be over 300 years old, holds significant religious importance. The temple's large stupa, constructed in 1935, encloses a smaller stupa built by Udugama Chandrasara Thero in 1783. One of the notable additions to the temple is a colossal Samadhi Buddha statue depicting the Bhoomisparsha Mudra. Its construction began in 2002, and the completed statue was unveiled to the public in 2007. Standing at a height of 48.8 meters (160 feet), it is regarded as one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues worldwide. The temple complex comprises various structures such as the Stupa, Bodhi Tree, Relic Chamber, Image House, Upulvan Devalaya, and other main Devalas, including Kataragama and Pattini Devalaya. Additionally, the Bodhi tree, preaching hall, and Seema Malaka are situated outside the Vihara premises. The Stupa, built in a bell shape, stands within an octagonal shelter. The relic chamber, believed to be the oldest building on the temple grounds, features a stone moonstone and a sculpted door frame at its entrance. The chamber's inner walls and ceiling are adorned with Kandyan Era Frescoes from the latter part of the Kandyan period. The temple's image house consists of an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The entrance to the image house features a visually captivating Thorana with three arch-shaped entrances. Inside the inner chamber, visitors can find three Buddha images in standing, seated, and sleeping postures. The walls and ceilings of both chambers are adorned with Jataka tales, depicting moments from the Buddha's life journey and various other murals.

You can see sri lankan's spirituality , best place to go if you want to make your mind clear

Wow amazing💘💘 beautiful temple

It's a nice temple in Bentota town, built in 1734. It has a 160 feet sitting Buddha statue. The temple complex has Buddha, Ganesha and Lakshmi temple. The Bodhi tree in the temple complex is supposed to be more than 300 years old.

A must-see location. Consider going in the early or evening. The afternoon will be extremely humid. The monument is enormous and stunning. If you're in Bentota, this is a must-see.

We went on a sunday morning 6.30 am. Not busy time at that time. If you are going to offer fruits to the temple, you can bring the fruits from another place. In the shops near the temple, there are offerings worth 500, 800, 1000. There is a hall to prepare the offerings you bring. Do your work without making a mess there. It would be worth if the administration pays attention to the facilities there.

Nice atmosphere, not too far from the main road. One should visit this place.

Popular and beautiful temple located in Aluthgama. A little bit crowed and there's a pretty big car parking area.

Kande Viharaya (කන්දේ විහාරය-භූමි ස්පර්ෂ මුද්‍රාව) is a major Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. The temple has got its name 'Kande vihara' (Mountain temple) as it is built on top of a hill located near to Aluthgama town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.love visit this histroical place.

Very beautiful and sacred place. Lots of things to explore here.

I love so much of this ancient marevelouse temple. This is very beautiful place to see every buddhist even once a time of life. So busy in weekends and poya day, but calm on other week days to worshiped peacefully. Few god temples also be there. Cleanness is better comparing with other temples. Place, vehicles and crowde managing well by temple management with police officers. Police station also there. Special thing is very low no of baggers comparing with other popular ancient temples. Theruwansaranai !

Best temple to vidit near aluthgama

Good place to visit. Very calm and quiet

One of the most popular temples in Sri Lanka.

An ancient temple & a tourist attraction in Aluthgama area. Crowded in weekends and holidays.

Peaceful and popular budhdhist temple near aluthgama. Good place for worship. Parking space also available.

World famous Buddhist Temple in Aluthgama

10 minutes drive from Aluthgama town lot of spiritual values in it locals are really believing this temple, Saturday Sunday public holidays and poya days are extremely busy. Quite famous for local and international tourists 50 feet Buddha statue not to be missed. Temple car parking and safe place to visit no entrance fee.

A nice place to visit which include cultural and modern things, arts and buildings. Calm environment and peaceful place

Beautiful place, big statue of BUDDHA is impressive & Peacefull.

Poor maintenance and "dirty devalayas'.. Kapuwa is wearing filthy clothes.! Need to keep it clean and tidy always all moments even the Devalayas' ... shouldnt be oil spills.. dirty cloth coverings 😠😠😠

Love this place... Plenty of parking is available.. Safety is also best.. Good view is available..

The buddhist historical temple and dewalaya

Kande Vihara is a major Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. The temple has got its name 'Kande vihara' as it is built on top of a hill located near to Aluthgama town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

Kande Wiharaya is a sacred Buddhist place. Both Sinhala and Hindu devotees visit here for blessings. Vishnu kovil in Kande Wiharaya is famous among both Sinhala and Hindu religious believers. Yesterday, I went here with my family after four years. Place bit developed with new buildings.

Kande Viharaya, also known as Kande Wiharaya, is a Buddhist temple located in the town of Aluthgama, in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most visited temples in the country, attracting a large number of local and foreign visitors every year. The temple is situated on top of a hill, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean. The name "Kande" means hill in Sinhalese, and "Viharaya" refers to a Buddhist temple. The history of Kande Viharaya dates back to the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka. According to legend, the temple was built by King Valagamba, who reigned during the 1st century BC. The king, who was forced to flee from his capital due to an invasion, is said to have sought refuge on the hill where the temple now stands. During his exile, he built a temple as a gesture of gratitude to the gods who protected him during his ordeal. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and additions, with many kings and nobles contributing to its development. The temple's architecture reflects the influences of the Kandyan and Gampola periods, with intricate carvings and murals adorning the buildings. One of the main attractions of Kande Viharaya is the 160-foot-high Buddha statue, which is one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. The statue was built in the 2000s and is visible from miles away, making it a prominent landmark in the region. The temple also houses a number of other statues, including those of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Ganesh. Another noteworthy feature of Kande Viharaya is the annual Perahera festival, which takes place in July or August. The festival involves a procession of elephants adorned with colorful costumes, as well as traditional dancers and drummers. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Sri Lanka and is a vibrant celebration of the country's cultural heritage. In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Kande Viharaya is also known for its natural beauty. The hill on which the temple is located is surrounded by lush greenery, and visitors can enjoy scenic walks and hikes in the area. Overall, Kande Viharaya is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The temple's stunning architecture, fascinating history, and vibrant festivals make it a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Great place to cool our mind and soul🌠🌸

famous religious place in Aluthgama... Must visit with your family and friends...

Beautiful place. Lots of things to see. It is recommended to come in the morning before the stone floor is very hot from the sun. Try to find elephants.

An ancient temple. It has become more beautiful due to the recent upgrades. A place where a lot of people hang out. So it is a bit difficult to worship quietly

One of the largest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. A place every tourist must visit! There are beautiful hand painted pictures which demonstrate certain events of Buddhism. Less crowded due to economic and fuel crisis in Sri Lanka. Please donate to maintain the beauty of Sri Lankan temples whenever you visit!

A temple people were going lot for beat our Lord Buddha 🙏🏻 very nice temple and it has a big statue of Lord Buddha

A Buddhist temple located near Aluthgama town and popular tourist visit place.