10 Best Temples in Sri Lanka: Mandir Timings & Details

Sri Lanka is a land where you can experience the richness of diverse cultures and religions. Amongst several of its attractions, the Hindu temples in Sri Lanka are spiritual excellences. These stunning Hindu temple locations are embraced with scenic beauty, creating a perfect peaceful setting for everyone.

Most temples in Sri Lanka are popular amongst the pilgrims and locals reaching here for a divine experience. 

10 Must Visit Temples in Sri Lanka 

1. Kovitkadavai Temple

This is amongst the popular temples in Sri Lanka and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is located at Jaffna. The word ‘Kovitkadai’ is a popular worship pattern practiced exclusively in Sri Lanka.

• Address: Kovitkadavai Temple, Thunnalai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka 

• Timings: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm 

• Events: No event

• How to Reach: You can board a bus from Jaffna’s Ramanathan bus stand. It is a 3-hour journey and will cost you around 150 Sri Lankan rupees. If you plan to travel here by train, Thunnalai is the nearest railway station. The temple lies at a distance of 7.5 km from Sri Lanka Airport. 

Features:

• Grand marriage hall 

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2. Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam

Located in Colombo, the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is one of the oldest and famous temples in Sri Lanka. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva. Devotees from all around the world flock here to experience the bliss of architecture and spiritualism. 

• Address: WVV3+2QM, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 7 am to 11 am and 6 am to 9 pm 

• Events: Shivaratri 

• How to Reach: The temple is 3.7km away from Colombo. You can quickly get a car or a bus to take you to the temple. 

Features:

• Dravidian-style temple architecture 
• Colourful main tower
• Statues are solid stone masterpieces 
• Satellite shrines 
• Intricately carved lotus main door
• Keerimalai Springs with medicinal properties 
• Renowned amongst the Pancha Ishwarams of Lord Shiva 

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3. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Nallur Kandaswamy Kobvil is among the most popular temples in Sri Lanka. Lord Muruga is worshipped here in the form of holy Vel. The idol here was a gift from the Chola dynasty rulers in the 10th century AD. 

• Address: Jaffna, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 4:15 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6:15 pm 

• Events:

• Vairavar Shanti 
• Poojas 
• Chariot parades 
• Mancham festival 

• How to Reach: The temple is 2 km away from Jaffna. You can take a private car to drop you at the temple. Jaffa Railway Station is the closest if you plan to visit it by train. 

Features:

• Gopurams and shrines 
• Holy ponds 
• Sacred trees 
• Mural paintings 
• Brassworks
• Pillared halls 

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4. Koneshwaram Temple Trincomalee 

This is one of the most beautiful Sri Lanka temple locations along its eastern coast. The temple stands tall on the bay to bless you with spectacular views of the surroundings. 

• Address: H6JW+X4H, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 6 am to 1 pm and 4 to 6:45 pm 

• Events:

• Koneshwaram Temple Festival 
• Thirukoneswaram Ther Thiruvilah Festival
• Navratri festival
• Shivratri function

• How to Reach: This temple lies on the path to Fort Frederick. Move in the direction where you find your path lined with the shops. As you move forward, there are courtyard shrines leading you to a giant Lord Shiva statue standing tall on the peninsula. If you plan to reach the city by bus, board a bus to Central Bus Station. It is 2 km from the temple, so you can take a tuk-tuk or rent a bicycle.

Features:

• Renowned amongst Pancha Ishwarams 
• The main shrine is a 1000-pillared hall
• Garbagriha
• Mandapa 
• Shikhara 

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5. Munneswaram Temple

This is next on the list of most popular temples in Sri Lanka. The Munneswaram temple has a lot of mythological significance in the ancient Puranas and epics. Kovil’s ancient tradition continued attracting kings across different periods. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. 

• Address: Maha Devalayam, Chilaw – Wariyapola Rd, Chilaw 61000, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 5:30 am to 8:00 pm 

• Events:

• Shivaratri
• Munneswaram Festival 
• Navratri Festival 

• How to Reach: Chilaw Railway Station is the nearest one here. Book a train to this station and then take a tuk-tuk ride to drop you at the temple. 

Features:

• Agama-styled architecture 
• Intricately designed sculptures with inscriptions

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6. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple 

Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple is one of the most ancient and popular Sri Lanka temple locations for your 2025 bucket list. The temple reflects a blissful blend of spiritual and cultural ethos. Lord Murugan is the presiding deity here. He is worshipped for his resilience, valor, and wisdom. 

