Bahirawakanda Vihara: The Guardian of Kandy

Perched on a hill overlooking the city of Kandy, the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the hill capital. The 88-foot tall white Buddha statue in the 'Dhyana Mudra' (meditation pose) can be seen from almost anywhere in Kandy.

A Peak of Peace

The name 'Bahirawakanda' means 'Gnome Hill' and is associated with ancient legends. The modern temple was built in 1972 and has since become a major religious and tourist destination. The statue itself is hollow, and visitors can climb a flight of stairs to the upper levels for even more impressive views.

The Best View in Kandy

From the base of the statue, you can see:

The Entire Kandy City: The lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the Bogambara stadium.

Mountain Ranges: The Hantana and Knuckles mountain ranges in the distance.

Night view: The city lights reflecting in the lake at night is a breathtaking sight.

Travel and Access

Distance: 104 km from BIA.

Logistics: The road to the top of the hill is steep and narrow. A reliable car rental will take you right to the entrance, saving you a strenuous walk up the hill.