Kande Viharaya

Kande Viharaya

Cities

Kande Vihara is a major Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. The temple has got its name 'Kande vihara' (Mountain temple) as it is built on top of a hill located near Aluthgama town. 

Duration

3 Hours

Best Time

6.00 AM - 6.00 PM

Approximate Charge

Free

Located outside the main temple grounds are the Bodhi Tree, the preaching hall, and the Seema Malaka, which provides a peaceful setting for meditation.

The stupa is designed in the traditional bell-shaped style and is protected by an octagonal shelter. The relic chamber is regarded as the oldest surviving structure within the temple. Its entrance features an intricately carved stone moonstone and a beautifully crafted doorway. The interior walls and ceiling are decorated with Kandyan-era frescoes dating to the late Kandyan period, showcasing the artistic heritage of Sri Lanka.

The image house is divided into an inner and an outer chamber, with an impressive ornamental thorana at the entrance featuring three arched gateways. Inside the inner chamber are three Buddha statues representing the standing, seated, and reclining postures. The walls and ceilings throughout the image house are richly adorned with murals illustrating Jataka tales, important events from the life of the Buddha, and a variety of traditional Buddhist artistic motifs.