Sri Lanka--Hill Country Temples

Sri Lanka-Hill Country Temples

I'm just going to throw it out there: Kandy, Sri Lanka > Kandi, the bad singer

While everyone loves an early 00's pop-hop jam, Kandy has a little more substance to offer than Kandi. Exhibit A through C: the three incredible temples we visited in the countryside surrounding Kandy.

Lankatilaka Temple

This Hindu-Buddhist temple was originally built in the 14th century and features some impressive inscriptions and paintings. During our time wandering the grounds, groups of smiling Sri Lankan kids were running all around and coaxing us to play. 

Embekke Devale

 

Another 14th century temple, this one features incredible wooden carvings and ornate wooden pillars as well.

Arriving at Embekke is magical: you drive down from a hill into a valley of rice patties, only to emerge finally at the temple.

Gadaladeniya Temple

Luckily, after Mihintale and Sigiriya, I was used to standing on rocky outcroppings. Gadaladeniya, precariously perching high above the surrounding rice patties and countryside, was also built in the 14th century and includes some impressive Buddhist and Hindu imagery.