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Ridi Viharaya Silver Temple — Kurunegala

Cover photo: Vedanth Ravi (Unsplash)

District

Kurunegala

Province

North Western

Best for

Pilgrims and temple-art fans; 2nd-century-BCE cave shrine with Kandyan murals

Map

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About this place

At Ridigama, about 20 km northeast of Kurunegala town; tuk or bus toward Ridigama, last stretch by three-wheeler. Visit in daylight for the murals; the silver-ore legend is told by resident monks. Free entry; cover shoulders and remove shoes.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• 2nd-century-BCE cave shrine linked to King Dutugemunu and the Ruwanwelisaya silver legend told by resident monks.
• Visit in daylight to see the Kandyan murals inside the rock shrines.
• Free entry; cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats at shrines.
• Photography inside shrines may be restricted; ask the resident monks first.
• Quiet village setting; combine with Arankele in one outing.

How to travel there

At Ridigama, ~20 km northeast of Kurunegala; bus or tuk-tuk toward Ridigama, last stretch by three-wheeler from the main road.

Where to stay

Kurunegala town — budget to mid-range guesthouses; Ridigama village itself has only basic homestays.

Nearby places

Arankele Forest Monastery, Athugala Elephant Rock, Kurunegala Lake and Park, Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

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