Kandyan Cultural Walk in Kandy
This is an awesome tour to explore cultural and heritage places in Kandy .The tour will start from Kandy and you will be transferred to Gadaladeniya . Gadaladeniya Vihara is an ancient Buddhist Temple situated in Pilimathalawa. The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built in 1344, under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D., by the Ven. Seelavamsa Dharmakirti.The architecture of the temple was designed following Hindu artistic styles by, Ganesvarachari, a South Indian architect. On the rock outcrop, upon which the temple stands, is a carved inscription regarding the temple's construction. The temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style incorporating Sinhalese architecture from the Polonnaruwa era and other Indo Chinese architectural patterns.
The temple was abandoned until King Vira Parakrama Narendra Sinha handed over it to Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero, who's pupils have looked after the temple ever since.
After exploring the Gadaladeniya Temple you will be transferred to Lankathilaka Viharaya. Lankatilaka Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Udunuwara of Kandy, Sri Lanka.It is considered as the most magnificent architectural edifice created during the Gampola era. The vihara buildings have been built on a natural rock called Panhalgala Rock. Among the buildings the image house possess characteristically outstanding architectural features, embellished with traditional Sinhalese sculptures. According to the facts recorded in the Lankatilake copper plaque, this image house was construct as a four storied mansion with height of eighty feet, but today only 3 stories can be seen. The walls and the ceiling of the image house has been adorned with the Kandyan era paintings and sculptures.
Rock curved inscriptions found in the temple premises with both Sinhala and Tamil sections, proclaim about the initiators and the facilities gifted to this temple by the kings.
After exploring the Lankathilaka Viharaya you will be transferred to Embekka Temple There you will have your Lunch and start exploring the Devalaya. Embekka Devalaya was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era in Sri Lanka. The devalaya is dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. It is said that some of the wood work utilized for the "Drummers' Hall" came from an abandoned "Royal Audience Hall" at Gampola. There is every possibility the hall has seen repairs during the reigns of the Sinhalese Kings of Kandy. The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art.
The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere.
After exploring the Embekke devalaya you will be transferred back to your Kandy Hotel.
