Kandy City

Asgiri Maha Viharaya is another one of Siyam Nikaya’s monastic centres. This is considered even older than the Malwathu Viharaya, having been founded in the 14th century by Commander Siriwardhana during the inquest of Parakramabahu IV of Kurunegala. Originally this structure was built to house the Buddhist monks (Bhikkhus) from Valasala hermitage in Yapahuva. The origin of the name Asgiri has a very interesting story as well. It was the translation of the name Valasala in to Pali language which made it in to Acchagiri, further translated to Sinhalese as Asgiri. There is another legend revolving around the origins of the nomenclature. The mother queen of Vikramabahu, Chandrawathie’s death and subsequent cremation at the Adahana Maluva (cremation ground) is said to have brought about theRead More

Located in the middle of the Gampola Kingdom, Ambuluwawa is a rock mountain discovered in the 14th century by the Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV. However it wasn’t put in to any use. Ambuluwawa is about 365 feet above sea level and 1965 feet from the level of Gampola town. It is famous for its bio diverse composition with about 200 different kinds of plants from 80 plant families. The soil is red and of the latezoic type, while a number of medicinal plants are also grown here, namely Iramusu, Muva Kiriya, and Nawa Handi. The entire place is richly diverse and variegated, comprising of ever green forests, blossomed flower plants as well creepers. They are said to be a principal reason behind the cool mountain air. Ambuluwawa is surrounded by other mountains such as Pidurutalagala on the EaRead More

Kandy has earned the reputation of being Sri Lanka’s temple city based on the numerous temples and shrines that form an integral part, lending it a unique character. The Ambakke Viharaya or the Embekke Devale is definitely counted as one of the temples, worth more than just a visit.  The Ambakke Viharaya deserves more of exploring and admiring than just a quick glance through. Located around 8 miles from the Kandy city center, the temple offers an excellent insight into the medieval style of architecture adopted in Sri Lanka. Some of the finest examples of wood carvings can be witnessed here, for instance, the mother and child carving at the entrance. Almost every nook and corner of the temple has been embellished with exemplary wooden carvings. Among the most notable ones are those fouRead More