Lankatilaka
Temple
Historical Place
Cultural Attraction
Overview
Lankatilaka Raja Maha Viharaya is a majestic Buddhist temple situated in Udunuwara, just a short drive from Kandy. Historically, this remarkable structure was built during the 14th century by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of the Gampola Kingdom. Uniquely, the temple is constructed on an uneven natural rock surface known as Panhalgala. Furthermore, it is widely celebrated for its magnificent traditional Sinhalese architecture, which beautifully blends with Dravidian and Indo-Chinese design elements. Therefore, it stands as a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers exploring the Kandy district.
Location on Map
Things To See
What can we do ?
The temple complex offers a fascinating journey into ancient Sri Lankan artistry and religious harmony. Consequently, there are several engaging things to do during your visit:
Explore the Unique Architecture: First, visitors can admire the impressive brick building, which originally had four stories but now elegantly displays three.
Worship at the Main Shrine: Next, step inside to see the breathtaking colossal seated Buddha statue situated under a beautiful Makara Thorana (dragon arch).
View Ancient Paintings: Additionally, the interior walls and ceiling are adorned with intricate and vibrant paintings belonging to the Kandyan era.
Examine Rock Inscriptions: Moreover, you can find ancient rock inscriptions carved into the solid rock base, detailing the facilities provided to the temple by past kings.
Enjoy the Panoramic Views: Finally, since the temple sits atop a hill, it offers a stunning, serene view of the surrounding lush green landscape.
Which time best for visit ?
Visiting during the Early Morning (around 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM) or Late Afternoon is highly recommended. During these hours, the weather is pleasantly cool, and the stone pathways are comfortable to walk on. As a result, you can explore the grounds peacefully without the exhaustion of the midday heat. Moreover, the soft morning or evening sunlight provides the perfect natural lighting for capturing beautiful architectural photography.
Early Morning (Sunrise / Golden Hour)
Cool weather, soft light, fewer crowds
Late Afternoon (Sunset / Golden Hour)
Warm tones, scenic skies, ideal for photos
Midday
Not recommended due to heat and harsh sunlight
Early Morning (Sunrise / Golden Hour)
Cool weather, soft light, fewer crowds
Late Afternoon (Sunset / Golden Hour)
Warm tones, scenic skies, ideal for photos
Midday
Not recommended due to heat and harsh sunlight
How can we arrive?
Lankatilaka Temple is located about 15 kilometers away from Kandy city center. Therefore, it is quite easy to reach using standard transport methods.
By Bus
To begin with, you can take a bus heading towards Pilimathalawa or Kadugannawa from Kandy. Once you reach the Pilimathalawa junction, hire a tuk-tuk for the remaining 4-kilometer journey to the temple.
By TukTuk
Alternatively, hiring a tuk-tuk directly from Kandy is a popular and convenient choice. Generally, this direct scenic ride takes around 40 minutes depending on the traffic.
By Private Vehicle
Lastly, if you are driving, follow the A1 highway towards Pilimathalawa and turn onto the Daulagala road. Conveniently, ample parking is available near the entrance of the temple complex.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lankatilaka Temple special?
Primarily, it is famous for its massive and spectacular brick-built structure, which is considered one of the most magnificent architectural edifices created during the Gampola era. Additionally, it uniquely houses both Buddhist and Hindu shrines under one roof.
Is there an entrance fee?
Currently, foreign tourists are required to pay a reasonable entrance fee to access the historical site. Conversely, local visitors can enter free of charge, though voluntary donations are always welcomed for the temple's maintenance.
Can we visit other places near Lankatilaka?
Absolutely! Lankatilaka is closely located to two other famous 14th-century historical sites. Therefore, visitors usually combine this trip with visits to the Gadaladeniya Temple and the Embekke Devalaya (famous for intricate wood carvings) on the exact same day.
