Vishnu Devale Kandy
A serene Hindu shrine in Kandy, blending traditions with stunning art and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Vishnu Devale Kandy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Hindu shrine in Kandy, blending traditions with stunning art and a peaceful escape.
"A beautiful old Vishnu temple very near the Temple of the Tooth."
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
No entry fee, but donations are appreciated to help maintain this sacred space. :moneybag:
Remove Shoes Before Entry
Just like other religious sites, remember to take off your shoes before stepping inside. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ramayana Cloth Painting
Inside the temple
A stunning, vibrant depiction of the Indian epic Ramayana, a true artistic masterpiece. :art:
Hand-Crafted Doors
Temple Entrance
Intricately carved wooden doors showcasing detailed craftsmanship, a beautiful welcome. :door:
Monkeys at the Bo Tree
Near the Bo tree
Watch playful monkeys, sometimes known to snatch offerings, adding a touch of wild charm. :monkey:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
No entry fee, but donations are appreciated to help maintain this sacred space. :moneybag:
Remove Shoes Before Entry
Just like other religious sites, remember to take off your shoes before stepping inside. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Details
The intricate carvings and paintings are beautiful; bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Enjoy the calm, especially compared to the nearby Temple of the Tooth. :leafy_green:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
No entry fee, but donations are appreciated to help maintain this sacred space. :moneybag:
Remove Shoes Before Entry
Just like other religious sites, remember to take off your shoes before stepping inside. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Details
The intricate carvings and paintings are beautiful; bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Enjoy the calm, especially compared to the nearby Temple of the Tooth. :leafy_green:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Vishnu Devalaya for its serene atmosphere, intricate artwork, and unique blend of Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Many appreciate the free entry and the peaceful escape it offers from busier Kandy attractions. Some minor drawbacks include the occasional presence of monkeys near offerings, which can be a nuisance for some.
"During my recent trip, I had the chance to explore the Vishnu Devalaya in Kandy, one of the four Devalayas within the Royal Palace complex. This temple is a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, dedicated to God Vishnu. Steeped in history, it's where Kandy's kings were crowned and numerous ceremonies took place.
One of the highlights of my visit was the stunning cloth painting depicting a scene from the Ramayana, the Indian epic. The temple's architecture and ambiance created a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, making it a serene escape from the bustling world outside. The vibrant reliefs and paintings of Vishnu and his avatars on the walls and doors were truly captivating.
A charming touch was the playful monkeys in the bo tree, occasionally sneaking away with food offerings from the devotees. I recommend this temple to anyone with an interest in exploring the cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka."
Daniyal Saleem
"Beautiful old Vishnu temple very near the Temple of the Tooth."
J M
"I visited the Vishnu Devalaya in Kandy, which is one of the four Devalayas (shrines) in the Royal Palace complex. It is dedicated to God Vishnu, who is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka. The temple has a beautiful architecture and a rich history. It was where the kings of Kandy were crowned and where many rituals and ceremonies were held. The temple also has a stunning cloth painting depicting a scene from the Ramayana, the epic poem of India. The temple is free to enter and has a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing the colorful reliefs and paintings of Vishnu and his avatars on the walls and doors. I also liked watching the monkeys in the bo tree, which sometimes steal the food offerings from the devotees. I recommend this temple to anyone who is interested in Sri Lanka's religious and cultural heritage."
Purinda Abeykoon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vishnu Devalaya is conveniently located near the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. You can easily walk there from the main temple complex or take a short tuk-tuk ride. Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll through the historic area.
Yes, Kandy is well-connected by bus and train. From the Kandy town center, it's a short walk or tuk-tuk ride to the Devalaya.
Using a map app on your phone is helpful. The Devalaya is situated north of the Royal Palace complex, making it a key landmark to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Vishnu Devalaya. It's a free-to-enter Hindu temple, though donations are gratefully accepted to support its upkeep.
The Devalaya is generally open throughout the day, allowing visitors to experience its spiritual ambiance. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and to see the details.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. While some visitors have mentioned no issues with shorts, it's best to be prepared with respectful attire.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Vishnu Devalaya, allowing you to capture its beautiful architecture and the stunning Ramayana cloth painting. Be mindful of devotees praying and avoid intrusive photography.
Focus on the intricately carved doors, the vibrant wall paintings, and the unique cloth painting depicting the Ramayana. The area around the Bo tree also offers interesting shots with the monkeys.
While generally allowed, always be respectful. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb worshippers. Some specific areas might have signage indicating no photography.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
Vishnu Devalaya is one of the four main shrines in Kandy's Royal Palace complex, dedicated to God Vishnu. It holds historical importance as the site where Kandy's kings were crowned and many ancient rituals were performed.
It uniquely blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions and offers a more tranquil experience than the busier Temple of the Tooth. The detailed artwork and the presence of playful monkeys add to its charm.
Expect to see beautiful architecture, vibrant reliefs and paintings of Vishnu and his avatars, a significant cloth painting of the Ramayana, and potentially playful monkeys near the Bo tree.
Generally, Vishnu Devalaya is less crowded than the main Temple of the Tooth, offering a more peaceful and serene visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress children in modest clothing that covers their knees and shoulders to show respect. The free entry makes it an accessible and budget-friendly addition to your Kandy itinerary. The relatively calm atmosphere compared to other major sites means you can explore without feeling rushed, allowing kids to take in the sights at their own pace.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
The peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying a moment of calm amidst your travels. You can spend as much or as little time as you like, focusing on the intricate details of the artwork or simply enjoying the serene environment. It’s a great place to experience local religious practices without the pressure of large crowds or entry fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Blend of Traditions
Visitors often marvel at the artistic expressions within the Devalaya. A standout feature is the striking cloth painting that vividly illustrates scenes from the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic. This artwork, along with the colorful reliefs and paintings depicting Vishnu and his various avatars adorning the walls and doors, offers a visual narrative of the deity's stories and significance. The architecture itself, often described as a beautiful example of Kandyan style, harmoniously integrates with the natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence.
Experiencing the Ambiance
Adding a touch of natural charm, the Bo tree within the temple grounds is often frequented by playful monkeys. These agile creatures sometimes engage in lighthearted antics, occasionally even attempting to snatch food offerings from devotees. This interaction with wildlife adds an unexpected and memorable element to the visit, reminding visitors of the temple's integration with its natural environment. It's a small detail that many find endearing and a unique aspect of the Vishnu Devalaya experience.
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