Lankatilaka Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Udunuwara, close to Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is situated on Daulagala Road, about 4 kilometers from Pilimatalawa junction. This temple is a great example of Sri Lanka’s cultural and architectural history. This historic site is essential for anyone interested in the island’s history and architecture.
The temple was built in the 14th century during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV. It was completed by Chief Minister Senalankadhikara with the assistance of South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar. The design of the temple blends Tamil Pandya, Dravidian, and Indo-Chinese styles, making it a unique and impressive building.
Lankatilaka Vihara is located on Panhalgala Rock and shows detailed craftsmanship from that era. Although it was originally designed as a four-storied building, the image house now has three levels. These levels are decorated with colorful Kandyan-era paintings and traditional Sinhalese sculptures. These features provide visitors with insight into the cultural and historical context of the time. The temple is also known for its rock-carved inscriptions in Sinhala and Tamil, which record the donations and contributions of various kings.
The temple is also important for its six devales, which are shrines dedicated to gods such as Upulvan, Ganapathi, Saman, Vibhishana, Kataragama deviyo, and Kumara Bandara. Kumara Bandara is thought to be the temple’s guardian deity, adding to its sacred and spiritual significance. Visiting Lankatilaka Vihara offers a chance to experience Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and appreciate an architectural wonder that continues to impress.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route No. 01 (Colombo-Kandy) from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo. The journey typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. Get off at Pilimathalawa town, which is located just before Kandy. From Pilimathalawa, you can hire a local tuk-tuk or catch a bus heading towards Dawulagala or Handessa. Simply ask the driver to drop you off at the Lankathilaka Vihara junction.
