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Majestic temple roof structure of Lankathilaka in Kandy

Lankathilaka Temple – A beautiful temple on a rock

Lankathilaka Temple – A beautiful temple on a rock

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya is a magnificent 14th-century Buddhist temple in Kandy, renowned for its unique blend of Sinhalese and South Indian Dravidian architectural styles.
  • Magnificent Gampola Era Architecture: Lankatilaka Vihara stands as the most splendid architectural edifice from the 14th-century Gampola era, designed by South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar with a blend of Polonnaruwa, Dravidian, and Indo-Chinese styles.
  • Unique Multi-Cultural Inscription: The temple features Sri Lanka’s longest Tamil inscription alongside Sinhala sections, highlighting the use of both languages as official languages in pre-colonial kingdoms and providing significant historical insights.
  • Integrated Buddhist and Hindu Shrines: This temple uniquely integrates a prominent Buddhist image house with an outer ring of shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, reflecting a blend of religious elements characteristic of late medieval Sri Lankan temples.
  • Distinctive “Gajasinha Korawakgala” Balustrades: Its entrance boasts intricately carved “Gajasinha korawakgala” balustrades, advanced “makaragala” style mythical beasts combining symbolic features from multiple animals, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Scenic “Temple on the Rock” Location: Situated atop the natural Panhalgala Rock, the temple offers a picturesque setting and is accessible by ancient rock-cut stairways, earning it the moniker “temple on the rock.”

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Kandy

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Not available

Cultural heritage monument of Lankathilaka in Sri Lanka
Scenic view of Lankathilaka Viharaya surrounded by lush greenery
Ancient Buddhist architecture at Sri Lankathilake temple
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya temple with blue sky background

Guidelines

Dress Respectfully (Cover Shoulders and Knees): This is an active religious site. Wear modest clothing. Avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts. You may be asked to use a shawl or sarong at the entrance if dressed inappropriately. Footwear, including socks and hats, must be removed before entering the temple premises. Ask Before Taking Photos (Especially Inside): Photography may be restricted inside the temple shrine rooms or near sacred objects. So always ask temple staff or monks before taking photos. When taking photos or moving around, avoid turning your back to Buddha statues.