About 3km inland from Bentota, on the south bank of the Bentota Ganga, this venerable temple hides behind a time-worn stone gateway from the 12th century. The main chapel has some fine old Buddha effigies and murals (particularly on the ceiling). Note the Romanesque murals depicting Jains from India.
The 2500-year-old dagoba in front is said to hold the canine tooth of Buddha's main disciple, Kasyapa. To get here turn inland from the coast on the Elpitiya road and look for the white sign as the road turns sharply right after 1.5km, then go straight ahead for a further 1km.
