What is Kandyan architecture style?

Kandyan architecture, originating in the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka, blends indigenous traditions with South Indian influences, particularly Dravidian, and is characterized by its use of timber and intricate carvings.

Where is Kandyan architecture style architecture found?

Kandyan architecture style architecture is primarily found in Sri Lanka, Central Province, Sri Lanka. There are 3 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Kandyan architecture style architecture used?

Kandyan architecture style architecture was used during 16th century CE, 17th century CE, 18th century CE, 19th century CE, 14th Century CE, Kandyan Period. It is associated with the Kandyan Kingdom, Kingdom of Kandy dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Kandyan architecture style architecture?

Kandyan architecture style architecture typically uses Wood, Brick, Stone, Tile, Timber, Terracotta. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Kandyan architecture style architecture?

There are 3 heritage sites documented with Kandyan architecture style architecture. 3 sites use this as their primary architectural style. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Kandyan architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Kandyan architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites)
Description	Kandyan architecture, originating in the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka, blends indigenous traditions with South Indian influences, particularly Dravidian, and is characterized by its use of timber and intricate carvings.
Also Known As	Kandyan Hindu-Buddhist Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Artistic Influences South Indian Dravidian Architecture Indian Wood Carving Traditions Indian Hindu Architecture Kandyan Architecture Sri Lankan Syncretic Architecture Kandyan Buddhist-Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Influences Indian Buddhist Architecture Kandyan Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Architectural Iconographic Influences Indian Buddhist Temple Architecture Indian Buddhist Iconography Sri Lankan Buddhist Architecture
Tags	Sri Lankan architecture Kandyan art Wood carving Devalaya Syncretism Buddhist architecture Hindu architecture Kandy Sri Lanka Wooden carvings Roof structures
Style ID	`INHF-STY-2031787535-10:02:39:22:06:25:KAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/kandyan-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/kandyan-architecture-style`
Total Sites	3
Primary Sites	3
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Sri Lanka Central Province, Sri Lanka

Historical Context

Time Periods	16th century CE 17th century CE 18th century CE 19th century CE 14th Century CE Kandyan Period
Dynasties	Kandyan Kingdom Kingdom of Kandy

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Buddhist temples Devalayas Buddhist Viharas Hindu Kovils Royal palaces
Associated Deities	Kataragama deviyo Vishnu Pattini Buddha Various Hindu Devas Various Bodhisattvas

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Wood Brick Stone Tile Timber Terracotta
Architectural Features	Multi-tiered roofs Timber construction Intricate wood carvings Open pavilions Elevated platforms Elaborate wood carvings Painted murals Image houses (Pilimage) Elaborate wooden carvings Open courtyards Moonstone steps Guardian stones

Keywords

Keywords	Sri Lankan architecture Kandyan art Wood carving Devalaya Syncretism Buddhist architecture Hindu architecture Kandy Sri Lanka Wooden carvings Roof structures

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Architecture of the Kandyan Period	Book	General overview of Kandyan architectural features.
Architecture of the Kandyan Kingdom	Book	Comprehensive overview of Kandyan architectural principles.

Heritage Sites (3)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Embekka Devalaya Kandy Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka	Primary	100%
Temple of the Tooth Kandy Sri Lanka	Primary	100%

How to Identify Kandyan architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Multi-tiered roofs, Timber construction, Intricate wood carvings.
Verify geographic location: Kandyan architecture style architecture is typically found in Sri Lanka and Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Examine construction materials: Kandyan architecture style typically uses Wood and Brick.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 16th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 3 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Kandyan architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (3)

See Also

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How to Identify Kandyan architecture style

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