Kandy Temple Trail
Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.
Area
Kandy and the Hill Country
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Embekke Devale dates back to the 14th Century and is dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, the guardian deity of Sri Lanka and Buddhism, but also the Hindu god of War. The temple is most well known for its intricately carved pillars, with each featuring a different design including swans, dragons, soldiers, and even an elephant fighting a lion.
Built on a rock outcrop, Lankathilaka rises dramatically out of the jungle. The temple is reached by a flight of stairs cut into the side of a hill. In another demonstration of the fusion between Hinduism and Buddhism, a huge Buddha is seated before Hindu-influenced deities, and the exterior wall has small shrines dedicated to Kataragama, Vishnu, Vibhishana and Saman.
Gadaladeniya was built in the same year as Lankathilaka - 1344. Like Lankathilaka, Gadaladeniya has a combination of shrines devoted to both Buddhism and Hinduism.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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Ceylon Tea Trails
Walk among emerald hills at Ceylon Tea Trails, where restored tea-planters’ bungalows, bespoke service and rich plantation heritage invite you to slow down, savour exquisite teas and live the timeless rhythm of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
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Nine Skies
Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.
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Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa Kandy
Capture the peace and serenity of Sri Lanka with a stay at award-winning Aarunya, an exclusive collection of private pool villas overlooking the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, enjoying world class hospitality, superb cuisine, and dreamy spa.
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View AccommodationKings Pavilion Kandy
Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the centre of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.
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View AccommodationRosyth Estate
Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.
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View AccommodationW15 Hanthana Estate Kandy
Recapture the nostalgia of the plantation era at this colonial bungalow set amid the tea plantations and lush green forests of the Hanthana Hills, enjoying the timeless elegance of the décor, butler service, pool, tennis court and drinks on the veranda.
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View AccommodationThotalagala
Thotalagala is a former 19th century plantation bungalow which has been lovingly converted into a luxurious boutique hotel in the east of the hill country.
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View AccommodationSantani Wellness Kandy
Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.
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View AccommodationStone House Kandy
Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalised service.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceKandy by tuk tuk
Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.
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View ExperienceTrekking in the Knuckles Range
This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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View ExperienceAdventure activities on the Kelani River
Experience an exciting combined rafting and canyoning adventure upstream from Kitulgala on the Kelani River, tackling Class II and III rapids, jungle hiking, jumping into plunge pools, and navigating waterslides, concluding with a delicious lunch.
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View ExperienceThe Pekoe Trail
Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by local a expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
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View ExperienceElla City Tour
Explore Ella with your chauffeur guide. Ella is blessed with some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular views. On this tour you will visit Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Cave and Bambaragala Park.
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View ExperienceExplore the Tea Plantations
During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.
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View ExperienceKandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
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View ExperienceGuided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the centre of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colourful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
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View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning