Sandagiri Seya Stupa, Hanthana, Kandy

A peaceful hilltop retreat overlooking Kandy

Travel Sri Lanka with me, Stop #11

One of our goals during our recent visit to Sri Lanka was to explore places that offered not only beautiful views but also a sense of peace away from the crowds. Sandagiri Seya in Hanthana was one of those places.

We started our journey from Kandy in the morning, winding through the scenic roads of Hanthana. The drive itself was part of the experience, with lush green hills, fresh mountain air, and beautiful views appearing around almost every corner. If you're staying in Kandy, getting here is easy by tuk-tuk, taxi, or private vehicle.

As we approached the stupa, the first thing that caught my attention was its striking simplicity. The brilliant white dome stood against the blue sky, surrounded by the rolling hills of Hanthana. Despite being close to the city, the atmosphere felt calm and peaceful.

Unlike many of Sri Lanka's ancient stupas that date back hundreds or even thousands of years, Sandagiri Seya is a relatively new landmark. Construction began in 2017, the pinnacle was placed in 2021, and the stupa was officially consecrated in 2022. Today, it stands as the largest stupa in the Kandy District, perched high above the Hanthana hills.

I've come across comments from people who question the development of the site and express concerns about its impact on the surrounding landscape. Those conversations are part of a broader discussion that visitors can form their own opinions about.

For me personally, however, I genuinely enjoyed the visit. What stayed with me wasn't the size of the stupa, but the sense of peace I felt standing there, surrounded by the hills of Hanthana and the open sky. Sometimes a place doesn't need centuries of history to leave an impression.

If you decide to visit, my recommendation is to avoid busy Poya (full moon) days when the temple can become crowded with devotees. Instead, visit on a regular weekday, preferably early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is gentler. You'll be rewarded with cooler temperatures, beautiful light, fewer crowds, and a much quieter atmosphere to simply pause, reflect, and take in the surroundings.

Getting to Sandagiri Seya is fairly easy, and one thing I appreciated was that you can drive almost all the way to the stupa itself. If you're driving a smaller vehicle, you have the option of parking at the lower parking area or taking the narrow road to the left, which leads directly up to the stupa. On the day we visited, access was open, although I'm not sure whether vehicle access is restricted during busy Poya days or special religious events.

A small word of caution, the road leading up to the stupa is quite narrow, and it can be challenging for two vehicles to pass each other comfortably. If you're not confident driving on narrow hill roads, you may prefer to park below and enjoy the short walk instead. Either way, the peaceful surroundings and beautiful views make the journey worthwhile.

What We Loved

✔ The peaceful surroundings

✔ Beautiful views of the Hanthana mountain range

✔ Easy accessibility from Kandy

✔ A clean and well-maintained environment

✔ A perfect place to slow down and reflect

Tips for Your Visit

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light for photography.

• Dress respectfully, as this is a religious site.

• Bring water, especially on warmer days.

• Allow at least 30 - 60 minutes to walk around and enjoy the surroundings.

• Combine your visit with other Hanthana attractions if you're spending a full day in the area. Check out our next near by stop that we visited on the same day, the Hanthana Bird Park.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. While Sandagiri Seya may not be as famous as some of Sri Lanka's larger religious sites, its peaceful setting and beautiful location make it worth the visit. Sometimes the most memorable places are the ones that aren't crowded with tourists.

For me, this wasn't just a visit to a stupa. It was a reminder to slow down, appreciate the journey, and enjoy the simple beauty that Sri Lanka offers in so many unexpected places.

Have you visited Sandagiri Seya? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

📍 Location: Hanthana, Kandy, Sri Lanka