Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

One of the most revered Buddhist temples of the Island; the temple is built in the 5^th century BC and nestled on the banks of the Kelaniya River. The history of the temple runs back to more than 2500 years. The legend unveils that the gem-studded chair where Lord Buddha sat during his third visit to Sri Lanka is embedded inside the magnificent stupa towering over the temple complex. The temple premises are supposed to get swamped on Poya Days. The temple is the starting point of the annual procession “Duruthu Perahera” (Kelaniya Procession) which is held in the month of January.