Asgiriya Maha Viharaya Kandy
A serene Buddhist monastery in Kandy, known for its vibrant internal murals and peaceful atmosphere, offering beautiful views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Asgiriya Maha Viharaya Kandy
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist monastery in Kandy, known for its vibrant internal murals and peaceful atmosphere, offering beautiful views.
"The detail, as with most temples in Sri Lanka, is so incredibly beautiful."
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & legs. Essential for entry. 👗 🙏
🚶♀️ Explore the Pagoda
Walk around for stunning mountain & village views. :camerawithflash: :mountain_snow:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 787 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inside the Stupa
Main temple complex
Step inside the stunning, colorful stupa for a unique and serene experience. The intricate details are breathtaking.
Traditional Murals
Temple walls
Admire the incredibly detailed and beautiful murals that adorn the temple walls, showcasing traditional Sri Lankan art.
Pagoda Views
Around the stupa
Walk around the pagoda for postcard-perfect views of the surrounding mountains and villages. A truly serene spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code is Key
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & legs. Essential for entry. 👗 🙏
🚶♀️ Explore the Pagoda
Walk around for stunning mountain & village views. :camerawithflash: :mountain_snow:
🤫 Quiet Contemplation
Embrace the serene, spiritual vibe. It's not a bustling attraction. :personinlotus_position:
💡 Seek Local Context
Information can be limited in English; consider a guide or prior research. 💡 📚
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & legs. Essential for entry. 👗 🙏
🚶♀️ Explore the Pagoda
Walk around for stunning mountain & village views. :camerawithflash: :mountain_snow:
🤫 Quiet Contemplation
Embrace the serene, spiritual vibe. It's not a bustling attraction. :personinlotus_position:
💡 Seek Local Context
Information can be limited in English; consider a guide or prior research. 💡 📚
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Asgiriya Maha Viharaya is a peaceful and authentic Buddhist monastery in Kandy, praised for its stunning internal murals and serene atmosphere, offering beautiful views from its pagoda. However, some visitors find the lack of English information and upkeep could be improved for international guests.
"Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
I recently visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya in Kandy, and overall, it was an interesting and peaceful experience, though there were some aspects that could be improved.
The temple offers a beautiful and authentic insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions. It’s one of the two main monastic orders in Kandy and has significant historical importance. The architecture is traditional and serene, and the quiet atmosphere gives you a moment to reflect and observe. The surroundings are quite peaceful compared to some of the more crowded tourist spots in the area. You can sense the spiritual energy and see how the monks live and practice their faith.
However, I would say the experience felt a bit limited for visitors. There wasn’t much information available in English, so unless you come with a guide or do prior research, it’s hard to understand the full historical or religious context. Also, while the place is definitely authentic, it isn’t as well-maintained or welcoming as other temples we visited in Sri Lanka.
It’s not a typical tourist attraction – and that’s both a strength and a weakness. If you’re deeply interested in Buddhism or local culture, it’s worth a visit. But for more casual visitors, it might not be very engaging without background knowledge.
In summary, Asgiri Maha Viharaya is a quiet and genuine place with cultural value, but it could be improved in terms of accessibility for international visitors. Still, I appreciated the chance to see a different side of Kandy and experience a more spiritual environment."
Steven Kelich
"My favourite temple I’ve visited in Sri Lanka so far! You can go inside the stupa, which is so stunning and colourful 🩷 we were the only ones there, it’s free to visit and it’s so CLEAN and well preserved. The detail, as with most temples in Sri Lanka, is so incredibly beautiful. It even looks amazing from the road! And the security guard was lovely and friendly!!! I love Sri Lankan people."
Lauren
"Asgiri maha vihara pirivena is a Buddhist monastery, located in the middle of the Kandy town. Very artistic and beautiful. It is a tourist attraction place. This Buddhist monasteries that holds the custodianship of sacred tooth relic of Buddha which is kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy town. There is also a Museum near the temple."
Camillus Rajkumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Asgiriya Maha Viharaya is conveniently located in the heart of Kandy town. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city. It's a short ride from the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Yes, as it's in the town center, local buses that pass through Kandy town will get you close. From the bus station, it's a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride.
They are relatively close. A tuk-tuk is the easiest and quickest way to travel between the two, taking just a few minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Asgiriya Maha Viharaya is generally free of charge, making it an accessible cultural experience.
The temple is typically open during daylight hours, but specific timings can vary. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the site.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
While not a primary tourist draw, you might observe monks in their daily routines. For major expositions like the Sacred Tooth Relic, check local schedules, though these are usually at the main Temple of the Tooth.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas, especially around the stupa and exterior. However, always be respectful and avoid photographing monks during prayer or meditation.
The interior of the stupa with its colorful murals and the exterior pagoda offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are prime photography locations.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at religious sites in Sri Lanka without special permits. It's best to avoid bringing drones to ensure no issues.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It is one of the two main monastic orders in Kandy and holds significant historical and religious importance in Sri Lankan Buddhism. It plays a role in the custodianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
You can expect to see traditional Buddhist architecture, beautiful murals inside the stupa, a serene atmosphere, and potentially observe monks in their daily activities.
Compared to major attractions, Asgiriya Maha Viharaya is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.
It's crucial to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs out of respect for the religious site. Scarves or sarongs can be useful if your attire is not adequate.
There is a museum located near the temple, offering further insights into Buddhist artifacts and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit