Written by Muhammad Thahir · Sources checked 4 November 2026
The most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka are the five ancient Shiva temples known as the Pancha Ishwarams, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna and the multi-faith shrines of Kataragama. Colombo and the hill country also have large kovils. Visitors are welcome at most temples outside the inner shrine, with shoes off and modest dress.
The Pancha Ishwarams
Five coastal Shiva temples, each associated with a different part of the island. Hinduism Today describes them as shrines that guard the coastline on all sides.
| Temple | Location | Fits a route through |
|---|---|---|
| Naguleswaram | Keerimalai, north of Jaffna | The Jaffna peninsula |
| Koneswaram | Swami Rock, Trincomalee | The east coast |
| Ketheeswaram | Near Mannar | Mannar and the north-west |
| Munneswaram | Near Chilaw | The west coast, close to the airport |
| Tondeswaram | Dondra, on the south coast | Mirissa and Tangalle |
Other major Hindu temples
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Jaffna’s great Murugan temple, famous for its annual festival. See our Nallur festival guide.
Kataragama
A shrine to the god Skanda shared with Buddhists and Muslims. Read our Kataragama festival guide.
Matale
The Sri Muthumariamman temple, with a tall gopuram covered in painted figures, on the Kandy to Dambulla road.
Colombo
Granite and painted kovils in Kotahena, Sea Street and Bambalapitiya, close to the city’s heritage walk.
How to visit a Hindu temple
- Shoes: leave them outside the temple gate.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees. At some temples, including Nallur, men remove their shirts.
- Inner shrine: the innermost sanctum may be closed to visitors. Follow the lead of local worshippers.
- Puja: rituals take place several times a day. Watching quietly is welcome.
- Photos: ask first. Many temples do not allow photography inside.
Local planning noteSeveral of these temples also lie on the Ramayana trail. Our Ramayana tour guide shows a route that includes Munneswaram and Koneswaram.
More cultural ideas are in ways to explore Sri Lanka’s culture.
Plan a temple route
Tell us which temples matter most to you. Our tailor-made team can sequence them with puja times and festival days.
Hindu temple questions
What are the Pancha Ishwarams?
They are five ancient Shiva temples around Sri Lanka’s coast: Naguleswaram near Jaffna, Koneswaram in Trincomalee, Ketheeswaram near Mannar, Munneswaram near Chilaw and Tondeswaram at Dondra in the south.
Can tourists visit Hindu temples in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at most kovils if they remove their shoes and dress modestly. The innermost shrine may be closed to non-devotees, and some temples ask men to remove their shirts.
Which is the most famous Hindu temple in Sri Lanka?
The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna and Koneswaram in Trincomalee are the best known. Nallur is famous for its annual festival, while Koneswaram stands on a clifftop above the sea.
Featured photo: Thilina Alagiyawanna / Pexels. Hindu temple in Matale; illustrative destination photograph.
