United kingdom+44 1937 228 844Worldwide+94 117 895 810PLAN YOUR TRIP
  • Destinations
    • Sri Lanka
    • India
    • Maldives
  • Tailor-made
  • Itineraries
  • Accommodation
  • Transport
  • Activities
  • Blog
  • About Us
icon
  • (+44) 1937 228 844
  • (+61) 361 275 111
  • (+94) 117 895 810
  • icon[email protected]
X
Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya

Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya

(Independent)

Home / Activities / Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya

Snapshot

Located close to Mt. Lavinia, just three kilometres from Colombo’s city limits, Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka’s capital, and it has a long and hallowed history. There is a great sanctity attached to this temple due to its sacred Bo tree that, according to ancient texts, is one of the thirty-two saplings that sprang from the Bo tree at Anuradhapura which was planted in the 3rd century B.C. The Bo tree at Anuradhapura is said to have come from the tree under which Lord Buddha sat and attained enlightenment, which is why these Bo trees have such significance. As well as the sacred tree, Bellanwila houses elaborate statues of Buddha and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha from birth to enlightenment.

Duration: 1 hour
Best Time: Year-round
  • Culture and History

  • Quick Enquiry

Related Activities

Dhowa Rock Temple
Dhowa Rock Temple

Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya දෝව රජමහා විහාරය, A16, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

Believed to have been the refuge for King Walagama in the 1st century BC, Dhowa Rock Temple is a lesser-known hill country attraction which boasts a stupendous, albeit incomplete, statue of Buddha.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Dutch Reformed Church
Dutch Reformed Church

Dutch Reformed Church, Galle, Sri Lanka

The Dutch Reformed Church was finished in 1755, built on the site of a destroyed Portuguese convent. It has interesting architectural features, such as a gabled roof on the eastern and western walls.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Jaffna Dutch Fort
Jaffna Dutch Fort

Jaffna Dutch Fort, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

It was the Dutch who expanded Jaffna Fort in 1680 and, more than three centuries later, they are financially supporting its renovation.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kandy City Walking Tour
Kandy City Walking Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Discover Kandy’s rich history which includes incredible art and architecture, Buddhism, British colonial rule, and its vibrant multicultural present.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kandy Temple and City Walk
Kandy Temple and City Walk

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Delve into the most revered temple in the island as your host takes you through the Kandy city and the Temple of the Tooth, then head to the local market for a final feast for your senses.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Aluvihara Cave Temple
Aluvihara Cave Temple

Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Aluvihara Cave Temple, which can be visited easily from Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, is where the oral teachings of Lord Buddha were first put into writing in the 3rd century AD.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Discover the majestic remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, originally built in the 4th century BC, the ruling place for over 100 Sri Lankan kings. You can explore these extensive ruins by bike.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala

Buduruwagala Rock Carvings, Sri Lanka

The ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala date back to the 8th century. Seven gigantic Buddhist figures are sculpted into a 70ft cliff, including a colossal image of Lord Buddha spanning over 50ft.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Colombo Fort and Pettah Architecture
Colombo Fort and Pettah Architecture

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Now the commercial centre of Sri Lanka, Colombo’s Fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, before being further changed by the Dutch and British colonisers.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Colombo Guided Walk Religion and Culture
Colombo Guided Walk - Religion and Culture

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Explore Colombo’s fascinating religious and cultural diversity on this dynamic guided walking tour, which takes you to iconic religious buildings and through the lively streets of Pettah.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Colombo's Hidden History
Colombo's Hidden History

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Walk through the city of Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, with an expert guide and find out about the history hidden within these streets.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy - Jaffna Highway, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

The most famous cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple boasts the largest number of Buddha statues to be housed in one place, as well as stunning ceiling paintings.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Degaldoruwa Cave Temple
Degaldoruwa Cave Temple

Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya, Sirimalwatta - Amunugama - Madawala Road, Sirimalwatta, Sri Lanka

Serene and beautiful, the Degaldoruwa temple in Amunugama has stood as a place of spirituality while one century gave way to the next since the late 1770s, when it was first built.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese before it was further developed by the Dutch and British, covers nearly 4sqkm and houses a range of old colonial buildings.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Gangatilaka Vihara
Gangatilaka Vihara

Gangatilaka Viharaya, Galle Rd, Kalutara, Sri Lanka

This relatively-modern Buddhist temple boasts a gigantic white dagoba, believed to contain sacred relics, as well as fascinating murals that depict the life story of Lord Buddha.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Guided Walk of Galle Fort History and Architecture
Guided Walk of Galle Fort History and Architecture

Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

Explore the enchanting streets of 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guide who has a deep knowledge of the Fort’s complex colonial past and the architecture which remains.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Architecture
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Guided Walk of Galle Fort Past to Present
Guided walk of Galle Fort: past to present

Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

Your host will take you on an architectural journey through the fort’s colonial history, from the spot where the first Portuguese boats landed to the moment the English departed.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kandyan Cultural Show
Kandyan Cultural Show

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Stemming from various ancient dance rituals, Kandyan dancing became widespread across the island and is now a core part of Sri Lankan culture. It is a highly-theatrical, thrilling show to see.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Kataragama
Kataragama

Kataragama, Sri Lanka

An ancient pilgrimage site visited by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It is believed that King Dutugemunu built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka

Thought to have been visited by Lord Buddha in 523 BC, the ancient Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya is renowned for its glorious paintings, which show the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Koneswarum Kovil
Koneswarum Kovil

Koneswaram Kovil., Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

The newly-restored Koneswaram Kovil, the original of which was built in 205 BC, is poised on a sheer cliff which stands 350ft above sea level and offers stunning views over Trinco’s natural harbour.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kovils in Colombo
Kovils in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s capital has several Hindu Kovils, decorated with colourful statues and which house shrines dedicated to different gods and deities.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Lipton's Seat
Lipton's Seat

Lipton's Seat, Dambethenna Estate, Lipton Seat Road, Haputale, Sri Lanka

The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • Sport and Adventure
  • More Info
Maligawila Buddha Statue
Maligawila Buddha Statue

Maligawila Buddha Statue (බුද්ධ ප්‍රතිමාව),Sri Lanka

The Maligawila statue, the largest freestanding image of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka, dates back to the 7th century BC. It stands at 14 metres tall and is carved out of a single block of limestone.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Mihintale
Mihintale

Mihintale, Sri Lanka

Mihintale was recorded as being the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC. The peak is home to magnificent pieces of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and a majestic 40ft dagoba.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Mulgirigala Rock Temple
Mulgirigala Rock Temple

Mulgirigala, Sri Lanka

Situated 30 minutes inland from Tangalle, the ancient Mulgirigala temple complex is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high which provides magnificent coastal views.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil நல்லூர் கந்தசுவாமி கோவில், Jaffna, Sri Lanka

One of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Hindu temples, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil was originally built over 1,000 years ago. It boasts many beautiful pieces of colourful and dramatic architectue.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from 1073 until the late 1200s, the ruins of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa are incredibly well-preserved and include magnificant granite sculptures of Lord Buddha.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Ritigala
Ritigala

Ritigala, Sri Lanka

Ritigala is nestled deep inside a jungle-covered nature reserve, the ruins of an extensive Buddhist monasty which was abandoned during the invasions of the 10th and 11th centuries.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Rock Front, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Slave Island Walking Tour
Slave Island Walking Tour

Slave Island, Colombo, Sri Lanka

This hosted walking tour takes you from historic Galle Face Hotel to Beira Lake, wiggling through the vibrant streets of Slave Island which relfect Sri Lanka’s multiculturalism.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Southern Tea Factory Tour
Southern Tea Factory Tour

Galle, Sri Lanka

Go on a guided tour of a scenic, modern tea plantation located just outside of Galle and explore one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic industries. A great option if you are not visiting the hill country.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Temple of the Tooth
Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Tradition relates that a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and has been enshrined in the Dalanda Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, since the late 1500s.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Temple of the Tooth with a local
Temple of the Tooth with a local

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Join an expert in exploring one of the most revered temples in the island, housing a relic of the Lord Buddha. Witness rituals performed daily and learn about the history behind this place of worship that is a haven to many a Buddhist.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Life
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Life

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Hop into a bullock cart and explore the village life of the island. Walk through lush paddy fields, take a boat ride along Hiriwaduna Wewa and finally, savour a traditional Sri Lankan meal to wrap up your sojourn in the village.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Walk with the Veddas
Walk with the Veddas

Galoya, Sri Lanka

The Veddas, the aboriginal people of Sri Lanka, live in small communities in utter isolation from the outside world. Discover their ancient traditions as you walk with them through the forest.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, Maho, Sri Lanka

Yapahuwa, a shortlived Sri Lankan medieval capital, is an enormous yet little-visited rock fortress built in the 13th century around a vast granite rock which rises 100m above the surrounding plains.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Yatagala Temple
Yatagala Temple

Yatagala Temple, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Little-visited Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a small Buddhist temple just inland from Galle.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Secrets of Cinnamon
Secrets of Cinnamon

