Sri Lanka · Religious & Spiritual

Three Temple Tour From Kandy

6 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Kandy. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Gadaladeniya Vihara, Lankatilaka Vihara, and Embekka Devalaya
02 Explore important temples from the Gampola era
03 Admire stone architecture, wood carvings, and historic craftsmanship
04 Learn about Buddhism and its significance in Sri Lanka
05 Enjoy a scenic drive through paddy fields and countryside
06 Stop at a plantation growing tea, coffee, and pepper
07 Travel with a Spanish /English speaking guide
08 Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kandy included

Discover three remarkable temples near Kandy on a cultural journey through the Gampola region. This half-day tour introduces you to Gadaladeniya Vihara, Lankatilaka Vihara, and Embekka Devalaya—sites celebrated for their religious significance, historic importance, and distinctive craftsmanship.

Travel through scenic countryside and paddy fields as you explore stone architecture, wood carvings, ancient artistic traditions, and the enduring influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Along the way, you’ll also stop at a plantation growing tea, coffee, and pepper for a glimpse into the island’s agricultural heritage.

During the experience, your host will talk you through the foundations of Buddhism and its significance in Sri Lanka.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kandy, Gampola

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Three Temple Tour From Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel.
Pick you up in the from your hotel at 7.00 am.
Leave Kandy via Gampola to explore the three lesser known temples in the area with a knowledgeable host.
Start off with Gadaladeniya Viharaya
A temple built exclusively by stone by Gampola’s King Bhuvanekabahu IV. Settled on a rock cliff, the temple exhibits a combination of Dravidian and Sinhalese architecture styles and offer its visitors a panoramic view of the countryside.
Then enjoy a ride though paddy fields and reach the second temple,
Lankathilaka, considered as the most magnificent architectural monument to be built during the Gampola era.
During the experience, your host will talk you through the foundations of Buddhism and its significance in Sri Lanka.
Before making your way to Embekka, a Hindu shrine, stopover at a plantation that grows tea, coffee and pepper to get a glimpse of the island’s numerous cultivations.
Proceed towards the Embekke Temple
Embekka Devalaya was built by the King Vikramabahu of Gampola Era (AD 1357 - 1374) in Sri Lanka. The devalaya is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandar is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digger" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hewisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof
By the end of the day we take you back to the hotel in kandy