Kandarodai , Jaffna
About Kandarodai
Kantharodai Viharaya is a place where you can spot the famous dagobas (stupas) in a town which is famous for its Hindu architecture. Located near Chunnakam and near to the Jaffna town, you can find numerous dome shaped stone structures here, varying in their size, the largest being 12ft in diameter. At some places it is mentioned that you can find almost 60 stupas at this spot!
Nestled between the Palmyra trees, this place was first discovered by Dr. Paul E. Pieris in 1916. The history of the pagodas and the items found during the excavation adds to the mysteriousness of this place. Some people claim that this site was used as ancient burial site for around 60 senior Tamil monks, hence the 60 stupas found here.
This was the first site to be excavated by the Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka, and many treasures were found buried beneath this place. It also serves as symbol of harmony between the Buddhist and the Hindu culture in Sri Lanka since the local people believe this spot was used by Tamil monks as religious site.
The Kantharodai Viharaya is one of the few places which show that Buddhism was older than almost all other religions in this area. It deserves a visit for its deep rooted history and the mysteriousness attached to this place.
Location & Places to Visit on Kandarodai Map
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Places to Visit near Kandarodai
Nilavarai Bottomless Well, Northern Province
8.1 km from Kandarodai - See map
As suggested by its name, Nilavarai Bottomless Well is famous for being bottomless, though it is not literally bottomless. It is just called so...
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Keerimalai Hot Springs, Northern Province
10.7 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Keerimalai Hot Spring is a natural spring lying on the northern coats of Jaffna, next to the weat sea of Palaly. A bathing tank is built...
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Naguleswaram Temple, Northern Province
10.7 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Naguleswaram Temple located close the Keerimalai Hot Spring, is also called as Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil. This temple is dedicated to Lord...
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Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Northern Province
11.1 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Nallur Kandaswamy temple, standing in the town of Nallur, Jaffna is a very important Hindu temple located in Sri Lanka. This temple is...
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Jaffna Fort, Northern Province
11.6 km from Kandarodai - See map
Jaffna Fort, the second biggest Dutch fort built in Sri Lanka, is an archaeological monument, situated on the South side of the Jaffna peninsula....
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Dambakola Patuna Sangamiththa Temple, Northern Province
12.3 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Damakola Patuna is a very significant Buddhist religious destination, which is also called as Jambukola Patuna. It is an ancient port in the...
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Casuarina Beach, Jaffna, Northern Province
19.6 km from Kandarodai - See map
Considered as one of the best beaches in Jaffna, the Casuarina Beach happens to be named so because of the abundance of Casuarina trees found at...
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Neduntheevu (Delft Island), Northern Province
*27.9 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Neduntheevu, sometimes known as Neduntivu is the largest island falling in the Palk Strait in the northern parts of Sri Lanka. This is known...
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Kilaaly Beach, Northern Province
41.9 km from Kandarodai - See map
White sands, salty ocean breeze and calm sea waves make Kilaaly Beach or Kilali Beach is a lovely place for visitors to relax. The lesser known...
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Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya, Northern Province
44 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Nagadipa Purana Vihara, houses the famous Rajayathana Stupa which is being worshiped since the 1st Century AD. This place is among one of the...
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Elephant Pass, Jaffna, Northern Province
56.9 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Elephant Pass holds great significance for the country since it is located on the isthmus which connects the island to Sri Lanka’s main...
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Murikandy Pillayar Temple, Northern Province
81.4 km from Kandarodai - See map
The Murikandy Pillayar temple conveys its importance from its name. Confused? In Tamil, Muri means break, Kandy is the Kandy city in Sri Lanka and...
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