• Address: Sri Kandaswamy Temple, Maviddapuram, Tellippalai 04000, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm 

• Events: Aadi Amavasai 

• How to Reach: The temple is 17.6 km from Jaffna and easily accessible by bus and tuk-tuk. 

Features:

• Ancient Dravidian architectural style 
• 8th-century temple 

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7. Tenavaram Temple 

This temple features a beautiful historical complex located in the southern part of the Tenavaram region of Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is yet another enormous shrine here dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Locals also call it “Tevanthurai Kovil” or “Naga-Risa Nila Kovil”

• Address: WHGQ+XH2, Dondra, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 6 am to 8 pm 

• Events: No such special events 

• How to Reach: Matara Railway Station is the nearest one here. Board a train to this station and then take a car or bus to make your way to the temple. 

Features:

• Dravidian architectural style 
• Renowned amongst Pancha Ishwarams

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8. Seetha Amman Temple 

The Seetham Amman temple is situated in Seetha Eliya village. This temple lies at a distance of just 1 km from the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The temple is all over, surrounded by lush green trees. 

• Address: WRM6+76R, Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka

• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm 

• Events: Ram Navami 

• How to Reach: Buses can drop you to the temple from the Sri Lanka International Airport. The distance between the two is just 5 km. 

Features:

• Beautifully engraved Gopuram 
• Built on the site where Goddess Seetha was captivated by Ravana
• Colorful Kovil decked in vibrant colors of blue, orange, and cold 

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9. Nagulesawaram Temple

The Nagulesawaram temple is situated on Sri Lanka’s northern coast. The temple has been a long, enduring testament to the rich Tamil Hindu cultural heritage. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. 

• Address: Keerimalai, Jaffna 40000

• Timings: 24 hours 

• Events:

• Kanda Mani Mani Varppu Pooja 
• Innisai Mazhai
• Classical Music Concert
• Cultural Function
• CD Release

• How to Reach: Board a train from Jaffna in the morning and get down at Kankesanthurai Railway Station. From here, the temple is at a distance of 4 km and is easily accessible by bus or car.

Features:

• Pond for a ritual bath
• Keerimalai springs with curative properties 
• One of the oldest shrines in Sri Lanka

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10. Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple 

Shaktipeeth Shri Shankari Devi Temple is the charm of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It stands tall atop a hill, offering tranquil sightseeing adventures and panoramic views.

• Address: H6FM+QVF, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

• Timings: Open 24 hours except 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

• Events:

• Navaratri 
• Durgasthami
• Sashti
• Purnima 
• Ekadashi 

• How to Reach: Take a bus from Central Bus Station to the temple.

Features:

• Located on the top of a hillock overlooking the Indian Ocean
• A site where Goddess Sati’s anklet fell
• Earlier, the temple had 1000 pillars and small mandapas 

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FAQs

Q1. When is the best time to visit temples in Sri Lanka?

Between November and April is the best time to visit temples in Sri Lanka. The weather is quite comfortable during this period for exploring spiritual sites. 

Q2. What makes the Hindu temple unique?

The Hindu temples in Sri Lanka are unique for their rich history, spiritual significance, and intricate architecture. 

Q3. Does the temple allow photography?

No, the temple does not allow photography. 

Q4. Do Hindu temples have a dress code?

There is no fixed dress code for temples in Sri Lanka. However, you should cover your shoulders and knees with decent attire. 

Q5. What are some of the famous temples in Sri Lanka?

Koneshwaram Temple Trincomalee, Seetha Amman Temple, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam, and Tenavaram temples are popular temples in Sri Lanka. 

Q6. What are some free things to do near the temples in Sri Lanka?

Relaxing at the beach, capturing some candid moments for your Instagram, exploring city parks, and exploring museums are some of the free things to do near the temples in Sri Lanka. 

Q7. How many days are enough to explore the famous temples in Sri Lanka?

You need at least 7 days to explore the famous temples in Sri Lanka. 

Q8. What are some popular temples in Sri Lanka that are near transportation hubs?

Tenavaram Temple, Seetha Amman Temple, and Koneshwaram Temple Trincomalee are popular temples near transportation hubs in Sri Lanka.