Embekke Devalaya

Built by King Vickramabahu III, this 14 th Century temple was constructed using primarily wood. The main halls of the temple include the Drummer’s Hall, Dancing Hall and the Sanctum of Garagha. The temple is located about 14km away from Kandy.

This Buddhist temple is dedicated to the worship of Kataragama Deviyo, who is believed to be the guardian deity of Sri Lanka. The Drummer’s Hall alone is an architectural masterpiece that makes you wonder how this structure of wood stays in place without being overpowered by its own weight. The trick lies in the ornate pillars and the giant catch pin on the roof that upholds the weight. The design of the temple is so unique, that it was replicated to a great extent by the designers of the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo.