If you’re planning a visit to Kandy and looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail, Nelligala International Buddhist Centre deserves a spot on your list. Perched on top of a hill in Muruthalawa village, about 13 km from Kandy city, this stunning modern temple has quietly become one of the most visited Buddhist sites in the Kandy district.
I’m from Kandy myself, and yet somehow I kept putting off this visit for years. My brother-in-law has been going at least once a month, and practically everyone around me had been. Last Saturday evening, after a long day, I finally made the trip. It turned out to be one of the most peaceful and memorable evenings I’ve had in a long time.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Nelligala Temple.
How to Get to Nelligala Temple from Kandy
Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is located in Muruthalawa village, Kandy District, roughly 13 km west of Kandy city. If you are driving from Kandy, follow these directions:
- Head toward Peradeniya Road
- Turn onto Royal College Road and follow it toward Muruthalawa
- Look for the signboards directing you to the temple
- At the end, you will need to climb a steep hill to reach the temple grounds
Signboards are clearly placed along the route, so navigation is straightforward. Google Maps works well too; search for Nelligala International Buddhist Centre.
Important tip from personal experience: Carry cash before you leave Kandy. I had to turn back to find an ATM, and it added unnecessary time to my trip. There are no ATMs near the temple.
Also, avoid taking alternate roads. I took one on the way back and deeply regretted it. The road was completely broken and added nearly 40 minutes to the return journey. Stick to the main route in both directions.
The Drive Up: Villages, Hills and Fresh Air
The journey to Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is half the experience. Once you leave Kandy behind, you drive through lush green hills and pass through traditional villages that feel completely untouched by city life. One of the towns along the way is Muruthalawa, a quiet, authentic place with a vibe that is hard to find anywhere near Kandy city.
By the time you are close to the temple, the air is cooler and greener. You can spot media and tourism boards along the route, and eventually catch your first glimpse of a golden pagoda rising above the treeline. That is your signal that you are nearly there.
The History of Nelligala International Buddhist Centre
Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is a relatively young institution with an extraordinary vision behind it. The land was acquired in 2014, and construction began in 2015, driven by the young and visionary monk Ven. Wathurakumbure Dhammarathana Thero, whose home village is near Nelligala itself.
The Thero had dreamed of building this centre since childhood. With the support of the Sri Lanka Army and countless devotees, construction progressed rapidly, and the centre was officially opened on November 9, 2014. It quickly established itself as a landmark Buddhist site in the Kandy region.
Beyond Nelligala, Ven. Wathurakumbure Dhammarathana Thero has also led the restoration of the historic Kuragala Temple on the Balangoda-Kaltota road, further cementing his reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s most dedicated and active young monks.
Today, Nelligala International Buddhist Centre offers meditation programs, Buddhist teachings, religious ceremonies, cultural workshops, and community welfare activities, making it a living, breathing centre of Dhamma rather than just a place of worship.
The Car Park and First Impressions
After the steep hill, you arrive at a massive car parking area that is honestly larger than the temple grounds themselves. Parking is never going to be a problem at Nelligala, no matter how busy the day.
Around the car park, you will find a row of food stalls and flower stalls. Grab a short snack before heading up the steps, and pick up some flowers if you want to make an offering at the temple.
Even from the car park, the views are excellent. You are already high up, and the panorama of surrounding hills and greenery is beautiful. Take a moment before you start climbing.
Note for foreign visitors: There is a notice at the entrance stating that all foreign visitors must purchase a ticket of Rs. 1,000 before entering the temple grounds.
Climbing the Steps to the Temple
From the car park, a flight of steps takes you up to the temple. It is a comfortable climb, not overwhelming, and along the way you get your first clear view of the golden pagoda rising above. The temple grounds are immaculately clean and well-maintained, which sets the tone for the peaceful experience ahead.
The Two Pagodas at Nelligala
There are two pagodas at Nelligala temple, each with a very different character.
The first is a golden-coloured dagoba with a unique, contemporary design unlike most traditional Sri Lankan pagodas. This is the Shakya Singha Maha Seya, which enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha and revered monks. It is striking, modern, and highly photogenic.
The second is a classic white dagoba in the traditional Sri Lankan style, timeless and familiar. Together, the two offer a beautiful contrast and make for great photographs from multiple angles.
The Relic Exhibition: A Lucky Encounter
On the day I visited Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, a relic exhibition was taking place. Sacred relics of the Buddha and revered monks were on display, and visitors moved through in a small, orderly queue to pay their respects.
This is not a daily occurrence — it depends on the occasion and calendar of the temple. But if you happen to visit on such a day, it is a genuinely moving and rare experience. The sense of history and devotion in that moment is hard to put into words. Worth checking the temple’s website or social media before your visit to see if anything special is scheduled.
The Indoor Shrine: The Highlight of Nelligala
For me personally, the indoor shrine room was the single most impressive part of the entire visit to Nelligala. Beautifully decorated in gold with intricate detail, it carries a strong resemblance to the interior of the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, but in a newer, more contemporary form.
The craftsmanship, the atmosphere, and the sense of reverence in that room are remarkable. If you only remember one thing from a visit to Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, it will almost certainly be this room.
The Meditation Hall
The meditation hall at Nelligala temple is the largest sermon hall in the Yatinuwara area. It is a spacious, open structure designed for meditation, dhamma talks, and group gatherings. When I visited, some people were sitting inside having lunch, making the most of the peaceful surroundings. The hall has a grounded, calm energy that suits the whole spirit of the place.
Statues, Gardens and Other Highlights
Throughout the grounds at Nelligala, you will find elephant statues, lion statues, and sculptures at every turn. There is also a statue of Saman Devi (the guardian deity of Sri Lanka’s mountains) set on its own elevated platform, with excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Other highlights include the sacred Bo tree, a small and well-kept garden area, and a pond with beautiful carp fish a surprisingly serene little corner of the temple that many visitors miss.
The View from Nelligala: Spot Bible Rock in the Distance
One of the unexpected highlights of Nelligala Temple is the panoramic view from the top. On a clear day, you can see rolling hills, forest, and villages stretching far into the distance.
Look carefully, and you can spot Bible Rock, that distinctive flat-topped mountain, clearly identifiable even from this distance. It is a wonderful moment for visitors who have already explored the wider Kandy region.
(We have a separate guide to Bible Rock. The two make a great day trip together!)
Is Nelligala Safe for Families?
Absolutely. Despite sitting at the summit of a hill, the entire complex has fencing and safety barriers throughout the grounds. There are no dangerously exposed edges, and children can explore comfortably alongside adults. Nelligala Temple is a great destination for the whole family.
Where to Stay Near Nelligala Temple
If you are travelling from outside Kandy and want to stay nearby, Kandy city is your best base, with a wide range of hotels and guesthouses just 13 km from the temple. Many visitors to Nelligala combine the trip with other Kandy attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and Bible Rock.
For those looking for hotels near Nelligala temple, options within the Peradeniya and Muruthalawa area are limited, so booking accommodation in central Kandy is strongly recommended.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nelligala International Buddhist Centre |
| Location | Muruthalawa, Kandy District |
| Distance from Kandy | Approx. 13 km |
| Entry Fee (Sri Lankans) | Free |
| Entry Fee (Foreigners) | Rs. 1,000 per person |
| Parking | Free, very large car park |
| Food | Stalls available near the car park |
| Washrooms | Available (basic facilities) |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning or late afternoon |
Tips Before You Visit Nelligala
- Bring cash – no ATMs near the temple. You will need money for snacks, flower offerings, donations, and the foreigner entry ticket.
- Use the main road only – the alternate route is in very poor condition and will cost you close to an hour.
- Dress modestly – as with all Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Weekdays are quieter – weekends draw bigger crowds of local pilgrims and families.
- Safe for children and families – safety barriers are in place throughout the hill-top grounds.
- Check for special events – relic exhibitions, dhamma talks, and cultural programs happen periodically. Check the official Nelligala website at nelligala.lk before you go.
Final Thoughts on Nelligala International Buddhist Centre
I live just a few kilometres from Nelligala and somehow let years pass without visiting. Do not make the same mistake. Whether you are a devotee, a traveller, or simply someone who needs a few hours of calm away from the city, Nelligala International Buddhist Centre delivers in every way. The views, the architecture, the golden indoor shrine, and the spiritual atmosphere of the place are genuinely special.
This is one of those places that stays with you. And for me, it will not be years before the next visit.
Have you visited Nelligala? Share your experience in the comments below!
For more travel stories from around Sri Lanka, explore SriLankaTales.com
Location Map
Nearby Atractions
- Bahirawakanda Temple Kandy - 7.9 km
- Ehelepola Walawwa - (Wax Museum kandy) - 8.7 km
- Sri Dalada Maligawa - Temple of Tooth Relic - 9.1 km
- Athgala Sri Dalada Maligawa - 9.1 km
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – A Tranquil Forest Reserve in Kandy - 9.1 km
- Pekoe Trail Stage 2 – Galaha to Loolkandura Scenic Hiking Guide - 9.4 km
- Galaha – A Quiet Tea Country Escape Near Kandy - 14 km
- Loolkandura Tea Estate – Sri Lanka’s First Tea Plantation by James Taylor - 14.1 km
- Sagama Raja Maha Viharaya - 16.9 km
- Sagama Perahera - 17 km
