Historical background
Constructed in 1344 by King Bhuvanekabahu IV on a 6-metre granite outcrop, Lankatilaka is the most magnificent surviving Gampola-period temple. Its four-storey shrine room once rose much higher; the architecture fuses Sinhalese, Tamil and Indo-Chinese influences.
Religious significance
A national monument and the spiritual centrepiece of the Three Temples Loop — a classic half-day pilgrimage from Kandy.
Architecture
Built in 1344 CE by King Bhuvanekabahu IV atop a 6-metre granite outcrop. Original shrine rose four storeys; the surviving image house holds a seated Buddha, murals, and 14th-century Sinhala–Tamil rock inscriptions detailing land grants.
Historical timeline
- 1344 CEBuilt by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of Gampola.
- 15th–18th centuryRestored under successive Kandyan kings.
- 20th centuryRecognised and protected as a national monument.
Cultural importance
National monument and the spiritual centrepiece of the Three Temples Loop pilgrimage from Kandy.
Visitor experience
Climb the rock-cut steps to the elevated terrace for breathtaking views of the surrounding paddy fields, then enter the towering shrine room with its painted Buddha images.
Things to do
- ✦Climb the rock-cut staircase
- ✦Examine the Sinhala–Tamil rock inscriptions
- ✦Complete the Three Temples Loop with Gadaladeniya and Embekka
Visitor information
Interesting facts
- ✦Constructed in 1344 CE during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV.
- ✦Designed by the South Indian master architect Sthapati Rayar.
- ✦One of Sri Lanka's best-preserved examples of Gampola architecture.
- ✦Contains one of the longest medieval Tamil inscriptions found in Sri Lanka alongside Sinhala inscriptions.
- ✦Originally rose four storeys above the rock platform.
- ✦Forms part of the Three Temples of Gampola heritage circuit with Embekke Devalaya and Gadaladeniya Vihara.
- ✦Declared an Archaeological Protected Monument on 16 December 1949.
