Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
A colossal white Buddha statue atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of Kandy and a serene spiritual experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunset magic
Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunset magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal white Buddha statue atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of Kandy and a serene spiritual experience.
"The view at sunset is very nice and the place is good and feels serene."
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll climb many stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Buddha Statue
A colossal white Buddha statue in meditation pose, visible from across Kandy.
Panoramic City Views
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Kandy city and the surrounding landscape.
Sunset Spectacle
Witness a magical sunset painting the sky over Kandy from the hilltop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Respectful Attire and Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll climb many stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. :pray:
💰 Entry fee & donations
Expect an entrance fee (around 300-500 LKR) and consider a donation. :moneybag:
💧 Beware of slippery stairs
The stairs can be very slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious! :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll climb many stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. :pray:
💰 Entry fee & donations
Expect an entrance fee (around 300-500 LKR) and consider a donation. :moneybag:
💧 Beware of slippery stairs
The stairs can be very slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious! :warning:
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic city views are incredible, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
⬆️ Tuk-tuk recommended
The hill is steep; a tuk-tuk is the easiest way to reach the temple. :motorcycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the awe-inspiring giant Buddha statue and the breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy, especially during sunset. The spiritual atmosphere and the opportunity for blessings are also highlighted as positive aspects. Some note the climb can be challenging and advise on respectful attire.
"Small Buddhist temple atop the hill next to the main city. You have to climb a lot of stairs to reach the top of the temple. There is a huge Buddha statue with stairs at the back which gives breathtaking views of the city and the river. There is a small souvinier shop for buying gifts. The view at sunset is very nice. Be careful while climbing during rains as the floor is very slippery"
Piyush Parashar
"A unique and memorable experience! In the temple we received a Buddhist blessing with a red mark on the forehead, a beautiful tradition. Donations are appreciated.
From the top, you get a picturesque view of the surroundings, which makes the visit even more special.
The entrance fee was around 500 rupees per person (as of August 2025)."
Margo Sukhytska
"Another big buddha in Sri Lanka. I liked that there are steps and you can go up till buddhas head. Also don’t miss hidden door where you can go in buddha. Overall nothing much to see. We came here by tuktuk and recommend to take a tuktuk, because there is a hill. I think it would be hard to walk there. Also you have to buy a ticket, not expensive - 300 rupees if i remember correctly."
Linda Pumpura
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue is by tuk-tuk, as it's located on a steep hill about 2 km from Kandy's city center. Walking is possible but can be challenging, especially in the heat.
Taxis are also an option.
Yes, there are many stairs to climb to reach the top of the temple where the Buddha statue is located. It can be particularly challenging in the heat or if it has rained recently, making the steps slippery.
While local buses might go near the area, a tuk-tuk is generally recommended for direct access to the temple entrance due to the steep incline and the temple's specific location.
Most visitors opt for a tuk-tuk for its convenience and ability to navigate the hilly terrain easily. This allows you to get close to the entrance without a strenuous uphill walk.
Yes, there is parking available for tuk-tuks and cars at the base of the temple complex, making it accessible for those arriving by private transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for foreigners, typically around 300-500 LKR per person, as of recent visitor reports.+1 This fee helps maintain the temple grounds and the statue.
The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. Visiting in the late afternoon for sunset is highly recommended.
No, tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. It's advisable to have cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) ready for the ticket purchase.
Yes, as it is a religious site, visitors are required to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before ascending the stairs to the statue.
Many visitors opt to visit independently, but tour guides can be arranged in Kandy. Some visitors have shared experiences of issues with guides, so it's wise to confirm arrangements beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue and around the temple complex. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid taking photos during prayer times or in restricted areas.
The panoramic views of Kandy city from the top are spectacular for photos, especially during the golden hour before sunset.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the vicinity of the temple.
While general photography is permitted, it's respectful to avoid intrusive photography of devotees or monks. Some interior areas might have specific restrictions.
The late afternoon, leading up to sunset, offers the best lighting conditions for photography, with warm golden hues and dramatic skies.
🎫 🙏 Spiritual Experience
Yes, some visitors have reported receiving a Buddhist blessing, often with a red mark on the forehead, which is a beautiful tradition. Donations are appreciated for this service.
Yes, there is also a Hindu temple at the site, and a priest may offer prayers for a donation.
The statue is depicted in the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with the Buddha's first Enlightenment.
The statue stands at an impressive 26.83 meters (88.0 feet) high, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka.
The temple is described as a serene and peaceful place, offering a spiritual experience alongside its impressive visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The best light for photography is during the late afternoon, leading up to sunset, when the city is bathed in a warm, golden glow.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
+2 Standing at an impressive 26.83 meters (88.0 feet) high, it is the fourth tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.+2 Its sheer scale is awe-inspiring, and it can be seen from almost everywhere in Kandy, serving as a constant spiritual presence for the city.Visitors can ascend stairs to get closer to the statue, and there's even a hidden door allowing access inside the statue itself, offering a unique perspective.
Panoramic Views and Sunset Spectacle
The experience is particularly magical during the golden hour leading up to sunset.
Spiritual and Cultural Immersion
+1 Visitors have shared heartwarming experiences of receiving blessings from monks, often marked with a red dot on the forehead, a beautiful tradition that adds a personal touch to the visit.Beyond the main Buddhist temple, there's also a Hindu temple on the premises, showcasing the religious harmony in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit