In a town famous for its churches, Angurukaramulla Temple is a reminder of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Tucked into the streets east of the town centre, the temple — also known as Bodhirajaramaya — is said to be several centuries old, and it remains an active place of worship for the local Buddhist community.
The approach is unforgettable. The entrance takes the form of the open mouth of a makara, a mythical dragon-like creature common in South Asian temple art, whose teeth and fierce eyes are said to ward off evil. Stepping through the jaws, you enter a courtyard dominated by a large seated Buddha statue, around six metres tall and thought to have been installed in the 1980s.
Inside the shrine rooms, walls and ceilings are covered with brightly coloured paintings of Jataka tales — stories of the Buddha’s previous lives — alongside scenes of his path to enlightenment and figures from Sri Lankan history. The temple is also known for its old library building. It is a peaceful, colourful place, best visited in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler and worshippers come to make offerings.
Top things to do at Angurukaramulla Temple
Walk through the dragon’s mouth
The makara entrance is the temple’s most famous feature and a favourite photo spot. Take a moment to look at the detail of the carving before you step inside.
See the seated Buddha
The large seated Buddha statue, around six metres tall, dominates the temple grounds. Visitors are welcome to sit quietly nearby — avoid posing with your back to the statue for photos.
Study the Jataka murals
The shrine rooms are covered with paintings depicting stories of the Buddha’s past lives. A guide or a monk may be able to explain some of the scenes if you ask.
Watch the offerings
Local worshippers bring flowers, incense and oil lamps as offerings, especially in the morning, the evening and on Poya (full moon) days. It is a calm, moving scene if you watch quietly.
Combine with a city tour
The temple is a regular stop on tuk-tuk city tours of Negombo, which pair it with St Mary’s Church, the fish market and the Dutch fort for a rounded view of the town’s cultures.
How to get to Angurukaramulla Temple
- The temple is in the Angurukaramulla area of Negombo, roughly 1–2 km east of the town centre and St Mary’s Church.
- From the Lewis Place/Porutota Road hotel strip, it is about 4–5 km; a tuk-tuk takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, and fares are modest — agree the price first.
- From the town centre you can walk in around 20–30 minutes, though a tuk-tuk is more comfortable in the heat.
- It features on most tuk-tuk city tours of Negombo, which include hotel pickup.
- Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees; a sarong or scarf can help.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering the temple buildings — the ground can be hot, so socks help in the middle of the day.
- Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue or touch the statues, and ask before photographing monks or worshippers.
- There may be a small entry fee or a request for a donation for foreign visitors; carry some small notes.
Best tours for Angurukaramulla Temple
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Angurukaramulla Temple and the rest of Negombo:
Tuk-tuk tour from $22 Negombo: Private City Tour by Tuk-Tuk with All Entry Fees
The best way to see Negombo in a single morning or afternoon, and the reason it tops our list. A private tuk-tuk collects you from your hotel and weaves through town to the places you would struggle to string together alone: the noisy Lellama fish market, the Dutch Fort and clock tower, the painted ceilings of St Mary’s Church, the giant Buddha at Angurukaramulla Temple and the colonial-era Hamilton Canal. Entry fees are covered, the pace is yours, and 236 reviews averaging 4.8 speak for the guides.
- Private tuk-tuk with your own driver-guide and hotel pickup available
- Lellama fish market, the Dutch Fort and the old clock tower
- St Mary’s Church, Angurukaramulla Temple and the Hamilton Canal
Best for: First-time visitors, short stopovers, couples and families
from US$22 per person
Tuk-tuk tour from $12 Negombo City Explorer Tour by Tuk-Tuk (Pickup Included)
If you want the full tuk-tuk experience without spending much, this is the one to book. Your driver collects you from your hotel and spends three and a half hours showing you Negombo’s highlights, from its colonial churches and colourful temples to the markets and the fishing quarter by the lagoon. Because it is private, you can linger where you like and skip what you don’t. Fifty-eight reviews and a perfect 5.0 suggest the budget price comes with no compromise on the welcome.
- Private tuk-tuk tour with hotel pickup included
- Churches, temples, markets and the lagoon-side fishing quarter
- Friendly local driver-guide with a perfect 5.0 rating
Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, solo travellers
from US$12 per person
Walking tour from $14 Negombo Heritage Walking Tour
Negombo is often called “Little Rome” for its many churches, and walking is the best way to understand why. This three-hour heritage tour takes you past grand colonial churches, the remains of the Dutch Fort, the old canal and the lively local markets, with a guide who fills in the story of the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras and the fishing community that shaped the town. It is inexpensive, gently paced and rated 4.8 by 29 walkers — ideal on your first day.
- Explore Negombo’s colonial churches on foot
- The Dutch Fort gateway and the historic canal
- Wander through local markets with a guide
Best for: History lovers, culture seekers, budget travellers
from US$14 per person
