Attraction

Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple

Located at the very heart of the city of Kalutara, The Asokaramay Buddist Temple is a quaint place of worship that boasts a surreal ambience. The temple was built in the 1870s under the patronage of Aluthgama Sangharatne. It was later expanded with funds from the locals and today it has become one of the most important sites of worship in the region.

The temple features a stunning outlook with buildings painted in beige, the roofs lay in contrast to its paintwork and it accentuates the surreal ambience of the site. Visitors will enter the temple through an archway that boasts intricately carved patterns – and as you enter the temple you will indeed see a world of its own embellished in a tranquil ambience. Meticulously made sculptures, vivid and detailed paintings of ancient tales along with a touch of lush greenery adorn the interiors. As you wander around the temple premises, you would see idols inside the shrines which instil an inexplicable sense of calm within you.

Overall the temple offers you an enticing exploration experience where you will see and feel unique attributes of a religion that is built upon the concepts of Karma. The further you stay here the calmer your mind becomes and you will indeed enjoy the tranquillity and the sense of peace whilst here.

If you are planning to visit Kalutara during your trip to Sri Lanka, this is a must-visit attraction and you will certainly not regret the experience. Though it is pretty easy to visit here while you are in the city, there are a few things you should be mindful of when you plan on exploring the temple. The first and foremost thing is you should be dressed modestly covering your shoulders and knees and you will have to remove your footwear before entering the temple. You also cannot take pictures inside the temple without obtaining permission from the temple’s administrative office. Also, you will have to put your mobile phone on silent mode before entering the temple as well.

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