Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The setting is as impressive as the temple.
From Embekka Devale to here is a 3km stroll beside rice paddies; you'll see the temple
on the left. From Kandy you can go directly to the Lankatilake Temple on bus 644 heading
towards Pilimatalawa. Get off at Dawulagala Rd from where it's around a 750m walk to
the temple.
Gadaladeniya Temple
BUDDHIST, HINDU TEMPLE
This Buddhist temple with a Hindu annex dates from the 14th century and the main shrine
room contains a seated Buddha. Built on a rocky outcrop and covered with small pools,
the temple is reached by a series of steps cut into the rock.
At the time of research, scaffolding and a tin roof covered this temple in an effort to pro-
tect it from further rain-induced erosion.
It's a 3km walk to Gadaladeniya Temple from the Lankatilake Temple, or you can catch
a bus from Kandy; bus 644 (Rs 28), among others, will take you there. The main Co-
lombo-Kandy road is less than 2km from Gadaladeniya Temple - you reach the road close
to the 105km post. It's a pleasant stroll, and from the main road almost any bus will take
you to the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens or on to Kandy.
Meditation
There are a couple of well-regarded meditation centres close to Kandy.
Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre
MEDITATION
( +94 777 804 555;
www.nilambe.net
)
This meditation centre offers daily meditation classes spread over a minimum of three- to
five-day stays. Basic accommodation is available. Reservations should be made through
the website at least two weeks in advance.
The centre is close to Nilambe Bungalow Junction, about 13km south of Kandy. It can
be reached by bus 633 (catch a Delthota bus via Galaha and get off at Office Junction).
From Office Junction, you can walk a steep 3km through tea plantations or take a three-
wheeler for Rs 250 to the centre. A taxi from Kandy costs Rs 1400 one way.
