Ambakke Viharaya

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 found on the capital pillars throughout the temple. These are the Hansa Puttuwa and double headed eagles, soldier fighting on horseback, bird with human figure, combination of elephant-bull and elephant-lion, female dancing figures and others.
Also noticeable is the interesting shape given to the squares, which take the form of a square from which a leaf like figure emerges. The temple consists of the main sanctum, the Diggie and the Drummer’s Hall, each having a specific role to play in the entire scheme of things, so to say.
The Ambakke Viharaya, also recognized by the UNESCO for its splendid woodwork, combines the best of art and architecture in wood, and offers to the travelers a first class journey into the medieval carpentry in Sri Lanka.