About 3km inland from Bentota, on the south bank of the Bentota Ganga, this unexpected 12th-century temple has some lovely murals and a 2500-year-old dagoba that is said to hold the canine tooth of Buddha's main disciple, Kasyapa. To reach it, cross the bridge south of Aluthgama and take the Elpitiya Rd to your left for 1.5km, keeping straight when the main road swings right and continuing for a further 1km.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.83 MILES
Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features…
29.88 MILES
A beautifully carved British coat of arms tops the entrance to the Old Gate on the outer side. Inside, the letters VOC, standing for Verenigde…
2.87 MILES
You'll find the Brief Garden 10 kilometres inland from Bentota. A barely controlled riot of a garden out of The Jungle Book, the grounds are a lovely…
29.86 MILES
This spacious maritime museum occupies a colossal old spice warehouse built by the Dutch and dating back to the late 17th century. The structure was…
29.85 MILES
Gazing over the lawns on the western side of Galle, this small whitewashed temple complex includes a prayer hall (the unusual design of which, including a…
29.81 MILES
The Amangalla was built in 1684 to house the Dutch governor and officers. Later, as the New Oriental Hotel, it was the lodging of choice for 1st-class P&O…
29.98 MILES
More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse (which dates back to the Dutch days) contains the private collection of a long-time local…
18.55 MILES
About 2km north of Hikkaduwa is the Seenigama Vihara, perched on its own island. It’s one of only two temples in the country where victims of theft can…
Nearby Bentota, Aluthgama & Induruwa attractions
1.81 MILES
Aluthgama has a bustling market every Monday, located across the train line, towards Dharga Town.
2.87 MILES
You'll find the Brief Garden 10 kilometres inland from Bentota. A barely controlled riot of a garden out of The Jungle Book, the grounds are a lovely…
5.1 MILES
The first recorded Muslim settlement on the island took place at Beruwela, 6km north of Aluthgama, in 1024. The Kechimalai Mosque, on a headland north of…
9.93 MILES
Between Ambalangoda and Iduruwa the muddy Madu Ganga dances around the coastline forming a complicated network of lagoons and off-shoots. It’s fantastic…
5. Galigoda Shailathalaramaya Vihara
11.12 MILES
This peaceful Buddhist temple, 5km inland from Ambalangoda, sits on a hill surrounded by cinnamon plantations. The temple has a 35m-long sleeping Buddha…
6. Ariyapala Traditional Masks
12.2 MILES
Ariyapala Traditional Masks is a small ground-floor museum starring a life-sized statue of the last king and queen of Kandy. It also has a shop selling…
12.23 MILES
This museum, with its dioramas and explanations in English, gives an interesting insight into Sri Lankan masks and the meanings behind them. It also sells…
12.42 MILES
This impressive Buddhist complex features a sacred bodhi tree and a huge hollow dagoba (stupa) with an interesting painted interior depicting scenes from…