Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue | Kandy

The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a large, seated Buddha statue located on a hill overlooking Kandy, Sri Lanka.

It is a prominent religious and tourist site, offering panoramic views of the surrounding city and landscape.

Visual Characteristics

The statue is constructed from concrete and painted white. It depicts the Buddha in a meditative pose, with his right hand resting on his knee and his left hand in his lap. The statue stands approximately 26 meters (85 feet) tall. The base of the statue is a multi-tiered structure that houses a small temple and shrine.

Location & Access Logistics

The statue is situated on Bahirava Kanda hill, approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of the Kandy city center. Access is via a paved road that branches off from Rajapihilla Mawatha. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Kandy to reach the site. There is a dedicated parking area at the base of the statue. Public bus routes do not directly service the statue; however, buses to the city center can be used, followed by a taxi or tuk-tuk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the statue began in 1972 and was completed in 1993. It was commissioned by the Bahiravokanda Vihara Temple. The purpose was to create a significant Buddhist landmark and a place of worship. The hill itself is composed of metamorphic rock, typical of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend to the base of the statue for close-up views. Photography of the statue and the surrounding panorama is a primary activity. The temple at the base offers a space for quiet contemplation and prayer. The walk around the statue's platform provides unobstructed views of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the Hantana mountain range.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the statue. Limited shaded areas are present near the temple structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in this elevated location. Small food and drink vendors are typically present at the parking area, especially during peak tourist hours.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal photography lighting, early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) is recommended, as the sun provides softer illumination and avoids harsh shadows. The months of December to March generally offer drier weather. The statue is accessible year-round, with no specific tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

A local belief suggests that making a wish while looking directly into the Buddha's eyes will increase the likelihood of its fulfillment. The hill is also associated with the ancient deity Bahirava, from whom the hill derives its name, and local legends speak of offerings made to this deity in the past.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kandy Lake (0.8km East)
• Temple of the Tooth Relic (1.2km East)
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya (5.5km Southwest)
• Bahirawakanda Temple (0.1km North)
• Lakeside Adventist Hospital (1.5km Southeast)