Down the road from Bentota to Aluthgama, you will encounter the most breathtaking temple with a giant Buddha statue. Known to everyone as Kande Viharaya, this is a must-visit temple for those who seek peace, serenity, and tranquillity in the neighbourhood.
How to Travel
You can find the temple quite close to most hotels in Bentota such as the famous Thaala Bentota Resort only 4 kilometres away from Bentota Railway Station. Take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to reach the temple which is towards the Aluthgama side.
What to See
The magnificent Buddha statue takes the spotlight on the temple premises, standing at 160 feet tall. The statue is the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. You will also find a stupa, Bodhi tree, and Hindu temples including Upulvan, Kataragama and Pattini Devalas. The stupa is an iconic bell-shaped one, a truly rare sight for those who visit Sri Lanka.
Cultural Masterpieces
You will find a relic chamber with many treasures inside the temple premises and moonstones with intricate carvings at the entrance of this chamber. Pay attention to the walls and pillars that are also adorned with Kandyan frescoes. You can also read the tales of the age of Lord Buddha painted on the walls of the temple.
