heritage · Northern
Madukanda Vihara — Vavuniya
Cover photo: Yang Liu (Unsplash)
- District
- Vavuniya
- Province
- Northern
- Best for
- Buddhist pilgrims; ancient temple linked to the Tooth Relic story
About this place
Old forest temple south of Vavuniya town, traditionally counted among the resting places of the Tooth Relic. Visit in the morning with covered shoulders and knees; combine with nearby tank bunds. Hire a tuk-tuk as buses are infrequent.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Old forest temple and recognised archaeological site, traditionally counted among the Tooth Relic's resting places (Sri Dalada Viharaya).
- Visit in the morning with covered shoulders and knees; remove shoes and hats.
- Quiet monastic setting - keep voices down, ask before photographing monks or rituals.
- Hire a tuk-tuk; buses are infrequent and the site is off the main road.
- Combine with nearby tank bunds on the same outing.
How to travel there
Forest temple off the Horowpothana road south/east of Vavuniya town; hire a tuk-tuk as buses are infrequent.
Where to stay
Stay in Vavuniya town (budget hotels and guesthouses); Madukanda is a morning excursion.
Nearby places
Vavuniya Kulam and tank bunds, Vavuniya Archaeological Museum, Vavuniya town
Comments & tips