Said to enshrine the sacred tooth relic of Arahath Maha Kashyapa, the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya is a place of respectful worship for Buddhists all over the world. It is quite easy to find a Bentota hotel to lodge in while you explore this charming coastal town and AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa is a poreferred Bentota resort amongst many who visit this corner of the world looking for some fun in the sun. Believed to have been built in the 12th century, the temple was said to have been destroyed by the Dutch during the 16th century but nevertheless have been rebuilt to give it a newer look. Make sure you remove your shoes and hats as a sign of respect when entering the temple premises and also ensure that you are appropriately attired before entering the premises since this place is one of utmost religious importance to the locals residing around the temple. Elaborately carved pillars and colourful paintings belonging to the Kandyan era adorn the temple while a multitude of beautifully sculpted statues and images of the Lord Buddha and various deities believed to be the guardians of Buddhism adorn the interiors of the temple, filling everyone who had ever crossed its threshold with awe. The temple is the very embodiment of peace and tranquillity and yet, if one visits the premises during the time of the procession, you can be mesmerized by a pageant of colourfully adorned elephants, folk dancers and many traditional acts organized by the temple.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+
