Exploring the Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka
A Spiritual Pilgrimage Through Time and Truth
For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed across Sri Lanka in search of sacred spaces connected to the life and teachings of the Buddha. Known collectively as the Solosmasthana, these 16 sacred sites are revered as locations visited or blessed by the Enlightened One himself.
This sacred journey begins with five sites that many believe form the true footprint of the Buddha’s life—from his birth and enlightenment to his teachings and final moments—all within the island’s ancient heart.
1. Babaragala Rajamaha Viharaya – The Birthplace of Siddhartha?
1. Babaragala Rajamaha Viharaya – The Birthplace of Siddhartha?
Theldeniya, Central Province
Nestled in the misty hills of Theldeniya, Babaragala Rajamaha Viharaya is emerging as a possible true birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. Local chronicles and oral traditions point to this mountainous forest monastery as Kapilavastu, the seat of King Suddhodana. The site contains ancient ruins, meditation caves, and inscriptions that predate many Indian Buddhist sites.
Why Visit?
- Peaceful, untouched mountain sanctuary
- Stone-carved ruins and meditation caves
- Believed to be the actual royal grounds of the Buddha’s early life
Read: Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya – The Lost Birthplace of the Buddha?
Nearby Accommodations
Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Distance from Theldeniya: ~7.9 km
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Randeniya Hena
Distance from Theldeniya center: ~1 km
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Castle Palace Kandy
Distance from Theldeniya: ~3 km
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2. Hiriwadunna Bodhi Tree – The Enlightenment Grove
2. Hiriwadunna Bodhi Tree – The Enlightenment Grove Near Dambulla, Central Province
Beneath this ancient Bodhi tree, surrounded by forest and solitude, locals say the Buddha attained enlightenment—not in Bodh Gaya, India, but right here in Hiriwadunna. The sacred Bodhi tree, believed to be over 2,300 years old, stands beside stone slabs and stupa foundations rarely explored by tourists.
Why Visit?
- Tranquil natural surroundings for quiet reflection
- Home to a sacred, ancient Bodhi tree
- A possible alternative to the famed Bodh Gaya
Nearby Accommodations
Royal Rock Sigiriya
Distance from Hiriwadunna: 2.1 km
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Lankapura Heritage
Distance from Hiriwadunna: ~2.0 km
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Lake Side Wood Cabana
Distance from Hiriwadunna: ~2.5 km
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3. Isinbassagala – The First Sermon Site
3. Isinbassagala – The First Sermon Site Near Medawachchiya, North Central Province
Known by some as Sri Lanka’s Isipatana, Isinbassagala is the location where many believe the Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. The name itself means “rock of the sages,” and it is adorned with reclining Buddha statues, inscriptions, and hilltop views of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.
Why Visit?
- Scenic summit with panoramic views
- Thought-provoking alternative to India’s Sarnath
- Remarkable ruins that speak of ancient worship
Nearby Accommodations
Heritage Villa Polonnaruwa
Distance from Isipathana site: ~1 km
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Kamatha Resort
Distance from Isipathana: ~2 km
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Hotel Sudu Araliya
Distance from Isipathana: ~1.5 km
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4. Ritigala Jethawanarama – The Sacred Forest of Healing and Meditation
4. Ritigala Jethawanarama – The Sacred Forest of Healing and Meditation Anuradhapura District
The forest monastery of Ritigala is steeped in mysticism. Believed to be a hermitage visited by the Buddha and his disciples, this mountain range holds medicinal herbs, stone paths, and meditation platforms lost in the jungle. It was also used by the Arahants for intense spiritual retreat.
Why Visit?
- Ancient stone pathways and ruins reclaimed by nature
- Medicinal plant species said to grow nowhere else
- Deep spiritual energy, perfect for meditation
Nearby Accommodations
Ritigala Hideaway
Distance: ~4 km from Ritigala Forest Monastery
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Ritigalafoothills
Distance: ~3.3 km from Ritigala Forest Monastery
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Athreya Ayurveda Ashram
Distance: ~4.9 km from Ritigala Forest Monastery
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5. Budhugala – The Final Footsteps of the Buddha?
5. Budhugala – The Final Footsteps of the Buddha? Ampara District, Eastern Province
Budhugala, meaning “Place of the Buddha,” is a secluded stony outcrop surrounded by forest. Some local traditions say it was here that the Buddha entered Parinirvana, and ancient inscriptions nearby support the theory of long-standing worship. The air is still, the trees whisper—and time seems to stop.
Why Visit?
- Remote and peaceful sacred ground
- Believed to be the site of Buddha’s final days
- Mysterious stone structures and inscriptions
Nearby Accommodations
River Garden Resort (Belihuloya, near Budugala region)
Distance: ~6 km
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The Glenrock (Ihalagalagama, near Budugala region)
Distance: ~7 km
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Rawana Mount View (Ella – nearest larger town)
Distance: ~12 miles (~19 km)
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What Comes Next?
These five sites represent just the beginning of your Buddha Of Lanka journey—a pilgrimage through all the other 16 sacred places called Solosmasthana, deeply interwoven with Sri Lanka’s forgotten Buddhist legacy. Each location invites quiet contemplation, awe, and inquiry into a story that may have been hidden in plain sight.
