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Asgiri Maha Viharaya

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Asgiri Maha Viharaya

Asgiri Maha Viharaya

Asgiri Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist monastery located in Kandy. It is one of the two primary monasteries responsible for the care and guardianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Visitors go here to observe the monastic lifestyle and understand the administrative and spiritual structure of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Getting There

The monastery is situated within the city center of Kandy. It is accessible via a short tuk-tuk ride or a few minutes from the main town area, or a brief walk for those staying in central hotels.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately one to two hours to walk through the grounds and observe the architecture and monastic environment.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning is recommended to experience the quiet atmosphere of the monastery. Like many religious sites in Kandy, it can become crowded during major Buddhist festivals. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to respect the religious nature of the site.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central location, this site can be combined with other nearby landmarks:

  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy (0.4km)
  • Kandy Clock Tower (0.7km)
  • Temple of the Tooth Museum (0.8km)
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy (0.9km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Asgiri Maha Viharaya

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Asgiri Maha Viharaya Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Kandy 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Kandy 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy

This is the Roman Catholic diocese centered on Kandy. As part of the Archdiocese of Colombo, it forms one pillar of Sri Lanka's Catholic faith.

0.4 km away
Kandy Clock Tower

Views & landmarks

Kandy Clock Tower

A clock tower in the heart of Kandy and one of the city's iconic landmarks. It was built in 1950 by a merchant in memory of his deceased son.

0.7 km away
Temple of the Tooth Museum

Museums & galleries

Temple of the Tooth Museum

A museum housed in the first- and second-floor exhibition spaces of the Temple of the Tooth building. It's a great place to explore artifacts and records related to the temple and learn about the history of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth in depth.

0.8 km away
St. Paul's Church, Kandy

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

An Anglican church located on sacred ground west of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy's historic district. It's conveniently paired with a visit to the Temple.

0.9 km away
International Buddhist Museum

Museums & galleries

International Buddhist Museum

The world's first international Buddhist museum, located next to the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy National Museum. It's housed in a British colonial-era building on the site of the former royal palace, adding to its historical significance.

1.0 km away
Royal Palace of Kandy

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Kandy

This palace served as the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until British colonial rule began in 1815. It preserves intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and murals in the traditional Kandyan style.

1.0 km away