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Nestled in the rolling hills of Sri Lanka's central highlands, Lankathilaka Viharaya is a masterpiece of ancient Buddhist architecture that showcases a blend of Sinhalese, Hindu, and South Indian Dravidian influences. This temple, perched on a rocky outcrop, offers breathtaking views, stunning artwork, and a deep sense of spiritual tranquility. Built during the Gampola Kingdom era in the 14th century, Lankathilaka Viharaya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic religious landmarks.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a traveler seeking spiritual solace, Lankathilaka Viharaya provides a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Lankathilaka Viharaya is located in the Handessa area, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city of Kandy. The drive from Kandy to Lankathilaka takes about 30 to 40 minutes and passes through scenic rural landscapes dotted with small villages and tea plantations.
From Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Lankathilaka Viharaya is situated about 115 kilometers (71 miles) away. The journey from Colombo to the temple takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by car, depending on traffic. The route is primarily along the Colombo-Kandy road, which offers beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s countryside as you head towards the hill country.
Both Kandy and Colombo are easily accessible by public transport, including buses and trains, with connections available to Pilmatlawa, the nearest town to Lankathilaka.
Built in 1344 AD during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV, Lankathilaka Viharaya is an exceptional example of the Gampola Kingdom's architectural achievements. The temple was designed by Sthapati Rayar, a South Indian architect, which explains the prominent Dravidian elements in its design, alongside traditional Sinhalese Buddhist features. Lankathilaka Viharaya is not just a Buddhist temple but also incorporates a Hindu shrine, highlighting the religious diversity that coexisted in Sri Lanka during this period.
The temple is renowned for its massive rock-hewn foundation, beautiful frescoes, and finely crafted wooden pillars that support the main shrine. It’s a marvel of stone masonry and artistic craftsmanship, with each detail reflecting the architectural brilliance of its creators.
A visit to Lankathilaka Viharaya offers a unique blend of history, art, and spirituality. Here’s what visitors can expect when they explore the temple:
The heart of the temple is the Buddhist shrine, which houses a towering seated Buddha statue. The image of the Buddha is made from clay and is one of the largest such statues in Sri Lanka. It is painted in bright colors, with delicate patterns and floral motifs surrounding it. As you approach the shrine, you’ll pass through intricately carved wooden pillars and stone doorways adorned with floral and geometric designs, which are common in Dravidian temple architecture.
The temple walls are covered with ancient frescoes that depict scenes from the Jataka tales—stories from the previous lives of the Buddha. These frescoes are rich in detail and color, and they offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the Gampola period.
Lankathilaka Viharaya is unique because it incorporates both Buddhist and Hindu elements. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, Kataragama, and other Hindu deities. These shrines are located in the same complex but in a separate section, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of the two religious traditions. Visitors can observe the Hindu statues, and carvings, and witness the daily rituals performed by Hindu priests.
Adjacent to the main temple is the stupa, a classic Buddhist structure representing the Buddha’s relics. Though not as large as stupas found in other parts of Sri Lanka, the stupa at Lankathilaka has a graceful, traditional design that complements the overall aesthetic of the temple complex. Walking around the stupa is a common form of Buddhist worship, and many visitors take the opportunity to circumambulate the stupa while reciting prayers or meditating.
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Lankathilaka Viharaya offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and paddy fields. On a clear day, visitors can see far into the Kandy region and even glimpse the distant mountains of the central highlands. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes Lankathilaka Viharaya an ideal spot for quiet reflection and relaxation.
The temple's location, surrounded by lush greenery and small traditional villages, adds to the charm of the visit. The area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the rural beauty of Sri Lanka.
Lankathilaka Viharaya is often combined with visits to other nearby historical and cultural landmarks. Here are a few popular itineraries for travelers:
This is one of the most popular day trips from Kandy, often referred to as the “Three Temple Loop.”
For those based in Kandy, Lankathilaka Viharaya is often part of a broader cultural tour of the region.
For visitors seeking a more spiritual experience, Lankathilaka Viharaya can be part of a meditation and reflection-focused itinerary.
Lankathilaka Viharaya is located at an elevation of approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, offering visitors cooler temperatures than the lowland regions of Sri Lanka. This elevated position also provides the temple with its stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, including paddy fields, coconut groves, and tea plantations.
The temple sits on top of a rocky outcrop, which adds to its dramatic and imposing appearance. The area surrounding Lankathilaka is part of the central highlands, a region known for its lush greenery, hilly terrain, and cooler climate.
The geographical location of Lankathilaka makes it ideal for a day trip from Kandy or as part of a longer exploration of the Kandy District. The scenic drives to and from the temple offer plenty of opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
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