Best Things to Do on a Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara guide — a historic Buddhist temple on Colombo's edge, said to have been visited by the Buddha, with vivid modern murals.
Tradition holds the Buddha visited this spot personally, making it one of Sri Lanka's sixteen most sacred Buddhist locations.
The shrine hall's ceiling and walls are covered in detailed, brightly coloured murals painted in the 20th century depicting Buddhist history.
An annual January procession draws large crowds, one of the most significant Buddhist festivals near Colombo.
Kelaniya is on the edge of Colombo, an easy half-day trip alongside a Colombo street food tour.
A short visit to the main shrine hall to see its detailed murals, easily combined with a half-day trip from central Colombo.
