The Kataragama Devalaya in Badulla is a historic shrine that beautifully represents Sri Lanka’s religious
harmony.
Dedicated to the powerful deity Kataragama Deviyo, worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus, this
temple is a place where faith, devotion, and culture unite.
Located close to the Muthiyangana Temple, it is one of the oldest Kataragama shrines outside of
southern Sri Lanka.
Travelers love its peaceful setting, stone carvings, and colorful annual festivals that bring the town alive
with music, lights, and traditional rituals.
- Main Shrine 🙏✨: Dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo — believed to bless devotees with courage, love, and protection ❤️🛡️
- Buddhist Shrine Area 🏯🌳: Features traditional dagobas and ancient bodhi trees beside the Hindu shrine, showing harmony between faiths 🤝💡
- Ritual Offerings 🕯️🌸: Watch devotees light oil lamps, offer fruit trays, and tie prayer threads for blessings 🍎✅
- Temple Drums & Chants 🎶🥁: Listen to rhythmic drumbeats and devotional songs during morning and evening pooja ceremonies 🎵😌
- Cultural Photography 📸🎨: Capture vibrant temple colors and architecture surrounded by lush gardens 🌿🤩
- From Badulla Town 📍🚶♂️: 5–10 minutes on foot from the main bus stand or Muthiyangana Temple 🚌💨
- From Ella 🗺️🚗: About 1 hour by car or scenic train ride 🚂🛤️
- From Haputale 🧭⏱️: 1.5 hours by road or train via Bandarawela 🛣️✅
- By Train 🚉🛺: The nearest station is Badulla Railway Station, located about 2 km away 💡👍
- Dress Code 👗🙏: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) 🤫✅
- Offerings 🍎🌸: Bring offerings such as flowers or fruits — available at nearby stalls 💐💡
- Pooja Timing 🔔🕰️: Visit during evening pooja (around 6:30 PM) for a truly spiritual experience ✨😌
- Photography Respect 📸🤝: Be respectful when photographing rituals — ask permission if unsure 🔇👍
- Combine Visit 🗺️🏯: Combine this stop with nearby Muthiyangana Temple for a full cultural tour 🧭✅
- 7:30 AM – Arrival 📍🙏: Arrive at Kataragama Devalaya for morning rituals ✨✅
- 8:00 AM – Explore Shrines 🏯🚶♂️: Explore both the Buddhist and Hindu sections of the temple 🤝💡
- 8:30 AM – Offerings 🕯️🌸: Offer flowers or light an oil lamp for blessings 😌👍
- 9:00 AM – Refreshments ☕😋: Enjoy tea or snacks at a local shop nearby 🥤🏡
- 9:30 AM – Next Destination 🧭🗺️: Continue your journey to Dunhinda Falls or Ella town 🏞️✨
