Information
Landmark: Lankatilaka TempleCity: Kandy
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
The Lankatilaka Temple, or Lankatilaka Vihara, rises in graceful stone and vivid frescoes from the hills of Udunuwara, just outside Kandy, where it has stood since the 14th century.Famed for its striking architecture, detailed carvings, and deep spiritual meaning, this temple rises as a living testament to Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural and religious heritage.It stands as one of the finest examples of Sinhalese temple design from the Gampola Kingdom era, with elegant stone carvings worn smooth by centuries of touch.Perched on a rocky outcrop about 12 kilometers southwest of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Lankatilaka Temple was built in 1344 AD under King Buwanekabahu IV, with South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar blending Sinhalese, Dravidian, and South Indian styles into its design; dedicated to Lord Buddha yet housing shrines to Vishnu, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Shiva, it reflects the harmony between Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the Gampola era, its carved stone walls and vivid murals-some telling Jataka tales-glowing in the afternoon light as the Makara Thorana guards the entrance and a weathered rock inscription records the temple’s history for those who pause to read it.You can reach nearby towns by public bus, then take a quick stroll or hop in a tuk-tuk to the temple.It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entry at about 500 LKR for foreign visitors, while locals enter free or for a small donation.Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cool air and a calm, almost hushed atmosphere.Dress modestly-shoulders and knees covered-and leave your shoes at the door.Wander through intricate stone carvings, study the vivid murals that tell Buddhist stories, and pause to take in sweeping views of paddy fields and the Hanthana mountains.Photographers will love the vibrant colors and fine details, and those seeking quiet can meditate beneath the temple’s high, echoing ceilings.Nearby, explore Gadaladeniya Temple, the woodwork at Embekke Devalaya, or the lush Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.Keep your voice low, ask before photographing worshippers or the Buddha statue, and consider hiring a local guide to uncover the temple’s long and storied past-Lankatilaka is more than a place of worship; it’s a living masterpiece of Sri Lanka’s Gampola Kingdom.With its seamless mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences, set against a hillside where prayer flags stir in the breeze and every carving catches the light, it’s a place you can’t miss when exploring Kandy’s rich cultural heart and the wonders nearby.
