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Embekke Devalaya

Ambakka village, three kilometers from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka
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Ranked #9 of 20 attractions in Kandy
Type: Architectural Buildings, Religious Sites
22 visitor photos
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39 reviews from our community

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Oxford
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

We got a tuktuk to take us from Kandy and wait at each of the temples for us. This cost us 1000 rupees for a couple of hours which was a pretty good deal! The drive between the temples in quite bumpy but you really feel like you have left the city and drive through some small villages and rice... More

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See 10 more reviews by lia1234 for Kandy
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Top Contributor
123 reviews 123 reviews
78 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013

Located in Pilimathalawa very close to Gadaladeniya Temple and this devalaya is famous for its wood carvings. The Devalaya is dedicated to god Katharagama and is worshiped by many passing by.

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See 23 more reviews by Treshi for Kandy
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Its again place depicting Sri Lankas rich cultural Heritage. The Dewalaya or the shrine for a God is a place where you can find the most creative wood carvings ever done on a ancient temple structure. How ever if you are not very keen to see wood carvings this may not be the place for you

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See 7 more reviews by srilankantraveler for Kandy
Colombo
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

This place has beautiful wood carvings which are hundreds of years old. can get crowded a little bit but worth to have a visit. This is a shrine built for god "Katharagama"

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See 8 more reviews by Sanjeewa F for Kandy
Scotland
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Quite a trek that had even our Sri Lankan driver cringing as we wound our way up very narrow, twisty and potholed road, seemingly forever, but absolutely amazing place. To see such detailed and intricate carvings that have been in situ for so long was quite humbling. Had read some reviews from people who had had rather mixed experiences, but... More

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See 2 more reviews by DonkScotland for Kandy
Iowa Falls, Iowa
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

This is place is so inspiring there are craftsman that will customize or hand engrave. Tip good place to buy those goodies for friends at home.

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See 5 more reviews by Charles P for Kandy
Amersfoort, The Netherlands
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

From Kandy it's a 1 hour busdrive to get to Embekke, and then a short walk to the temple. On the road you find a woodcarving workshop, with a very friendly owner. The temple is small, but has some amazing woodcarving on the 34 pillars. You see all different kind of images, like animals, peacocks and dancers.

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Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
92 reviews 92 reviews
39 attraction reviews
Reviews in 54 cities Reviews in 54 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

Our driver took us here as I have a real interest in wood sculpture these are amazing, the artisans who did these all those years ago were spectacular every carving has a story. These are the best examples of the Sinhalese people. We were the only visitors there so we could take our time in studying the carvings and surroundings.... More

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See 4 more reviews by chrishayward for Kandy
Top Contributor
80 reviews 80 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

Exquisite and intricate wood carvings adorn this relatively simple structure in the middle of a village outside Kandy. When we were there only a few other tourists were around so we could walk around freely without being disturbed. A local explained a number of the carvings to us and we were shown inside the area now used for Hindu worship.... More

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See 3 more reviews by InkyMortar for Kandy
UK
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
61 helpful votes 61 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2013

If you have time, consider visiting Embekke, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya, (the Three Temple Loop). These temples all date back to the 14th century and are recognised by World Heritage. Located amongst in the hills about 10-15 miles west of Kandy, it is best if you have a driver/guide or hire car (you will need 1-2 hours). You can do via... More

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See 2 more reviews by top-trippers for Kandy

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