Giant seated Buddha statue at Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo
Negombo travel guide

Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo: The Temple with the Dragon’s Mouth

By Nalin FernandoUpdated 5 Nov 20263 min read
Giant seated Buddha statue at Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo

In a town known for its Catholic churches, Angurukaramulla Temple is a colourful surprise. This Buddhist temple, also called Agurukaramulla Raja Maha Viharaya, is famous for its entrance: you walk in through the wide-open jaws of a giant dragon. Inside you will find a large Buddha statue and walls covered in murals. Here is what to expect.

Giant seated Buddha statue at Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo
The giant seated Buddha at Angurukaramulla Temple, framed by tiled pillars.
In this guide
  1. What makes the temple special?
  2. Where is it?
  3. Temple etiquette
  4. Best time to visit
  5. Make a day of it
  6. Frequently asked questions

What makes the temple special?

  • The dragon’s mouth entrance. The temple’s best-known feature is a huge dragon (makara) head with its mouth wide open. Visitors walk straight through it, and it makes a memorable photo.
  • The giant Buddha. A large seated Buddha statue, around 6 metres (20 feet) tall, sits in meditation.
  • Colourful murals. Walls and ceilings are painted with scenes from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist stories.
  • Old buildings. The temple grounds include the remains of an old library, and a painted panel above one shrine doorway carries the date 1858. The temple is often described as several centuries old, though its exact age is hard to confirm.
Painted Makara Thorana dragon arch inside Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo
The Makara Thorana: a dragon arch with guardian figures above a shrine doorway.
Ornate doorway dated 1858 leading to a Buddha shrine at Angurukaramulla Temple
Painted Buddha statue with guardian figures in an image house at Angurukaramulla Temple
Inside the image house: a doorway dated 1858 and painted Buddha statues.

Where is it?

The temple is on Temple Road in Negombo, a short tuk-tuk ride from the beach hotels and about 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Search “Angurukaramulla Temple” in Google Maps and show it to your driver.

Looking up at the giant Buddha statue under its canopy at Angurukaramulla Temple
Side view of the giant seated Buddha on its lotus base, Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo
The giant Buddha sits on a pink lotus base under a painted lotus ceiling.

Temple etiquette

Sri Lankan temples are active places of worship, and respectful behaviour matters:

  • Cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong or light scarf is handy.
  • Remove your shoes and hat before entering the temple buildings.
  • Never pose for a photo with your back to a Buddha statue, and do not touch the statues.
  • Keep your voice low and do not point your feet towards the Buddha when sitting.
  • Visible Buddha tattoos can cause offence; cover them up.
  • Leave a small donation if you can.
Curved white staircase with red steps in an old building at Angurukaramulla Temple
White clock tower topped with a Dharma wheel at Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo
A curved staircase in one of the old buildings, and the clock tower topped with a Dharma wheel.

Best time to visit

Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler. The stone floors can get very hot at midday, and you will be barefoot. Poya (full moon) days are busy with local worshippers dressed in white, which is a special sight, but quieter days are better for photos.

Statue of a monk in a white pavilion in front of a tiled-roof temple building, Angurukaramulla
A monk statue in a white pavilion in front of the tiled-roof temple buildings.

Make a day of it

Boat silhouetted against an orange sunset on Negombo Lagoon
End your temple day with sunset on the lagoon.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Angurukaramulla Temple?

Visitors usually leave a donation or pay a small fee. Bring some small notes.

What should I wear to the temple?

Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You will need to remove your shoes and hat.

How far is the temple from the airport?

About 10 km, a short drive from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Can I take photos inside?

Usually yes, but never with your back to the Buddha. Follow any signs and ask if unsure.

Nalin Fernando, founder of Boat Tours Sri Lanka

Written by

Nalin Fernando

Nalin is the founder of Boat Tours Sri Lanka, a Negombo-based social enterprise that runs boat tours on the Negombo Lagoon with local guides. Nalin plans the tour routes and writes these guides from first-hand time on the lagoon, in the mangroves and around Negombo town.

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