6 Temples You Can Visit In Kandy

Kandy is far more than a routine halt on a Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s a city where spirituality isn’t staged for visitors — it’s woven into daily life. Encircled by lush hills and centered around an ancient lake, Kandy carries a quiet intensity shaped by centuries of Buddhist devotion, royal legacy, and living ritual.

For travelers looking for a meaningful spiritual escape in Sri Lanka, Kandy offers something truly rare. Its temples are not distant monuments frozen in time; they breathe with the rhythm of everyday faith. Morning chants drift through narrow streets. Devotees dressed in white arrive at dusk holding lotus flowers. Incense lingers over stone courtyards while temple bells softly mark the cadence of prayer.

This guide explores six of the most spiritually significant temples in and around Kandy, moving beyond surface-level sightseeing. Each temple is examined in depth — its history, symbolism, practical visiting insights, and how it can shape a reflective journey rather than a hurried checklist.

# Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The spiritual core of Kandy — and arguably of Sri Lanka itself — is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. More than the city’s most iconic landmark, it is among the most revered Buddhist sites in the world.

Spiritual Importance

The temple safeguards the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, believed to have arrived in Sri Lanka in the 4th century. Historically, possession of the relic signified the rightful authority of the ruling monarch, binding spiritual power with political legitimacy. For this reason, the temple has always stood at the intersection of faith, monarchy, and national identity.

Even today, the relic symbolizes continuity, protection, and sacred authority. Devotees do not gather merely to see it — they come to honor its presence.

# Natha Devalaya

Just a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth stands Natha Devalaya, one of the oldest surviving religious structures in Kandy. Unlike larger temple complexes, this shrine feels intimate, almost timeless.

Spiritual Context

Dedicated to Natha, a bodhisattva associated with compassion and future enlightenment, the shrine is often linked with Maitreya, the Buddha yet to come.

Natha Devalaya reflects a fascinating phase in Sri Lanka’s religious history, when Buddhist and Hindu traditions coexisted organically, influencing one another without rigid boundaries.

# Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya

Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya offers a noticeably different spiritual atmosphere compared to Kandy’s Buddhist monasteries. Where many temples evoke quiet introspection, this shrine pulses with emotion, movement, and fervent personal devotion.

Spiritual Significance

The temple is dedicated to Lord Kataragama, known as Murugan or Skanda in South Indian traditions. Its uniqueness lies in its cross-religious appeal — Buddhists, Hindus, and followers of indigenous beliefs all visit with equal reverence.

Here, faith feels dynamic and expressive, shaped by vows, rituals, and deeply personal prayers.

# Sri Vishnu Devala

Often overlooked by visitors moving quickly between major landmarks, Sri Vishnu Devala holds a subtle yet significant place in Kandy’s spiritual landscape.

Historical and Religious Role

In Sri Lankan belief, Lord Vishnu is regarded as a guardian of Buddhism. Kandyan kings historically sought his blessings before wars, coronations, and crucial decisions, viewing him as a divine protector of the kingdom.

The temple stands as a symbol of stability and guardianship, reflecting the interconnectedness of religious traditions within the region.

# Gadaladeniya Viharaya

Located just outside the city, Gadaladeniya Viharaya offers a spiritual experience defined by elevation, space, and silence.

Historical Background

Built in the 14th century during the Gampola Kingdom, the temple showcases South Indian architectural influences blended with Sri Lankan Buddhist design. Constructed atop a massive rock platform, the structure itself suggests spiritual ascent.

The Spiritual Experience

A short climb leads to the temple, and the ascent feels symbolic. As urban sounds fade, the atmosphere becomes contemplative. From the top, sweeping views of hills and villages create a gentle sense of detachment from everyday concerns.

Inside, a serene seated Buddha beneath a carved stone arch radiates quiet authority. This is a temple that invites stillness rather than spectacle.

# Embekke Devalaya

Embekke Devalaya stands apart from other spiritual sites near Kandy. While it functions as a place of worship, it is equally a celebration of devotion expressed through craftsmanship.

Architectural Masterpiece

Renowned for its intricate wooden carvings — particularly in the famed Drummers’ Hall — each pillar is carved from a single piece of wood and adorned with dancers, animals, floral patterns, and mythical figures.

No two pillars are identical. The artistry reflects patience, symbolism, and extraordinary skill.

Spiritual Interpretation

Embekke suggests that devotion is not confined to prayer alone. Here, artistry becomes an offering. The carvings are believed to represent cosmic harmony, protection, and the connection between humanity and nature.