Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya
A 50m tall Buddha statue and vivid depictions of hell's punishments and Buddha's life, offering a unique spiritual and artistic journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 50m tall Buddha statue and vivid depictions of hell's punishments and Buddha's life, offering a unique spiritual and artistic journey.
"The giant seated Buddha statue immediately takes your breath away – photos don’t really capture just how massive and peaceful it feels."
Tip for the Guide
Bring small notes for tips. Guides are helpful, but ensure you have enough cash for them after entry fees and offerings. :moneybag:
Climb to the Top!
For a unique view, pay a small fee to climb inside the Buddha statue and look out from its eyes. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Seated Buddha
Main temple grounds
A colossal 50-meter tall Buddha statue, one of Sri Lanka's tallest, offering a breathtaking and peaceful sight.
Scenes of Hell and Heaven
Tunnel-like passage
Explore a unique passage depicting the consequences of actions, illustrating the differences between hell and heaven.
Buddha's Life Murals
Image house
Vibrant paintings and sculptures narrating the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, offering a glimpse into Buddhist teachings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Modestly
Prepare for the 'Hell's Gate'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tip for the Guide
Bring small notes for tips. Guides are helpful, but ensure you have enough cash for them after entry fees and offerings. :moneybag:
Climb to the Top!
For a unique view, pay a small fee to climb inside the Buddha statue and look out from its eyes. :camerawithflash:
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees. This is a sacred Buddhist site, so dress modestly. :womaninturban:
Prepare for Intense Imagery
The 'hell' depictions can be graphic. Be ready for intense visuals that aim to teach moral lessons. :skull:
Tips
from all over the internet
Tip for the Guide
Bring small notes for tips. Guides are helpful, but ensure you have enough cash for them after entry fees and offerings. :moneybag:
Climb to the Top!
For a unique view, pay a small fee to climb inside the Buddha statue and look out from its eyes. :camerawithflash:
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees. This is a sacred Buddhist site, so dress modestly. :womaninturban:
Prepare for Intense Imagery
The 'hell' depictions can be graphic. Be ready for intense visuals that aim to teach moral lessons. :skull:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the immense Buddha statue and the meaningful Buddhist teachings depicted through art. While the vivid 'hell' scenes can be intense, the overall experience is considered peaceful and culturally enriching. Some reviews mention concerns about an elephant on the premises.
"Wewurukannala Vihara in Dikwella is one of the most interesting and unforgettable temples in southern Sri Lanka. The biggest attraction here is the huge seated Buddha statue, which is about 160 feet tall. It is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the country and looks very impressive when you stand in front of it.
Before reaching the statue, you have to walk through the famous “Tunnel of Hell.” This tunnel is dark and full of large statues and paintings that show punishments for people who do bad things. It can look scary and strange, but it is made to teach people to live a good and kind life. Each scene gives a lesson about the results of bad behavior such as lying, stealing, or hurting others.
When you come out of the tunnel and see the tall, peaceful Buddha statue, it feels very meaningful. The change from the dark tunnel to the bright open space gives a strong message about moving from sin and fear to peace and understanding.
Around the temple, there are also smaller shrines, colorful wall paintings, and quiet places to rest. Wewurukannala Vihara is not just a temple — it is a special place that mixes religion, art, and moral lessons. It gives visitors an unforgettable experience and a lot to think about."
Sathsara LK
"It could have been one of my favourite temples, and the Hall of Hell is fascinating yet very ironic… They speak about respecting animals and the consequences of harming them, yet right beside it stands a poor elephant in chains. It felt completely wrong and I wouldn’t recommend it to any animal lovers."
Vanessa Pawleta
"Wewurukannala Temple, located in Dikwella, is famous for its towering Buddha statue—the tallest in Sri Lanka—and its unique tunnel of murals depicting Buddhist teachings. A culturally rich and visually striking sacred site worth exploring."
Savindu Dananjaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya is located in Dikwella, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It's accessible by road, and many tourists visit as part of a larger tour of the southern coast. Tuktuks are readily available for local transport.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in the Dikwella area, often recognized by its massive Buddha statue. Signs are usually present to guide visitors.
Buses frequently travel along the southern coastal road, passing through Dikwella. You can ask your bus driver to drop you off near the temple.
Hiring a local tuk-tuk is a convenient way to explore Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya and nearby attractions. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
Yes, there is usually space available for parking vehicles, especially for those arriving by car or van.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee, typically around 1000 LKR for visitors. It's advisable to have smaller denominations for tips and other expenses.
The temple is generally open daily from morning until evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the statues and murals.
No, advance booking is not usually required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the temple.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photos.
Donations are welcome. You can offer flowers or contribute to the temple's upkeep. Small notes are appreciated for tips.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant seated Buddha statue is the primary photo opportunity. The 'hell' murals and the detailed life-of-Buddha paintings also make for striking images. +1
Yes, for a small fee, you can climb inside the Buddha statue and take photos from its 'eyes,' offering a unique perspective.
While some visitors have noted an elephant on the premises, it's important to be sensitive. If the elephant appears distressed, focus on respectful observation rather than intrusive photography.
Natural daylight is best for the exterior statues and murals. Inside the image house, lighting can be dimmer, so a camera with good low-light performance or flash might be useful.
Generally, photography is permitted, but always be mindful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer or meditation sessions.
🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the immense seated Buddha statue, which is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The temple also features vivid depictions of hell and murals of Buddha's life.
Inside, you'll find colorful murals detailing the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, as well as intense sculptures illustrating the punishments of hell.
Despite the intense imagery in some areas, many visitors find a sense of calm, especially when viewing the main Buddha statue and being surrounded by nature.
Yes, guides are often available to explain the significance of the statues and murals. It's recommended to tip them well.
This is a well-known Buddhist mantra, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with compassion and enlightenment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Symbolism of Wewurukannala
The temple's most talked-about feature is its vivid depiction of hell and its punishments. This is presented through a tunnel-like passage filled with graphic sculptures and murals. The intention is to serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of negative karma, acting as a powerful tool for moral education and encouraging virtuous living. This unique approach makes the temple a memorable, albeit intense, experience.
Beyond the dramatic imagery, the image house contains intricate murals and sculptures illustrating the life of Buddha and the Jataka tales (stories of Buddha's past lives). These artworks are not only visually appealing but also serve as a narrative guide to Buddhist teachings, offering a deeper understanding of the faith.
Visitor Experience and Community Insights
However, the temple's depiction of hell can be quite intense for some. While intended as a moral lesson, the graphic nature of the sculptures has been noted by visitors. It's advisable to be mentally prepared for these scenes.
Community feedback also points to practical aspects of visiting. Bringing small notes for tips is crucial, as guides are often available and their explanations add significant value to the visit. There's also a unique opportunity to climb inside the Buddha statue for a fee, offering a different perspective and a chance to see internal paintings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit