Nalanda Gedige

Nalanda Gedige is a stone shrine of uncertain religious affiliation built between the 7th and 9th centuries, combining architectural elements of both Hindu Dravidian temple design and Mahayana Buddhist iconography. The building is constructed entirely from cut granite blocks without mortar, using tongue-and-groove joinery. The exterior walls display tantric carvings of considerable detail, which are unusual in Sri Lankan religious architecture. The shrine was originally located in the Nalanda valley but was relocated stone by stone to higher ground in the 1980s to avoid submersion by the Kalu Ganga reservoir. The site is managed by the Central Cultural Fund and sits beside a small lake, 23 kilometres south of Dambulla. Entry is included under the Cultural Triangle UNESCO ticket or charged separately.