A 14th-century temple built on top of a great rock outcrop southwest of Kandy, reached by a flight of steps. Its tall brick shrine houses a standing Buddha and some of the best surviving medieval murals in the hill country. The building looks out over rice fields, which is much of its appeal. It ranks among Kandy's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one.
What It Is
Climb the rock steps, leave your shoes at the door, and step into a tall dim shrine where a standing Buddha rises out of the dark and the old paintings glow on the walls.
Why Visit
A dramatic hilltop temple with medieval murals, away from the crowds of central Kandy. That puts it near the top of any Kandy visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Embekke Devalaya and Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Kandy. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
More on Kandy
It is one entry in our list of things to do in Kandy. The Kandy guide covers transport, costs and when to go.
We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
