A Buddhist Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka: The Sacred Sites

Buddhism reached Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE and has shaped the island ever since. For Buddhists from around the world, it's a place of deep pilgrimage, and for other travellers, these sites offer a moving look at living faith.

The most sacred places

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

The Temple of the Tooth houses the relic of the Buddha's tooth, Sri Lanka's most sacred treasure. Drums and offerings fill the temple at ceremony times.

Anuradhapura and the Sri Maha Bodhi

Anuradhapura was the island's first great capital. The Sri Maha Bodhi there grew from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It's one of the oldest known human-planted trees in the world. Pilgrims traditionally visit the Atamasthana, the eight most sacred places in the ancient city.

Mihintale

At Mihintale, the monk Mahinda is said to have introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa. Pilgrims in white climb its long stone stairway, especially at the Poson festival in June.

Kelaniya

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara near Colombo marks the Buddha's third visit in Buddhist tradition, and is known for its murals.

Adam's Peak

Buddhists honour the footprint on the summit of Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) as that of the Buddha. The pilgrimage season runs from December to May. See our climb guide.

Dambulla and more

The Dambulla Cave Temple holds five caves of statues and paintings. The carved Buddhas of the Gal Vihara and the rock figures of Buduruwagala and Aukana are masterpieces of Buddhist art.

Rock-cut figures at Buduruwagala. Photo: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Solosmasthana

Sri Lankan Buddhists honour sixteen sacred places, the Solosmasthana, linked with the Buddha's visits in tradition. They include Mahiyanganaya, Nagadeepa, Kelaniya, Sri Pada, Anuradhapura's sacred sites and Kataragama. Devoted pilgrims travel to all of them.

A 7-day pilgrimage route

1. Colombo — Gangaramaya and Kelaniya.
2. Anuradhapura — the Sri Maha Bodhi and great stupas.
3. Mihintale — then on to Polonnaruwa.
4. Polonnaruwa and Dambulla — the Gal Vihara and the cave temple.
5. Kandy — the Temple of the Tooth.
6. Hatton — prepare for the overnight climb.
7. Adam's Peak — sunrise in season, then back to Colombo.

Etiquette

• Wear white if you can, or at least light colours. Cover your shoulders and knees.
• Remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas. Socks help on hot stone.
• Never pose with your back to a Buddha or touch statues. Visible Buddha tattoos can cause serious problems, so keep them covered.
• Don't point your feet at a Buddha statue or monk when sitting.
• Be quiet and don't interrupt people at prayer.
• Women shouldn't touch monks or hand things to them directly.

Read our culture and etiquette guide.

When to go

Full-moon (poya) days are the most devotional and the most crowded. Vesak (May) and Poson (June) are the greatest festivals. See our festivals calendar.