Kalutara Bodhiya
A sacred Buddhist site featuring a unique hollow stupa with murals and a revered Bodhi tree, offering spiritual peace and cultural insight.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kalutara Bodhiya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred Buddhist site featuring a unique hollow stupa with murals and a revered Bodhi tree, offering spiritual peace and cultural insight.
"A must-see landmark offering a powerful spiritual experience and unique architectural wonder."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering. :pray:
Bookshop Treasures
Find beautiful Sri Lankan postcards for a reasonable price. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hollow Stupa
Inside the main stupa
Explore the unique hollow stupa, adorned with intricate murals depicting the Buddha's life. A rare architectural marvel.
Sacred Bodhi Tree
Opposite the stupa
Stand beneath the ancient Bodhi tree, a sapling from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Feel its profound spiritual energy.
Kalu River Views
From within the stupa
Enjoy serene views of the Kalu River and the nearby beach from the vantage points inside the hollow stupa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire and Conduct
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering. :pray:
Bookshop Treasures
Find beautiful Sri Lankan postcards for a reasonable price. :books:
Inside the Stupa
No photos allowed inside the stupa. Enjoy the art & river views. :camerawithflash:
Shoe Keeping
Organized shoe keeping available. Wear slippers for easy removal. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering. :pray:
Bookshop Treasures
Find beautiful Sri Lankan postcards for a reasonable price. :books:
Inside the Stupa
No photos allowed inside the stupa. Enjoy the art & river views. :camerawithflash:
Shoe Keeping
Organized shoe keeping available. Wear slippers for easy removal. :athletic_shoe:
Tunnel Access
Use the underground tunnel to cross the road to the Bodhi tree. :tunnel:
Peaceful Visit Tip
Avoid Sundays for a more peaceful experience. :dove:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kalutara Bodhiya for its unique hollow stupa, intricate murals, and the profound spiritual atmosphere emanating from the sacred Bodhi tree. The serene river views and well-preserved heritage are also highlighted as major draws. Some find the walk from the car park a bit long, and photography is restricted inside the stupa.
"An iconic, majestic white stupa (pagoda) located on the banks of the Kalu River, right at the northern entrance to Kalutara city. It is famous for being one of the world's few hollow Buddhist stupas, allowing visitors to walk inside its vast dome. The site is a highly venerated place of worship, located directly opposite the sacred Kalutara Bodhiya (Bo Tree). The Bo tree is believed to be a direct sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, which itself originated from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The stupa and Bo tree create a powerful spiritual landmark at the entrance to Kalutara. Many travelers stop here to seek blessings for a safe journey. A must-see landmark in the region."
Chamila Mahendra
"Kalutara Bodhiya is one of the most serene and spiritually uplifting places I’ve visited in Sri Lanka. The atmosphere here is incredibly peaceful, making it perfect for prayer, meditation, or simply finding a quiet moment away from the busy main road.
The stupa and surrounding temple grounds are beautifully maintained, and the white domed chaitya is a truly iconic sight when entering Kalutara. The monks are welcoming, and the devotees maintain a strong sense of respect and cleanliness throughout the premises.
Whether you’re visiting for religious reasons or just seeking a calm and refreshing experience, Kalutara Bodhiya is a must-visit. It’s not only a sacred Buddhist site but also a symbol of protection and blessings for everyone who passes through Kalutara.
Highly recommended for anyone traveling along the coastal road—take a moment to stop, offer a prayer, and enjoy the serenity."
Sanjula Ransinghe
"13.09.2025
By the side of the Galle main road this temple with its iconic pagoda is a place that cannot be missed.
The temple has the stupa inside of which the devotees can visit and offer flowers.
There is a Buddhist bookshop inside the premises and it had beautiful postcards of Sri Lanka for a reasonable price (50 Rs each).
You are not allowed to take pictures inside the stupa and they have mentioned it too. From inside the stupa, the beautiful Kalu river and the beach can be seen.
Below the stupa is a museum which gives an idea about the history of the Kalutara temple and how it was preserved for generations.
There is a tunnel below to cross the road to reach the Bho tree which is at the other side of the main road.
Kalutara Boh tree is known to be 2300 years old (as per the information shown in the museum).
The car park to the temple is far away and you need to walk a long way from there to the temple. There is a well organised shoe keeping place at the temple so it's advisable to wear slippers from the car park to the temple as you can remove them at the entrance without an issue. You need to give any amount you like for the shoe keeping."
SP UK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kalutara Bodhiya is conveniently located by the Galle main road, making it easily accessible by car or bus. If driving, the car park can be a walk away, so wearing slippers is recommended. Many travelers stop here as part of a larger journey along the coast.
Yes, Kalutara Bodhiya is situated right by the Galle main road, making it a prominent landmark and easy to find.
Absolutely! Numerous buses travel along the Galle main road, and most will pass by or stop near Kalutara Bodhiya. It's a common stop for local and intercity buses.
Yes, there is a car park available, though it might be a bit of a walk to the temple itself. It's advisable to wear footwear that's easy to remove and put back on.
Many travelers consider Kalutara Bodhiya a must-see landmark and a great place to stop for blessings for a safe journey. Its location makes it a convenient stop along the southern coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kalutara Bodhiya is generally free. However, donations are welcome and appreciated to help maintain the sacred site.
Kalutara Bodhiya is typically open to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. It's a place of continuous worship, so you can usually visit at your convenience.
There is no specific entrance fee for the stupa itself. Visitors are welcome to enter and explore the hollow interior.
Photography is not permitted inside the hollow stupa. This is to maintain the sanctity of the space and respect the religious practices.
Yes, as a religious site, it's important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds and the stupa.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kalutara Bodhiya is renowned for its unique hollow stupa, allowing visitors to walk inside and admire murals of the Buddha's life. It also houses a sacred Bodhi tree, a sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Yes, one of the most distinctive features of Kalutara Bodhiya is its hollow stupa, which visitors can enter to explore its interior.
Inside the hollow stupa, you'll find intricate murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, as well as smaller stupas. You can also enjoy views of the Kalu River and the beach.
Yes, below the stupa, there is a museum that provides information about the history of the Kalutara temple and its preservation.
A visit to Kalutara Bodhiya can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the stupa, museum, and the surrounding grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive dining facilities directly within the temple complex, you can find local eateries and restaurants in the nearby town of Kalutara, offering Sri Lankan cuisine.
Typically, you might find small vendors selling snacks or drinks outside the temple premises, especially during busier times. It's advisable to carry your own water.
Kalutara town offers a range of local Sri Lankan dishes, from rice and curry to seafood. You can explore these options after your visit to the Bodhiya.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the white stupa, the sacred Bodhi tree, and the views of the Kalu River are excellent for photography. The golden hour before sunset also offers beautiful lighting. 
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
The main restriction is no photography inside the hollow stupa. Otherwise, capturing the exterior architecture and the serene environment is usually permitted.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, provides beautiful light for capturing the stupa and its surroundings.
You can capture stunning shots of the iconic white stupa, the lush Bodhi tree, the tranquil Kalu River, and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that Sundays can be crowded, so a weekday visit might be more manageable with younger children. The walk from the car park can also be a consideration, so bringing a stroller or carrier for very young children might be helpful. The peaceful gardens offer a nice space for a brief rest.
🙏 Devout Buddhists
Visiting on Poya days allows you to witness the vibrant devotion of the local community, though it will be more crowded. The temple's preserved heritage and humble peace offer a deeply spiritual experience, making it a cherished destination for religious pilgrimage.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+2While photography is prohibited inside the stupa, the exterior architecture, the surrounding gardens, and the tunnel provide ample material for visually engaging content. Consider capturing the spiritual atmosphere and the interactions of devotees during peak times for a more dynamic portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Kalutara Bodhiya
The iconic white stupa, also known as the Kalutara Chaitya, is a rare architectural marvel because it is hollow. This unique design allows visitors to enter and explore its interior, which is adorned with 74 murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The stupa stands as a testament to Buddhist art and devotion, offering a serene space for reflection and spiritual connection.
During full moon (Poya) days, the site becomes particularly vibrant with large numbers of devotees gathering to worship. While this offers a glimpse into intense religious practice, it also means higher crowds. For a more peaceful experience, visiting on a regular weekday is recommended. The overall atmosphere is one of profound peace and spiritual closeness, a quality that has been preserved over generations.
Exploring the Unique Hollow Stupa
Inside the stupa, visitors are greeted by 74 intricate murals that narrate various episodes from the life of Lord Buddha. These artworks are not only visually captivating but also serve as a form of religious education and devotion. The careful preservation of these murals contributes to the spiritual ambiance within the stupa.
From within the stupa, visitors can also enjoy picturesque views of the Kalu River and the adjacent beach. This combination of spiritual art and natural scenery creates a truly memorable experience. Remember that photography is not permitted inside the stupa to maintain its sanctity.
Navigating Kalutara Bodhiya: Practicalities and Etiquette
The site is divided by the main road, with the stupa on one side and the Bodhi tree on the other. A convenient underground tunnel connects these two areas, allowing safe passage for devotees and visitors. This feature adds to the unique layout of the complex.
While entry is free, donations are greatly appreciated and contribute to the upkeep of this significant religious landmark. You can also find a Buddhist bookshop on the premises that sells postcards and religious literature at reasonable prices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit