Three Temple Tour from Kandy

<p>One of the most legendary attractions in Gampola , the Embekke, Lankatilaka, and Galadeniya is 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. </p>

<p>Each temple holds a considerable amount of historical information of the ancient kingdom’s era, carved mostly in stone. </p>

<p>Even if the temples themselves weren’t fascinating, and they are, the seven-kilometer path that connects Embekke, Lankathilake, and Gadaladeniya leads past rice fields and through small towns and would be worth walking in its own right. </p>

<p>Embekke temple was built by King Vikramabahu III to honor 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.  </p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>Built on natural rock, the temple mixes stone, plaster, and wood within its uniquely Sinhalese architectural style and is home to many ancient paintings that draw people from afar. </p>

<p>Gadaladeniya temple is made almost exclusively from stone and is considered one of the largest stone temples on the island. </p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>The main shrine in the temple has a seated Buddha statue underneath a dragon&#39;s arch (‘Makara Thorana’) which is richly decorated. </p>