

Year Built
14th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Kandyan Buddhist-Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Influences
Built By
King Bhuvanekabahu IV
Material Used
Brick, Stone, Lime Mortar, Metal, Wood
Heritage Status
National Heritage Site
Lankatilaka Vihara, dramatically perched atop the Panhalgala Rock near Kandy, represents one of the most extraordinary and architecturally significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, constructed in the 14th century CE during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV and designed by the South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar, creating a powerful testament to the profound transmission of Indian Buddhist and Hindu architectural traditions to Sri Lanka and demonstrating the sophisticated religious syncretism that has characterized Sri Lankan religious practices. The temple complex, featuring sophisticated architectural elements that seamlessly integrate Hindu deities within its Buddhist sanctum, demonstrates the direct transmission of South Indian Dravidian temple architecture, particularly the traditions of the Chola and Pandya dynasties, with local adaptations that reflect the sophisticated synthesis of Indian Buddhist and Hindu religious and artistic traditions with Sri Lankan building techniques, while the temple's most remarkable feature is its unique architectural design that combines Sinhalese and Dravidian styles, creating a distinctive Kandyan period architectural synthesis that demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of Indian architectural traditions possessed by Sri Lankan architects and patrons. The temple's architectural layout, with its central image house adorned with Kandyan-era paintings and sculptures, surrounded by multiple enclosures and subsidiary shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities including Upulvan, Ganapathi, Saman, Vibhishana, Kataragama deviyo, and Kumara Bandara, follows sophisticated South Indian Dravidian temple planning principles that were systematically transmitted from the great temple complexes of Tamil Nadu, while the temple's extensive decorative programs including murals, sculptures, and architectural elements demonstrate the sophisticated synthesis of Indian Buddhist and Hindu iconography and artistic traditions with local Sri Lankan aesthetic sensibilities. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple served as a major center of both Buddhist and Hindu worship for over six centuries, attracting pilgrims from across Sri Lanka and South India, while the discovery of numerous inscriptions and historical records provides crucial evidence of the site's role in the transmission of Indian religious texts and practices to Sri Lanka, demonstrating the sophisticated understanding of Indian religious traditions possessed by the temple's patrons and religious establishment. The temple's association with the South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar demonstrates the direct transmission of Indian architectural expertise to Sri Lanka, while the temple's unique synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu elements demonstrates the remarkable religious syncretism that has characterized Sri Lankan religious practices for centuries. Today, Lankatilaka Vihara stands as one of the most important examples of Kandyan period architecture in Sri Lanka, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Buddhist and Hindu culture and architecture to Sri Lanka, while ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Sri Lankan religious and artistic traditions. ([1][2])
Lankatilaka Vihara was constructed in the 14th century CE by King Bhuvanekabahu IV. The temple was designed by South Indian architect Sathapati Rayar. The temple integrates Hindu deities within Buddhist sanctum. Ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue. ([1][2])
Department of Archaeology Sri Lanka, Buddhist Affairs Department


Extensive archaeological research, documentation, mural conservation, and structural analysis.
Archaeological research; documentation; mural conservation; structural restoration; ongoing conservation. ([1][2])
National Heritage Site
Construction utilized brick and stone blocks fitted together with lime mortar. The temple employed sophisticated masonry techniques adapted from South Indian traditions. The foundation system utilized stone platforms. Decorative elements including murals and sculptures were executed using techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs brick and stone construction with sophisticated masonry. ([1][2])
7.283300, 80.583300
{"notes":"Rock-top temple; climb required; wear appropriate footwear; respect religious site; remove shoes; photography allowed.","restrooms":"Available at visitor facilities.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to steps and rock location."}
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Morning (6:00-10:00 AM) for best lighting and fewer crowds; evening (4:00-6:00 PM) for peaceful contemplation; dry season (December-April) for comfortable weather.
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Respect religious site; remove shoes before entering; maintain silence; follow designated pathways; photography allowed; modest clothing required.
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2025-11-09T09:48:51.853776+00:00
2025-11-09T09:48:51.853776+00:00
Medieval Period
Central Province
Kandyan Buddhist-Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Influences
Protected Heritage
Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka is a historic Temple located in Central Province, Sri Lanka. This Kandyan Buddhist-Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Dravidian Architectural Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Sri Lanka. Lankatilaka Vihara, dramatically perched atop the Panhalgala Rock near Kandy, represents one of the most extraordinary and architecturally significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, constructed in the...
| RsEntry Fee | Sri Lankan nationals: Free; Foreigners: LKR 500-1000; Children: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka is located in Lankatilaka Vihara, Udunuwara, Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka, Central Province. The nearest major city is Lankatilaka Vihara. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 7.2833, 80.5833.
Entry fee: Sri Lankan nationals: Free; Foreigners: LKR 500-1000; Children: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Lankatilaka Vihara Kandy Sri Lanka by King Bhuvanekabahu IV
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under National Heritage Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation