A 14th-century rock temple in Udunuwara near Kandy built under King Bhuvanekabahu IV, with a 14-metre Buddha shrine carved into a granite outcrop and notable Kandyan frescoes.
Duration
30-45 minutes
Entry Fee
$1 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
budget
Lankatilaka Vihara was built in 1344 AD during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV and stands on a granite outcrop at Udunuwara, 6 kilometres south-west of Kandy. The temple's main shrine room is built around a large seated Buddha image approximately 14 metres tall, with the surrounding walls covered in Kandyan-period frescoes depicting celestial beings, musicians, and guards. The exterior is notable for its 4-storey facade with arched niches containing devale shrines to four guardian deities. Stone inscriptions at the site record the dedication of villages to the temple by the king. The structure is built directly on the granite rock, which forms the floor of parts of the interior. It is one of three major medieval temples in the Udunuwara area, together with Embekke Devale and Gadaladeniya.
Combine with Embekke Devale (2km away) for a Kandyan medieval heritage half-day.
Remove shoes on arrival; modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) required.
The temple is active — monks live on the grounds. Visit respectfully and avoid loud conversation near the shrine rooms.
Entry fee is minimal (LKR 100-300 donation); confirm locally on arrival.
Best time of day: Year-round; January to April for dry weather
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Embekke Devale
A 14th-century Hindu-Buddhist devale in Udunuwara near Kandy, renowned for its intricately carved wooden pillars depicting wrestlers, peacocks, and mythological figures.
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