three temples Embekke, Lankathilake and Gadaladeniya

All three temples Embekke, Lankathilake and Gadaladeniya are accessible by turning right at the Pilimatalawa junction onto the Gadaladeniya road on the Colombo Kandy Road.

The road takes you through areas where you see craftsmen engaged in Brass Works which this area is famous for.

Gadaladeniya Temple is known for its beautiful stone carvings. According to an inscription this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The chief architect of this temple has been a south Indian, therefore this temple is essentially of South Indian design.

Embekke Devalaya, is a wooden temple situated in the Embekke village, built in the 14th century. Adjoining the main temple is a somewhat arched hall roof, like an inverted wooden boat with its cross beams showing in beautiful even rows. The ceiling is supported on wooden pillars with elaborate carved figures in various poses.

Lankathilaka Vihare’s location known for its beautiful view and peaceful atmosphere, and has some of best frescos from the Kandyan peiod and the famous four locked swans is only seen here.

Besides being a beautiful architectural monument, this shrine is also important from a religious point of view, since it combines the worship of the Buddha with that of the Hindu gods. The Lankatilaka image house is a fine example of a Buddhist-Hindu shrine of the fourteenth century. The Buddhist shrine room (Pilimage) faces east and the Hindu Devale is orientated towards the west.