Explore historic Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya
Bentota, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Temple has stairs; limited wheelchair access.
Temple has stairs; limited wheelchair access.
Value for money
High
Free entry and a rich cultural experience is a great
Free entry and a rich cultural experience is a great
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Serene Atmosphere
Couples loved the peaceful setting, perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying the culture.
Historical Beauty
The ancient carvings and murals offered couples a glimpse into Sri Lanka's past.
Cultural Insight
Visitors felt the temple offered a profound spiritual experience and cultural immersion.
Limited Access
Some couples found parts of the temple were occasionally locked and inaccessible.
Modest Attire
Visitors had to remember the modest dress code, which may be inconvenient.
Remote Location
The location, while serene, required a bit of effort to reach for some couples.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
24-30°C
December in Bentota features warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. Daytime temperatures average around 29.7°C, with nighttime temperatures around 24.4°C. The month experiences approximately 10 to 16.5 rainy days, with total rainfall ranging from 93mm to 180mm. Sunshine hours are around 7.1 per day, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
December in Bentota features warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. Daytime temperatures average around 29.7°C, with nighttime temperatures around 24.4°C. The month experiences approximately 10 to 16.5 rainy days, with total rainfall ranging from 93mm to 180mm. Sunshine hours are around 7.1 per day, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance bookings are recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance bookings are recommended.
Recommended
December is a popular time to visit Bentota, offering warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. The peak tourist season brings vibrant festivities and events, especially around the holidays. Visitors should be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices but can enjoy a lively atmosphere and favorable weather conditions for exploring the area.
December is a popular time to visit Bentota, offering warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. The peak tourist season brings vibrant festivities and events, especially around the holidays. Visitors should be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices but can enjoy a lively atmosphere and favorable weather conditions for exploring the area.
January
HIGH
23-30°C
January in Bentota features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
January in Bentota features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Open
No specific restrictions, but early booking is recommended due to high demand.
No specific restrictions, but early booking is recommended due to high demand.
Recommended
With favorable weather and vibrant tourist activity, January is an excellent month to visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya in Bentota.
With favorable weather and vibrant tourist activity, January is an excellent month to visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya in Bentota.
February
HIGH
24-31°C
February continues the trend of warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing pleasant conditions for visitors.
February continues the trend of warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing pleasant conditions for visitors.
Open
High demand may limit availability; advance reservations are advisable.
High demand may limit availability; advance reservations are advisable.
Recommended
The combination of favorable weather and cultural events makes February a popular time to explore Bentota's historic sites.
The combination of favorable weather and cultural events makes February a popular time to explore Bentota's historic sites.
March
MEDIUM
25-31°C
March experiences slightly higher temperatures and a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for tourism.
March experiences slightly higher temperatures and a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for tourism.
Open
Greater availability of accommodations and services as the peak season winds down.
Greater availability of accommodations and services as the peak season winds down.
Recommended
March offers a balance of good weather and reduced crowds, making it a favorable time to visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya.
March offers a balance of good weather and reduced crowds, making it a favorable time to visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya.
How to get there
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available for direct transport to the temple from Bentota and Aluthgama.
Walking
Recommended
Walking is a viable option for those staying in close proximity to the temple.
Bus
Public buses connect to Bentota, with a tuk-tuk ride needed to reach the temple.
Car
The temple is accessible by car via the Colombo-Galle main road, with parking available on-site.
Train
The Bentota Railway Station is approximately 4 kilometers from the temple; a tuk-tuk ride is needed to reach the temple.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required