How tall is the Buddha statue?

The seated Buddha is 48.8 m tall.

How old is the Bodhi tree?

It is believed to be more than 300 years old.

Is it a major temple?

Yes, it is one of the main temples of the Kalutara District.

Can I combine it with the beach?

Yes, with Bentota for a half day of culture.

Who founded Kande Vihara?

The monk Karapagala Dewamitta Thero founded it in 1734.

Where can I stay near Kande Vihara?

bookingMentor lists 5 places to stay in Sri Lanka. Rooms start from $82.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Kande Vihara that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

When is the best time to visit?

In the morning; it gets busy on poya days.

How long should I spend at Kande Vihara?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes at Kande Vihara.

What is the emergency phone number in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, call 119 (police) in an emergency. 1990 ambulance (Suwa Seriya); 1912 tourist police.

Kande Vihara

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Aluthgama, near Bentota, Kalutara District, Sri Lanka

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In short

Founded in 1734 on a hilltop near Aluthgama, Kande Vihara is known for its 48.8-metre seated Buddha statue opened in 2007. Entry is paid. About 45 minutes is enough, and modest dress is expected. The temple is an easy detour from the Bentota and Aluthgama beaches, and suits visitors interested in modern Buddhist monuments.

Kande Vihara is a Buddhist temple on a hill at Kaluwamodara near Aluthgama in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, one of the main temples of the district, known for its very large seated Buddha statue. The name means mountain temple. It suits visitors to Bentota and Beruwala who want a short cultural stop.

Founded in 1734, with a pirivena and 1935 stupa

The temple was founded in 1734 by the monk Karapagala Dewamitta Thero under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero. The Kshethrarama Pirivena, a monastic school, was added in 1904. A large stupa built in 1935 encloses a smaller one raised by Chandrasara Thero in 1783. The government recognises the temple as an archaeological site.

The 48.8 m seated Buddha opened in 2007

The foundation stone was laid in 2002, and the statue opened in 2007. It is 48.8 m tall, sits in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) and is counted among the tallest seated Buddha statues in the world.

Relic chamber, image house and Kandyan paintings

The relic chamber is believed to be the oldest building on the grounds and has Kandyan-era paintings. The image house holds standing, seated and reclining Buddhas with murals of Jataka tales, and there are shrines to Upulvan, Kataragama and Pattini. Its Bodhi tree is believed to be more than 300 years old.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

🛕Founded: 1734

🧘Seated Buddha: 48.8 m, opened 2007

🌳Bodhi tree: Over 300 years old

🎟️Entry: Small fee or donation

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

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Highlights Include:

Experiences

Giant seated Buddha
Old temple buildings
Bodhi tree
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