Hidden among rocky hills in Ridigama, just outside Kurunegala town, the Ridi Viharaya or “Silver
Temple” is one of Sri Lanka’s most spiritually significant and artistically beautiful temples.
Built during the reign of King Dutugemunu (2nd century BC), it is said that this is the place where a silver
vein was discovered to fund the construction of the great Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura — hence the
name “Ridi” meaning silver.
Today, the temple is both a pilgrimage site and heritage treasure, featuring ancient murals, stone
Buddha statues, and calm cave shrines surrounded by nature.
- Main Cave Shrine 🕉️: Home to a large reclining Buddha 🗿 and stunning Kandyan-era wall paintings 🎨.
- Silver Cave (Ridi Gala) 💰: The rock where silver was found 🪨, now turned into a shrine 🙏.
- Stupas & Image Houses 🏛️: Walk through the temple grounds 🚶♀️ to see ancient dagobas ⚪ and carvings 🖼️.
- Panoramic Viewpoint 🔭: Enjoy scenic views 🏞️ of Ridigama valley 🌾 and forested hills 🌳.
- From Kurunegala Town 🏘️: 30 minutes ⏱️ by car 🚗 or tuk-tuk 🚕 via Ridigama Road 🛣️.
- From Colombo 🏙️: About 2½ hours ⏳ by car 🚘 (take A6 highway 🛣️ via Kurunegala 📍).
- From Kandy 🏔️: Around 1½ hours ⏱️ via Katugastota–Alawwa route 🗺️.
- Dress modestly 👚👖 (shoulders and knees covered) 🙏.
- Remove shoes 👟🚫 and hats 🎩🚫 before entering shrines 🕉️.
- Photography is allowed 📸, but avoid using flash inside cave murals 🚫✨.
- Bring water 💧 — there are several stairs and pathways to explore 🪜🚶♀️.
- 7:30 AM 🕖 – Depart Kurunegala 🚗 to Ridigama 🗺️.
- 8:00 AM 🕗 – Visit Ridi Viharaya cave temples 🏛️🧘.
- 9:00 AM 🕘 – Explore surrounding forest 🌳 and stupas ⚪.
- 10:00 AM 🕙 – Breakfast or tea in Ridigama town 🍳☕.
