Kelaniya Stupa

The Kelaniya Stupa is located at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple, roughly 10–11 kilometers northeast of central Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple sits on the banks of the Kelani River and is one of the most visited Buddhist sites in the country.

According to Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, the site is where the Gautama Buddha worshiped during his third and final visit to the island, said to have occurred eight years after his enlightenment. Because of this, Kelaniya is revered as one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, alongside places like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

The stupa has been rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries after periods of destruction by foreign invaders and colonial-era neglect. The present form reflects restorations undertaken in the modern era, most notably in the 20th century, though the site's religious history traces back to the early Anuradhapura period.

Yes, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is open to visitors and is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination. Visitors should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and remove shoes before entering temple areas, as it remains an active place of worship.