Ancient Ranawana Temple
Ancient Ranawana
Temple
Historical Place
Cultural Attraction
Overview
The Ancient Ranawana Temple Kandy, officially known as Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, sits peacefully in Pilimathalawa. Historically, ancient rulers established this sacred site during the Gampola era. Uniquely, it features the world's tallest walking Buddha statue, reaching an impressive height of 80 feet. Furthermore, beautiful forest trails and lifelike statues surround the entire temple complex in Sri Lanka. Therefore, we highly recommend this peaceful location for culture lovers and pilgrims visiting the central province.
Location on Map
Things To See
What can we do ?
The temple complex offers a deeply spiritual and educational journey through Buddhist history. Consequently, you will find several rewarding activities during your visit to Ancient Ranawana Temple Kandy:
Worship the Walking Buddha: First, visitors can admire the magnificent 80-foot walking Buddha statue along with the long line of Arhat statues.
Walk the Forest Trail: Next, climb the peaceful trail surrounded by dioramas depicting famous stories from the life of Lord Buddha.
See the Sanchi Gate Replica: Additionally, observe the detailed replica of India's historic Sanchi Stupa Gate located right inside the complex.
Enjoy Natural Beauty: Finally, relax amidst massive natural rocks and towering tropical trees that blend seamlessly with the temple architecture.
Which time best for visit ?
Visiting during the Early Morning (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM) or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) offers the most comfortable experience. During these hours, the natural light looks soft and warm, creating great opportunities for photography. Consequently, you can comfortably climb the rocky forest path without facing the scorching midday sun. Moreover, the rock floor gets extremely hot around noon, so wearing thick socks helps protect your feet when walking barefoot.
Early Morning (Sunrise / Golden Hour)
(7:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Late Afternoon (Sunset / Golden Hour)
(4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Midday
Not recommended due to heat and harsh sunlight
Early Morning (Sunrise / Golden Hour)
(7:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Late Afternoon (Sunset / Golden Hour)
(4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Midday
Not recommended due to heat and harsh sunlight
How can we arrive?
The temple lies in Pilimathalawa, approximately 12 kilometers away from Kandy city center. Therefore, you can easily reach this destination using public or private transport.
By Bus
To begin with, take any bus heading towards Colombo/Kegalle from Kandy and get off at the Ranawana Temple Junction. From there, you can hire a quick tuk-tuk for the remaining 1-kilometer distance.
By Tuk Tuk
Alternatively, hiring a direct tuk-tuk from Kandy town takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
By Private Vehicle
Lastly, you can drive via the Colombo-Kandy road (A1) and turn into the temple access road. Conveniently, parking spaces exist near the main gates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya famous for?
The temple is most famous for housing the world’s tallest walking Buddha statue, which stands impressively at 80 feet. It is also renowned for its serene natural forest setting and the statues of 80 prominent disciples of Lord Buddha beautifully placed along the hillside pathway.
Where is the Ranawana Temple located?
The temple is located in Pilimathalawa, near Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated about 2 kilometers away from the Pilimathalawa main junction along the Ranawana Temple Road.
What are the opening hours of the temple?
The temple is generally open to visitors from early morning until late evening (typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the forest trails and statues. (Note: Always verify current opening hours before your visit).
