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Being a Buddhist country Sri Lanka has many Buddhist sites and attractions to explore. All of the places have a long history and hide a lot of interesting stories while offering you a relaxing ambience to unwind. Let’s look at 9 Buddhist attractions in Sri Lanka that you can visit on your Sri Lanka holiday.

Situated in the UNESCO world heritage site of Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest tree in the world with a written history. Under the instructions of Arahath Mihindu Maha Thero, Arahath Sanghamitta Maha Theree bought the sapling of the sacred Bo tree to Sri Lanka in 236 BC.

Sri Maha Bodhi is the southern branch of the Bodhi tree that the Lord Gautama Buddha sat with his back against it as he attained enlightenment. It is also the last remaining sacred relic directly comparable to the Lord Buddha.

The Sacred Tree is in Maha Megha Vana Royal Park in Anuradhapura. The religious importance alone makes it a must-visit Buddhist site in Sri Lanka if you are someone interested in exploring Buddhism and its roots.

As the most venerated Buddhist shrine next to the Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya holds significant importance to the Buddhists in the country. King Dutugemunu built the Ruwanweliseya in 140 BC after he united the country under a single kingdom.

The stupa was rediscovered in the latter part of the 19th century and its restoration project started at the same time. Now, it is one of the most visited religious sites in Sri Lanka by Buddhist pilgrims and tourists alike.

Visit the Ruwanweliseya Buddhist site in Sri Lanka to witness the majestic stupa as well as to learn about its incredible backstory. Try to visit in the early mornings or after the sunsets as it can get rather hot during the day.

The UNESCO world heritage site of Polonnaruwa was once a thriving Buddhist kingdom. The ancient city is home to some of the shrines that best depict how the country functioned back then.

Well-preserved ruins in Polonnaruwa will be a paradise for any archaeological enthusiast. Spend a few days in the city and visit all the places like the Quadrangle, Royal palace, tanks, and several stupas which are all close by. If you want a change of scenery from the religious places, visit Minneriya national park and make some new memories.

Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak, also known as the Sri Pada, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. According to the legends, Adam’s Peak was where Adam set his foot on Earth after he was cast out of heaven.

The climb to the top of the peak takes around 3- 5 hours, depending on your physical strength. Months from January to May are the best months to visit here as that is when the weather is appealing.

Plan your hike in the nighttime and reach the peak in the dawn to see the most breathtaking sight of the sun rising.

With the left Canine tooth of Lord Buddha enshrined within, the temple of the tooth relic is a well-revered Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. Situated near the lake known as the “Kiri Muhuda”, the entire region is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Decorated by beautiful Kandyan architectural elements, the temple is a wonderland for anyone with architectural interests. Museums and displays within the premise allow visitors to learn about the incredible story behind the tooth relic.

Sri Lanka is home to a large number of Buddhist temples, and among them, Kelaniya is one of the most visited temples. The arts of sculptors and their unique architecture are the main reasons for their popularity.

Built on the banks of the Kelani River, the temple is one of the most scenic Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. The temple has a history that dates back to 500 BCE and has works of artists such as Solias Mendis. It is rather easy to get to as it is just 10km northeast of Colombo.

Renowned as the birthplace of Buddhism in the country, Mihinthale is among the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Spread over three vegetated hills, the temple is a complex of ruins, shrines, stupas, and caves.

The site is just 16km away from Anuradhapura, and it won’t take more than 20 minutes to reach there. Make sure that you got your hiking shoes on to reach the summit with ease. You will have to climb around 2000 steps.

Believed to be the location of the first visit of Lord Buddha, Mahiyangana temple is among the most revered places in the country. The location of the site is the Badulla district, and the misty hills surrounding it offers a unique atmosphere.

Like many other religious sites, Mahiyanganaya also carries interesting folklores with it. If you are in the Dambulla area, make sure to do a quick visit to this beautiful temple.

Nagadeepa temple is on a small island near the coast of Jaffna. The temple is one of the most visited places in the country as it holds value for both Buddhists as well as Hindus.

Also known as Nainativu, Nagadeepa is also a place where the Lord Buddha himself visited. The calm and breezy atmosphere here is ideal for spending some relaxing time while learning about the ancient stories connected with the place.

Hop on a short ferry ride and reach Nagadeepa to behold one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.