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Sri Lanka

Ridi Vihara

  • Address
    • S of Kurunegala-Dambulla road
  • Transport
    • btw Kurunegala & Ridigama village roughly every 45 min
  • Price
    • full Rs100.00, Price is donation only

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Lonely Planet review for Ridi Vihara

Ridi Vihara, literally the 'Silver Temple', is so named because it was here that silver ore was discovered in the 2nd century BC. Although not on the usual beaten track, it's well worth a visit to see its wonderful frescoes and the unusual Dutch tiles in the main cave.

Legend has it that a king established the complex as a sign of gratitude for the discovery of silver, which allowed him to complete other construction projects. A gold-plated statue of the Buddha was erected in the cave. It's still there, as is a 9m (30ft) recumbent Buddha. Check out the nearby Upper Temple too.