One of the most legendary attraction in gampola , the Embekke, Lankatilaka and Galadeniya are a short distance from each other and sometimes referred to as the three-temple loop. The temples serve as a living testimony to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage, history and exceptional craftsmanship. Each temple holds a considerable amount of historical information of the ancient kingdom’s era, carved mostly in stone. Even if the temples themselves weren’t fascinating, and they are, the seven-kilometer path which connects Embekke, Lankathilake and Gadaladeniya leads past rice fields and through small towns, and would be worth walking in its own right. Embekke temple was built by King Vikramabahu III to honour King Mahasena who ruled Sri Lanka from 277 to 304 AD. The Devalaya (temple) has three main areas; the Sanctrum of Garagha, Dancing Hall and the Drummers Hall which is beautifully decorated with splendid wood sculptures and carvings of dragons and fierce battles between lions and elephants. Lankatilaka Vihara (monastery), the best example of architecture during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV who made Gampola the capital of Sri Lanka during the mid-fourteenth century. Built on natural rock, the temple mixes stone, plaster and wood within its uniquely Sinhalese architectural style and is home to many ancient paintings which draw people from afar. Gadaladeniya temple which is made almost exclusively from stone and is considered one of the largest stone temples on the island. It is another example of an imposing temple built during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV during the mid- fourteenth century and following the Sinhalese architecture style from the Polonnaruwa era. The main shrine in the temple has a seated Buddha statue underneath a dragons arch (‘Makara Thorana’) which is richly decorated.
Reviews
Explore the Majestic Three Temples Tour near Kandy, Sri Lanka
$1,813
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Inclusions
- Spanish /English Speaking Guide
- Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle
- Fuel Charges
- Mineral Water Bottle
- All Government Tax & Charges
- Parking fees
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
Exclusions
- Entrance Fees
- Any Other Tour or Service Not Mention Above
- Tip or gratuity
Tour Plan
Saint Michael's Church (Dutch: Sint-Michielskerk) is a Roman Catholic church in Ghent, Belgium built in a late Gothic style. It has rich interior decoration.
Itinerary
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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
Meeting / Pickup
Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Animals or pets allowed
- Public transportation nearby
- Infants must sit on your lap
- Infant seats available
Please Note
- Passport required
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
Reviews
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3 Comments
4.6
We embarked on a private journey to uncover the hidden gems of the area, and it was a refreshing experience. The guide was knowledgeable and provided fascinating insights as we strolled through cobblestone streets and admired the stunning architecture. We particularly enjoyed a visit to a charming square surrounded by medieval buildings, which really felt like stepping back in time. One slight drawback was that our pace felt rushed at times, making it hard to fully appreciate some of the treasures we encountered. Overall, this was a worthwhile way to explore, especially for those short on time while traveling for business.
4.6
Wandering through the charming streets of Ghent, we stumbled upon the majestic Gravensteen Castle, which truly felt like stepping back in time. Exploring the hidden gems of Bruges was a delightful contrast, with its serene canals and fairy-tale architecture captivating our family. Our only hiccup was that the tour felt a bit rushed at times, but the memorable moments and sights definitely made it worthwhile.
4.6
Exploring the treasures of Ghent and Bruges felt like stepping into a fairy tale with our family, as we were whisked away through stunning canals and rich history. While our guide was engaging, we wished for a bit more time in Bruges to truly soak in its charm before heading back.