Kalutara Bodhiya
A large hollow stupa beside the Kalu river bridge at Kalutara, painted inside, with a sacred bo tree beside it.
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The stupa at Kalutara stands right beside the road and rail bridges over the Kalu Ganga, and it is unusual in being hollow: visitors walk inside the dome, where the interior is painted with murals of the Buddha's life and there is a second small stupa within. The bo tree beside it is held to be grown from a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi. Every bus crossing the bridge slows for passengers to drop coins into collection boxes, a habit so established that the boxes are emptied several times a day and the takings fund the temple.
What you actually see
- The hollow dome - a stupa that can be entered, painted inside.
- The murals - scenes from the Buddha's life around the interior.
- The bo tree - the sacred tree beside the stupa.
- The bridge coins - the tradition of donations from passing vehicles.
When to go
December to March is the driest. Poya days bring worshippers. The site is open through the day.
Honest expectations
Traffic on the bridge beside it is heavy and constant. Shoes must be removed and the terrace gets hot. The visit takes half an hour.
Nearby
Kalutara town surrounds it, and Bentota is south.
What to pack for Kalutara Bodhiya
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
