Private Tour

Ancient Temple Private Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours

Mobile ticket

This exclusive tour for cruise passengers takes you on a journey through time, exploring some of Sri Lanka's most remarkable ancient temples.

Witness the world's tallest Buddha statue and the largest Bodhisattva statue, both sculpted centuries ago. Explore the ruins scattered around these majestic figures.

Marvel at the architectural brilliance of Yudaganawa Stupa, the largest in the Badulla District. Discover Kandyan era paintings and images within the Stupa terrace.

Be mesmerized by the colossal rock carvings depicting the Buddha and other figures. These intricate carvings are believed to date back to the 7th-8th centuries.

Uncover the historical significance of this monastery. Explore the ancient Dagoba, Bo tree, and other monastic buildings.

This tour allows you to experience the artistic mastery, religious significance, and historical importance of these ancient Sri Lankan temples.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: Appropriate (non revealing) attire is required for visiting the temples.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Okkampitiya

MALIGAWILA RUINS The chronicle Mahavamsa mentions that the Buddha image in the site had been sculptured during the reign of King Agbo and the Bodhisatva image during the reign of King Dappula. The Buddha image is the tallest in the world while the largest Bodhisatva image is located close to Maligawila. Apart from the two statues, the premise is strewn with a cluster of ancient ruins.

1 hour • Admission Included

Okkampitiya

DEMATAMAL VIHARA (TEMPLE) The monastic site is 12km from Buttala on the Okkampitiya road. It has an ancient Dagoba, a Bo tree, a House where the monks receive their higher ordination, an Image House and an educational institution for the monks. It consists of all accompaniments of a monastery. The Dematamal Viharaya is known in history to have been the monastery where Prince Saddhatissa, Prince Dutugemunu's younger brother hid himself from been apprehended by Prince Dutugemunu and where Prince Dutugemunu mustered 500 monks to accompany his army north to Anuradhapura. This act of reconciliation between the brothers, facilitated by the monks of Dematamal Viharaya, laid the foundation for Dutugemunu's successful campaign to reunite the island and revive Buddhism.

30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Gratuities

Options

Ancient Temple Private Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Very interesting. Sites...
Dorinda W,,Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting. Sites are well-cared for and uncrowded. Sam was an excellent guide, explaining the history of each site. Note to future visitors, you will be required to remove footwear in order to enter the sites, some of which are outdoors. We also stopped at a local residence where coconuts were being harvested. We tried fresh off the tree coconut water and meat and watched as the coconuts were chopped down.
A Great Tour of the Ancient Tempkes of Sri Lanka
Scott N,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a wonderful time seeing the temples of Sri Lanka with our driver and guide Sam. He took us to the four main temple sites. On the way he treated us to some delicious coconut waters directly from the shell! The temples are amazing and beautiful. A couple things to note…you will be in the car many hours! The temples are all in a large part of southern Sri Lanka. Although the roads are good, and Sam was an excellent driver, you will spend 7+ hours to see everything! Sam suggested we stop at a resort for a lunch, but as a suggestion, taking us somewhere local would had been better. In any case, I highly recommend this tour for anyone who is interested in religious temples!