Among the few remaining structures built using laterite during the Kotte Kingdom, one is located in Baddegana, named Vehera Kanda ruins. The place is about 4km from Pitakotte Junction, and can be reached traveling through a labyrinth of by roads.
The Pita Kotte Gal Ambalama is a significant historical wayside rest hall located at the Pita Kotte junction in Sri Lanka. It serves as a rare surviving architectural relic from the Kotte Kingdom (14th–16th century), specifically associated with the reign of King Parakramabahu VI.
Discover the dramatic ruins of Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka’s ancient fortress capital, where soaring stairways, carved lions, and sacred relic history meet. Explore a breathtaking blend of archaeology, legend, and mountain scenery rising above the northern plains.
Rising majestically above the plains, Dambadeniya Rock was once the royal citadel of a 13th-century kingdom. Its summit reveals palace ruins, ramparts, and breathtaking panoramic views, while nearby temples preserve exquisite frescoes—echoes of a glorious era when Dambadeniya stood as the proud capital of Sri Lanka.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, is Sri Lanka’s largest and most storied garden, spanning 147 acres. Originally a 14th-century royal pleasure ground, it now houses over 4,000 species, including a world-renowned orchid collection, a massive Javan fig tree, and the iconic Avenue of Royal Palms.
The Doric House, Doric Tower and and the Arippu Fort are 3 remnants of the colonial times lying the Arippu area in Mannar. Long forgotten due the war, these remnants are being rediscovered after 30 years.
The Buddha in His 80th year reached Kusinara (Kushinagar) from Gijjakuta (Rajagaha) for the final passing away (Mahaparinirvana). Venerable Ananda, the Chief Attendant of the Buddha asked the Buddha, “How should one treat the Perfect One’s remains?”
Esala Perahera is one of the most colorful events in the Sri Lankan Calendar which is held every July/August. This is the only time the sacred tooth relic leaves its chambers lying deep inside the Temple of Tooth.
The Maha Vishnu Devalaya is a premier spiritual pillar of Kandy, dedicated to Lord Vishnu as the protective deity of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Rebuilt by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, this architectural gem features a distinctive multi-tiered roof.
Wegiriya Rajamaha Viharaya has a long history supported by Brahmi inscriptions belonging to the pre Christian era at a cave with a drip ledge which is called “Vavul Gal Lena”. The construction of the temple is attributed to “Mayim Bandara”.
Suriyagoda Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the Yatinuwara Area along the Kandy -Colombo road. This temple is said to founded in the 15th century by a Rajaguru (Mentor of the King) called Bandara appointed by King Parakramabahu VI of Kotte
The remains we see today of the Royal Palace of Kandy is the residence of the last king of Kandyan Kingdom, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 – 1814). But the original palace has been burnt and destroyed several times and rebuilt again by subsequent kings.
The Sacred Tooth Relic has found refuge at Kotmale Pusulpitiya Rajamaha Viharaya several times including period during Maga’s invasion (1215-1236) at Polonaruwa.
At the entrance to the Kandy city as you travel form Colombo we see near the Kandy Police Station, a Hindu Temple popularly known to the Sinhalese as Pillaiyar Kovil dedicated to God Ganesh,
The Vellore fort, in which our last king was held captive for 17 years, spreads over an area of 133 acres. It was built around 1566 by Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Reddy Nayak, chieftains of the Vijayanagar Empire. Ironically, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe belonged to the same Nayak clan which built the fort.
Standing west of Natha Devale, Kandy’s historic Pattini Devale honors the goddess of chastity and healing. This four-century-old shrine, featured in ancient epics and royal processions, boasts elegant Kandyan architecture. Devotees visit this sacred rectangular structure to seek protection from disease, famine, and drought through divine blessings.
Gampola Niyamgampaya Rajamaha Viharaya is situated at Mariyawattha on the road from Gampola to Nawalapitiya. The origin of the temple is not very clear but according to historical documents it can be assumed that this temple has been in existence since the early Christian Era.
Niththawela Raja Maha Viharaya which accommodated venerable Velivita Sri Sarankara in his educational activities during the reign of King Narendrasinghe (1707 – 1739) must have been existed from much earlier times.
The Natha Devalaya is Kandy’s oldest surviving structure, a 14th-century gedige shrine dedicated to Natha, a form of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Standing opposite the Temple of the Tooth, it served as the sacred site for royal coronations and naming ceremonies of the Kandyan Kingdom.
Just above the Malwatu Maha Viharaya in Kandy and near the present Wales Park on the hills is found a small but beautiful old viharaya called Naga Vimanaya. This is a supposed to be a place where Velivita Sri Saranankara Thero lived for some time.
