Gampola, Sri Lanka: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty – by Bhanuka – eLanka Nestled in the verdant hills of Sri Lanka’s central province, Gampola stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and captivating natural beauty. This charming town, situated a mere stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Kandy, offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and a tranquil ambiance. Join us on an exploration of Gampola, as we uncover its historical treasures, lush surroundings, and the warmth of its local community. Exploring Gampola’s Historical Tapestry: Gampola boasts a storied past, with its roots tracing back to the ancient Kingdom of Gampola. Remnants of this bygone era can still be witnessed in the town’s historic temples, ancient bridges, and intricate architecture. The Gadaladeniya Vihara and Embekke Devalaya, in particular, offer a glimpse into the architectural marvels of this period. Nature’s Bounty ...

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The Glory of Gadaladeniya & Lankathilaka Temples-by Dishan Joseph Inner sanctum at Gadaladeniya-The Reliquary at Gadaladeniya temple I have written previously about the Embekke Devalaya, which is one of the three prominent temples built during the Gampola era. The kings of Gampola did not control the entire country during their reign; in fact, they were regional regents of the hill country. Lankathilaka Viharaya From the Embekke Devalaya, you can travel to Lankathilaka temple. We walked part of this distance which is about two kilometres. On the way, I noticed trees full of nutmeg, known as saddikkai in the rural areas. The lush paddy fields were ready for harvest. The Lankathilaka temple was built on a rock. My Buddhist friend Kumuduni and I climbed about 100 steps, which have been cut from the solid rock. The wind is chilly as you ascend. The three-storied structure dominates the rock. The view from ...

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Embekke Devalaya: Sublime edifice of wood carvings-by Dishan Joseph Source:Dailynews Sri Lankan craftsmen and artistes have dazzled us for decades. Their skills passed down for generations, are unique in a certain sense as each country has its distinct national and regional designs. Thankfully, our glorious monarchs realised the value of these men and supported their artistic talents, which still impresses thousands of tourists who visit this paradise island. One of my favourite sites to appreciate wood-related carvings is Embekke Devalaya, in the Kandy region. Kandy is an ancient city embellished with temples and temple-related sculptures and paintings. Embekke Devalaya is one venue where the adroitness of our ancient craftsmen commands our attention. This site has indeed gained global attention. UNESCO duly recognised these remarkable wood carvings at Embekke Devalaya as one of the unique collections to be found anywhere in the world. These magnificent carvings feature an intricate display of ancient ...

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Embekke Devalaya: Sublime edifice of wood carvings Source:Dailynews Sri Lankan craftsmen and artistes have dazzled us for decades. Their skills passed down for generations, are unique in a certain sense as each country has its distinct national and regional designs. Thankfully, our glorious monarchs realised the value of these men and supported their artistic talents, which still impresses thousands of tourists who visit this paradise island. One of my favourite sites to appreciate wood-related carvings is Embekke Devalaya, in the Kandy region. Kandy is an ancient city embellished with temples and temple-related sculptures and paintings. Embekke Devalaya is one venue where the adroitness of our ancient craftsmen commands our attention. This site has indeed gained global attention. UNESCO duly recognised these remarkable wood carvings at Embekke Devalaya as one of the unique collections to be found anywhere in the world. These magnificent carvings feature an intricate display of ancient Sinhalese ...

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