Tourist Attractions

• Highlights:
  • A 15-acre sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for captive Asian elephants
  • Offers elephant walk experiences instead of traditional rides
  • Provides volunteer programs for hands-on elephant care
  • Runs Footsteps Elephant Consultancy, an accredited mahout training program
• Visitor Experience:
  • Guests can observe, bathe, and walk with elephants
  • Educational tours on elephant conservation and ethical treatment
  • Funds from visitors and volunteers support elephant welfare

Embekke Devalaya is a historically significant temple located in Udunuwara, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built during the Gampola era by King Vikramabahu III (1357–1374 AD), it is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings, considered some of the finest in Sri Lankan craftsmanship. The temple is dedicated to Mahasen, also known as Kataragama Deviyo, and also honors Devatha Bandara, a local deity.

• Historical Significance: Built in the 14th century, featuring exceptional wood carvings
• Architectural Features: Includes a pillared hall, dancing hall, and drummers’ hall, all adorned with elaborate carvings
• Religious Importance: Dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, a deity worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus
• Nearby Attractions: Close to Lankatilaka Temple and Gadaladeniya Temple, forming a historic temple triangle

Built in the 14th century under King Bhuvanekabahu IV, Lankatilaka Temple stands as a masterpiece of the Gampola era. Designed by South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar, the temple blends Dravidian, Sinhalese, and Indo-Chinese architectural styles. Nestled on Panhalgala Rock, it offers breathtaking views and intricate stone carvings. The temple features both Buddhist and Hindu deities, including Upulvan, Ganapathi, Saman, Vibhishana, Kataragama Deviyo, and Kumara Bandara. Its rock inscriptions in Sinhala and Tamil make it a vital part of Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Key Features:

• Architectural Significance: A mix of South Indian and Sinhalese influences.
• Historical Inscriptions: Longest Tamil inscription in Sri Lanka.
• Sacred Shrines: Dedicated to multiple deities for Buddhist and Hindu worship.
• Scenic Location: Built on a rock offering panoramic views.
• Historical Significance: Built in 1344 AD, featuring rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil
• Architectural Features: Originally a four-storied structure, now partially preserved
• Religious Importance: Houses six devales dedicated to gods such as Vishnu, Saman, Vibhishana, Ganapathi, Skandhakumara, and Kumara Bandara
• Nearby Attractions: Close to Gadaladeniya Vihara, another historic temple

The Gadaladeniya Temple, also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in 1344 under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, it is renowned for its Dravidian architectural style, influenced by South Indian designs.

Historical Significance

The temple was designed by Ganesvarachari, a South Indian architect, incorporating Sinhalese and Indo-Chinese architectural elements. It features a large granite shrine, a Makara Thorana (Dragon Arch), and a seated Buddha statue in the Dhyana Mudra pose.

Key Features

• Main Shrine: Built entirely of sculptured granite, showcasing intricate carvings.
• Stupa Complex: A large stupa surrounded by four smaller stupas, reflecting a blend of Sinhalese and South Indian styles.
• Historical Inscriptions: Stone carvings detailing the temple’s construction and royal patronage.

Visiting Gadaladeniya Temple

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Nearby Attractions: Lankatilaka Vihara, Embekke Devalaya, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Wales Park, also known as Royal Palace Park, is a scenic hilltop park in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views of Kandy Lake and the city. Originally established by King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, it was later renamed by the British in honor of the Prince of Wales.

Historical Significance

The park was built on Castle Hill, the former site of a royal palace. In 1880, Herbert Wace, the Government Agent of the Central Province, restored the neglected site and developed it into a public park.

Key Features

• Japanese Field Gun: Captured by the British in Burma during World War II, presented to Kandy by Lord Mountbatten.
• Walking Trails & Greenery: Offers peaceful paths surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Sunset Views: A popular spot for watching the sunset over Kandy.

Visiting Wales Park

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Nearby Attractions: Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Udawattakele Forest Reserve