The 16 Solosmasthana – Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka
Honoring the Buddha’s Journey Across the Island
The Solosmasthana are believed to be the 16 places visited by the Buddha during his three legendary visits to Sri Lanka. These sites have been venerated for over two millennia, safeguarded by kings, monks, and pilgrims alike.
1. Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya – The First Visit
🗺️ Badulla District
📜 Where the Buddha first arrived to subdue the Yakkhas. It marks the beginning of the island’s spiritual awakening.
Why Visit:
Begin your spiritual journey where it all started. This temple marks the first recorded visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka and radiates ancient power. The majestic stupa is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha himself.
2. Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
🗺️ Jaffna Peninsula
📜 Site of Buddha’s second visit to resolve a dispute between two Naga kings. The serene island still feels timeless.
Why Visit:
Peace and reconciliation are the essence here. Visiting this island sanctuary reminds us of the Buddha’s wisdom in resolving disputes and fostering harmony.
3. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
🗺️ Colombo District
📜 Visited during the third journey to Sri Lanka. The stupa is said to enshrine a gem-studded throne offered to the Buddha.
Why Visit:
This beautifully maintained temple near Colombo is a cultural gem with breathtaking murals. Pilgrims come here seeking healing, purification, and blessings for family and home.
4. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
🗺️ Ratnapura District
📜 A sacred mountain where the Buddha left his footprint. Pilgrims climb under moonlight, chanting prayers of devotion.
Why Visit:
Climb under starlight and reach the summit by sunrise—it’s a rite of passage. The breathtaking view and the spiritual energy at the summit make this one of the most moving pilgrimages in Sri Lanka.
5. Dighavapi Stupa
🗺️ Ampara District
📜 Believed to be the place where the Buddha meditated during his visit to the East.
Why Visit:
An isolated and tranquil site, ideal for meditation. Feel a deeper connection as you sit where the Buddha himself found peace.
6. Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya
🗺️ Badulla Town
📜 Enshrines the relics gifted during the Buddha’s first visit and still revered by thousands.
Why Visit:
One of the few Solosmasthana sites located in a busy town. It’s where ancient legend meets local devotion—offering a unique blend of tradition and everyday spirituality.
7. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya
🗺️ Hambantota District
📜 Once the center of Theravada Buddhism in the south. It houses relics and royal history.
Why Visit:
Come here to experience southern hospitality merged with monastic tranquility. A serene, spacious temple with a rich history of Theravada Buddhism.
8. Thiriyaya Girihandu Seya
🗺️ Trincomalee District
📜 Home of the earliest stupa in Sri Lanka, said to contain hair relics of the Buddha.
Why Visit:
A scenic coastal temple said to house the Buddha’s hair relic. The climb through forested hills to reach the stupa is deeply rewarding.
9. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya
🗺️ Trincomalee District
📜 Built on a site where the Buddha gave a sermon and a forehead relic is said to be enshrined here.
Why Visit:
Remote yet deeply sacred. A place for reflection and receiving blessings for clarity, health, and vision—physical and spiritual.
10. Somawathiya Stupa
🗺️ Polonnaruwa District
📜 Enshrines a right tooth relic. Located deep in nature, the temple often appears surrounded by mysterious auras.
Why Visit:
Mystical and often reported to be surrounded by glowing lights or “auras.” Visiting Somawathiya is said to be a life-changing experience for devotees.
11. Mirisawetiya Stupa
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 Built by King Dutugemunu at the site where he placed the Buddha’s relics during battle.
Why Visit:
This temple symbolizes devotion in action. Visit here for blessings of courage, victory, and righteous leadership.
12. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 A marvel of Buddhist architecture and relic enshrinement, believed to contain the largest collection of relics.
Why Visit:
A heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Majestic, massive, and miraculous. Worship here for the ultimate spiritual merit and inner peace.
13. Jetavanaramaya Stupa
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 Once the tallest stupa in the world. It symbolizes both monastic discipline and royal patronage.
Why Visit:
Feel the monumental power of ancient engineering and monastic ambition. A powerful site to reflect on the strength of the Dharma.
14. Abhayagiriya Monastery
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 A center for international Buddhist learning and meditation.
Why Visit:
Explore ruins where monks once debated Buddhist philosophy and practiced deep meditation. Ideal for those seeking knowledge and spiritual depth.
15. Thuparamaya Stupa
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 The first stupa built after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Enshrines the Buddha’s collarbone.
Why Visit:
Small but powerful. A historical treasure that connects you to the very moment Buddhism took root in Sri Lanka.
16. Lankarama Stupa
🗺️ Anuradhapura
📜 Built in the 1st century BCE, this site completes the Solosmasthana trail—symbolizing the spiritual completeness of the journey.
Why Visit:
The final stop of the sacred circuit. Visit Lankarama to complete your spiritual journey and reflect on the wholeness of the Dharma.
Final Reflection
To walk the path of the Buddha is not only to visit ruins or admire stupas—it is to reflect, to breathe, and to realize the sacred within. The Solosmasthana trail offers more than history; it offers transformation.
Whether you begin at the mighty Sri Pada or end your pilgrimage under the ancient Bodhi trees of Anuradhapura, may your heart carry the blessings of this holy land.
🌍 Plan Your Full Solosmasthana Trail
✨ Download your Solosmasthana Travel Map
✨ Access site-by-site hotel/accommodation blocks
✨ Read our evidence series challenging the mainstream narrative
✨ Explore AI-rendered historical reconstructions of each sacred site