Information
Landmark: Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha StatueCity: Kandy
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
The towering Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, gleaming white against the hillside, stands as one of Kandy’s most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka, consequently perched high on Bahirava Kanda, or Devil’s Hill, the massive Seated Buddha gazes out over Kandy, its white stone glowing in the sun, serving as both a sacred location of worship and a landmark of the city’s heritage.With its calm, steady presence and sweeping views of the hills and rooftops below, it draws both travelers and devotees who can’t resist stopping by, moreover rising 26.8 meters (about 88 feet) above the lush green hills of Kandy, the pure white Buddha statue at Bahirava Kanda has stood since 1972 as one of Sri Lanka’s tallest and most striking modern religious monuments, somewhat Depicted in the Dhyanasana posture with hands in the Dhyana Mudra, it embodies deep concentration, peace, and spiritual enlightenment, then from its hilltop perch, visitors can take in sweeping views of Kandy’s rooftops, the silver shimmer of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the distant mountains-sunrise and sunset turn the scene into gold.From what I can see, The Bahiravokanda Vihara remains an active destination of worship, drawing pilgrims and travelers alike for meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection, what’s more at the foot of the statue, visitors watch devotees lay bright flowers, light fragrant incense, and murmur prayers in the warm air, slightly often The calm here invites quiet meditation, drawing both locals and travelers in search of spiritual comfort, equally important beneath the statue, a small temple and shrine offer a venue to learn about Buddhism and join in sacred rituals, its walls alive with colorful murals and paintings of Buddhist tales and Sri Lankan life.Once called “Devil’s Hill,” Bahirava Kanda was feared as a haunted spot where people left offerings to appease demons, but the towering Buddha transformed it into a beacon of peace, compassion, and the Buddha’s teaching of non‑violence, also the site is easy to reach by car, tuk‑tuk, or even on foot.The road up to the statue is steep, so some visitors might find the walk tough; a tuk-tuk from Kandy’s city center gets you there in just a few minutes, as a result it’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and foreign visitors pay a small fee of about 300 LKR to help maintain the site, occasionally As it turns out, For the best experience, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the air is cooler and the light turns the hills gold, moreover on Poya Days, the venue fills with devotees, giving you a vivid sense of its religious importance.Dress modestly, as this is a sacred site, along with cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before stepping into the shrine at the statue’s base.From there, soak in sweeping views of Kandy-spot the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the gleam of Kandy Lake, and the hazy outline of the Hanthana Mountains, simultaneously don’t forget your camera; the statue and its setting are striking from every angle.Snap gorgeous shots of the statue framed by Kandy’s lush green hills, and don’t miss the night view when the city’s lights sparkle like a scatter of tiny stars below, equally important wander through the temple grounds to learn more about Buddhist traditions, or simply sit in the quiet of Bahirava Kanda, letting the stillness guide your meditation.Truthfully, Bring water if you’re walking up, and wear comfy shoes for the climb-just remember to take them off at the temple entrance, besides be mindful when photographing, especially near worshippers, and pack a hat or umbrella to shield yourself from the midday sun.While you’re in the area, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic just ten minutes away, stroll around Kandy Lake, or hike through the lush Udawattakele Forest Reserve, and the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue stands not only as a destination of peace and devotion but also as an awe-inspiring work of art.Perched high on Bahirava Kanda, it offers a peaceful escape from Kandy’s busy streets, where temple bells echo softly and the view stretches for miles, alternatively if you’re exploring the cultural and natural treasures of Sri Lanka’s hill capital, don’t miss this landmark-it’s worth the climb just to feel the cool breeze and take in the sweeping view.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-12
