Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 14th-century Natha Devale is the oldest of Kandy's
devales
. It perches on a stone ter-
race with a fine
vahalkada
(solid panel of sculpture) gateway. Bodhi trees and dagobas
stand in the
devale
grounds.
Pattini Devale
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
The simple Pattini Devale is dedicated to the goddess of chastity.
Vishnu Devale
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
The Vishnu Devale is reached by carved steps and features a drumming hall. The great
Hindu god Vishnu is the guardian of Sri Lanka, demonstrating the intermingling of Hin-
duism and Buddhism.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
DEGAL DORUWA RAJA MAHA VIHARA
Hidden away in Kandy's leafy outskirts is the little visited
Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vi-
of some obliging boulders) in the 18th century. The interior of the cave is painted head to
toe in slightly faded but captivating murals. These fine Kanyan-era paintings depict
scenes from the Jataka stories (tales from the previous lives of the Buddha). In amongst
these are some out-of-place paintings depicting men with guns. These are likely to have
been inspired by the first guns to have arrived in Sri Lanka. Alongside the paintings is a
large reclining Buddha. Visitors are likely to be shown around by one of the five resident
monks.
Activities
Visitors can learn or practise meditation and study Buddhism at several places in the
Kandy area. Ask at the
Buddhist Publication Society
for details about courses.
There are many walks around Kandy, including the
Royal Palace Park
, constructed by
Sri Wickrama Rajasinha and overlooking the lake. Further up on Rajapihilla Mawatha are