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Walk through a cinnamon plantation in the South and be enlightened on the process of cinnamon peeling, quilling and oil extraction. Don’t forget to enjoy the views while you try your hand at some cinnamon peeling.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Whilst building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century AD, King Kasyapa moved the monks who lived around Sigiriya to Pidurangala Rock, and an ancient cave temple still remains here.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Sport and Adventure
  • More Info
Kaludiya Pokuna
Kaludiya Pokuna

Kandalama, Sri Lanka

Trek through the tranquil Kaludiya Pokuna Forest near Kandalama in search of a ruined ancient Buddhist temple abandoned over 1,200 years ago. Absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Jaffna Islands
Jaffna Islands

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The Jaffna islands are fascinating to explore. Spend a day out at Delft Island with its small village homes, wild horses that roam the plains, and ruins of a Portuguese Fort.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
National Museum
National Museum

Colombo, Sri Lanka

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest in the country. Opened in 1877 by Sir William Gregory, it houses many precious relics including the throne and crown of the last Kandyan monarchs.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • Family-friendly
  • More Info
Visit to Hot Springs in Keerimalai
Visit to Hot Springs in Keerimalai

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Located in Jaffna, the Keerimalai hot springs is a renowned mineral water spring that is shrouded in folklore, believed to have healing properties. Separate entrances for women and men.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens

Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and the finest in Asia. Explore the beautiful surroundings with an expert, or simple enjoy a relaxed stroll in the sun.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

Tissamaharama is a sacred town scattered with lakes and Buddhist temples that was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century BC. 

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Visit to Point Pedro
Visit to Point Pedro

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Point Pedro, also known as Sakkotai Cape, is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. An unpretentious spot replete with significance, it was once a trading port.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Kandy Perahera
Kandy Perahera

Kandy, Sri Lanka

A `Perehara’ is a cultural procession, an ancient historic ritual where tradition, religion, and the arts all come together. The annual Kandy Perahera is an astonishing spectacle.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: July / August

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Sri Lanka Plantation Walk
Sri Lanka Plantation Walk

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Explore a vast estate in the foothills of Kandy with a highly-engaging and knowledgeable host, before enjoying a mouth-watering traditional rice and curry lunch afterwards in your host’s ancestral home.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
The Aukana Buddha
The Aukana Buddha

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

One of the most spectacular statues in Sri Lanka, the Aukana Buddha has stood 12m high since it was made in the 5th century. It is free-standing, carved from a single rock.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Tour a Sri Lankan tea estate
Tour a Sri Lankan tea estate

Ella, Sri Lanka

Red Dot's Tea Estate experience takes place in one of the most beautiful organic tea estates in the Sri Lanka hill country, hidden above Ravana-Ella Falls and with breathtaking views of Ella Rock and Lipton's Seat.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Visit Temples in Aluthgama and Ambalangoda
Visit Temples in Aluthgama and Ambalangoda

Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka

The Kande Vihara in Aluthgama and the Galgoda Sailatalaramaya Maha Vihara Temple and Sunandaramaya Mahavihara in Ambalangoda attract devotees from all parts of the island.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: Year-round

  • Culture and History
  • More Info
Treks and Tea at Amba Estate
Treks and Tea at Amba Estate

Ella, Hill Country

Experience tea, glorious treks and total tranquillity during this four-night stay at Amba Estate, an organic farm on the outskirts of Ella in Sri Lanka’s hills. One of our Extended Activities.

Duration: 4 hours

Best time: December to March, August and September

  • Culture and History
  • Sport and Adventure
  • More Info

SHARE

‹›×

    Tailor-made Sri Lanka holidays for all

    ATOL Logo
    World Travel Awards

    Booking Information

    • Booking Conditions
    • Frequent Questions
    • Homepage
    • Payment Centre
    • Red Dot Anti-Fraud Policy
    • Red Dot Price Promise

    About Red Dot

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Customer Feedback
    • Privacy and Cookie Policy
    • Sustainability
    • Package holidays in Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka Information

    • Getting Around
    • Safety in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Advice
    • Sri Lanka Health and Vaccinations
    • Sri Lanka Visas
    • Useful Links
    • Weather in Sri Lanka
    • Facebook

    • Twitter

    • Youtube

    • Instagram

    [email protected]

    • (+94) 117 895 810
    • (+61) 361 275 111
    • (+44) 1937 228 844

    The air holiday packages offered by Red Dot Tours on this website are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 5517. Please see our booking conditions for more information. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay for their air holiday packages in the United Kingdom. Check our licence.

    © 2025 All Rights Reserved

    SHARE

    Plan your trip
    • TripAdvisor