💥It was Buddha's third and final visit to Sri Lanka. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and paintings by the native artist Solias Mendis which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist worship sites in Sri Lanka. The temple is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of the Colombo city center. Travelers have a few transportation options to reach this historic destination:
🔴By Public Bus
Public buses to Kelaniya are frequent and an economical option. From the central bus station in Colombo (Pettah Bus Stand), look for buses numbered 234 or 235 that head towards Kandy Road and pass by Kelaniya. The journey may take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
🔴By Train
Travelers can also opt for the train service, which offers an alternative to avoid traffic. The closest train station to the temple is the Kelaniya Railway Station. However, the station is still a short distance away from the temple, so you may need to take a tuk-tuk or a taxi for the remaining leg of the journey.
🔴By Taxi or Tuk-Tuk
Taxi or tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxis) provide a direct and convenient ride to the temple, albeit at a higher cost compared to buses or trains. Ride-hailing apps like PickMe or Uber operate in Colombo and can be used to book a ride to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.
🔴By Private Vehicle
oryx, spotted deer. lion jaguar, tiger, sloth bear, primates, zebra, giraffe, sea lion and hippopotamus. Birds species include pelican, eagle, hawk, ostrich, macaws, owls, cormorants, egrets, cassowary and swans. If you're driving to Kelaniya, you can take the A1 highway (Colombo-Kandy road), and the temple is well-signposted. There is parking available at the temple, but it can get crowded during special religious events and weekends.
💥💥Important Tips
When visiting, remember to dress appropriately, covering your legs and shoulders out of respect for Buddhist traditions.
It is advisable to avoid visiting on Poya Days (full moon day) and during special festivals unless you are going for the festivities as these times can be incredibly busy.
Ensure to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.
Note: Transportation durations are approximate and subject to vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Always check the local travel advisories and transport schedules beforehand.
💥 National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. It is home to various birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians. The zoo not only exhibits animals from Sri Lanka, but also from across Asia and other parts of the globe. Wikipedia
🔴 oryx, spotted deer. lion jaguar, tiger, sloth bear, primates, zebra, giraffe, sea lion and hippopotamus. Birds species include pelican, eagle, hawk, ostrich, macaws, owls, cormorants, egrets, cassowary and swans.
