Located in Kalutara, Kande Viharaya, which translates into ‘Mountain Temple’ in Sinhalese, was named so because it is perched atop a hill.
Location
The Kande Vihara is located within a half an hour’s drive from Colombo, in one of the main tourist hotspots in down south. There is a myriad of hotels in Bentota, Sri Lanka around this Viharaya such as Bentota Beach by Cinnamon where you could conveniently base yourself at.
Archaeological Site
The Sri Lankan government recognises The Kande Viharaya Temple as an archaeological site. It was founded in 1734, by the venerable Karapagala Devamitta Thero under the guidance of the then chief incumbent of, Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara.
The Temple
It consists of a relic chamber, Bodhi tree, a bell shaped Stupa, Upulvan Devalaya and the other Devalas inclusive of the Pattini and the Kataragama Davalaya. It has undergone several renovations by the state since then. It is now considered one of the most important Buddhist temples the country.
300-year-old Bodhi
It is believed that the Bodhi tree at the site is over 300 years old. In 2007 a 160ft tall sitting Buddha statue was ceremonially declared open to the public here.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
