Nalanda Gedige (Central point of Sri Lanka)

An ancient building representing an old architectural style. Considered as the geographical center of Sri Lanka. Located couple of kilometers away from A9 and can be easily reached by any vehicle. According to the guardian, whole building has been dissolved and re-assembled in a higher altitude due to the Bowatenna reservoir project. A place with a historical value which is worthwhile to have a visit.

This place considers as the center point of the island. Completely made by granite blocks and there are wonderful fine stone carvings. This has very unique architecture and location also unique. It is not far from A9 road and you can visit it on the way to Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Easy to find just off the main road. Fabulous to visit as I was passing by. So much history and geographical significance. So glad I was able to visit.
Staff working there were very helpful. Took snaps of me and lent me two chiffon scarves to cover my shoulders and legs (as I was wearing skort and vest).

Free to enter and interesting history. Good view of the lake and mountain behind it. There’s also a very small museum with some original building stones.

Worth seeing on the way from Dambulla to Kandy.

It’s an ancient temple built on the center point of Sri Lanka. Entrance is free of charge. The main three things here are the image house, the stupa and the boo tree. Image house is the main attraction of the place. The place is sourranded by a water reservoir and therefor the wind is refreshing. There was a person from the Department of Archaeology who explained the importance of the place. The villagers belive that this temple was built to harness the great power of the center point of the island. The Archaeology person told us that some people visit the place and stays there for days meditating.

Both Nalanda Gedige and the central point of Sri Lanka exist here. Built time is not quite sure. However the timeline lays in between 6th and 8th centuries. Pallawa architectural tradition had been adopted to build this. An obvious place to visit.

Arrived this morning. Temple at Centre of Sri Lanka. About 1200 years old.
Temple and small Stupa.
Free parking and entry. Lady in archaeology room very nice. Explained about site.
Nice and peaceful next to lake.
Worth a look. It's only about 2 mins off main road to Kandy.

This temple was totally made of stones. This isn't the original geographical center of Sri Lanka.
Historical story- In 1970, the Bowathenna reservoir was to be constructed under Mahaweli cinstruction movement. At that time a paddy fields were spreaded around the Gedige. When the reservior was filled with water,the land of Nalanda Gedige was going to be submerged. So this structure was removed from the original place and rebuild at this location.
This has an influence of Pallawa. If you visit here, do not forget to observe the roof made in the form of a peak. Entrance designed like a buddhist temple (including Sandakadapahana, Korawakgala and steps), standing buddha statue, carving depliciting sexual gestures, granite door, the stupa and museum.
Open at 7.00 a.m. and close at 5.00 p.m.

Nalanda gedige is ancient complete stone temple near Matale, Sri Lanka and its original site is considered the geographical centre of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries with dravidian architecture in (Pallava style) and is believed to have been used by Buddhists.

No need to buy tickets to visit here. But you can contribute a place by buying something from its information center. And there are washrooms facilities also.

Apparently the geographical centre point of Sri Lanka, Nalanda Gedige is quite a tranquil place to be in, with just a handful of visitors. A 1000-year old Buddhist shrine with a lot of greenery all around.

Nalanda Gedige, located in Matale, Sri Lanka, stands at the central point of the island. This historical gem offers free admission and ample parking, making it accessible to all. The precise craftsmanship of our ancestors is evident in its design, making it a must-visit destination to admire their brilliance. 👌👌 Protect this place 😀

Marked as the central point of Sri Lanka, place consists of a buddha shrine, a stupa and a boo tree. No entrance fee is needed. When visiting it's advised to avoid wearing shorts, and they provide cloths to cover yourselves if needed at no cost. Place is open from 7.00AM to 5.00PM.

Middle of the Sri Lanka located in centered of the Bowatenna Reservoir. Nice, clean and calm place.. No crowded when I visited last time. There is light breeze coming from the reservoir. You should visit this place when visiting the Sri Lanka.

Nice place to visit if you are in the route dambulla- matale. Has historical value. No tickets needed. Ancient temple and dagoba in there. Please keep your shoes somewhere safe as the monkeys take your shoes if you keep them open 😄

Well maintained place in Sri Lanka. That place have knowledge people on history about that place. Please ask them and they will tell you old story without any hesitation

A majestic monument. Serene environment. A reflection of the ancient Sri Lankan culture.

A must visit place. Considered the center of Sri Lanka. Originally it was located on the land which now consists of a Reservoir. It was moved piece by piece and reconstructed on the current site which for me is an engineering marvel considering it was done in 1970s. Place is well kept. Entrance is free. Washroom and other basic facilities are available.

Center point of sri lanka.Nalanda gedige is an ancient complete stone temple.

Known as the central point of Sri Lanka, Nalanda Gedige is a site of ancient buddhist temple built around 1000AD under a Hindu influence. Ruins of a pagoda can be seen next to the Gedige.
It’s a very serene area with a large lake surrounding the area.

Nalanda Gedige is located in Matale district in Sri Lanka. This place is considered as the center point of Sri Lanka. This historical structure was constructed in 8th - 10th century. But due to the construction of bowathenna reservoir, this has reerected using the same material used in the old structure as it was going to be submerged. This buddhist image house consists of south indian Pallava architectural features. There is a museum near this place which provides lots of information regarding the history. Entrance to this place is free.