Gadaladeniya Temple, Sri Lanka

Gadaladeniya is a stone temple built on a flat rock outcrop in the village of Diggala, about 15 km west of Kandy. An inscription on the rock dates it to 1344, in the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV of Gampola. It is the first stop on the well-known "three temples loop", along with Lankatilaka and Embekka, which were all built in the same period.

Why it's unusual

Most Sri Lankan temples of that time were built of brick and timber. Gadaladeniya was built almost entirely of stone, and its design owes a great deal to South India. The chief architect is recorded as Ganesvarachari, a South Indian master, and the pillars, mouldings and the dome over the shrine recall the Hindu temples of the Vijayanagara period. Buddhist and Hindu worship were closely linked at the Gampola court, and a shrine to a deity adjoins the main Buddhist image house.

What to look for

• The main shrine. Inside is a seated Buddha under a makara torana, an ornamental dragon arch, with standing Buddhas on either side.
• The stone carvings. Look at the pillars and the base of the building for dancers, drummers and floral patterns.
• The stupa with four shrines. Beside the main temple stands a stupa under a roof, with four small shrines around it, each topped by its own miniature stupa. The arrangement is rare.
• The rock inscription recording the temple's founding, cut into the rock near the entrance.
• The setting. The bare rock, a bo tree and a lotus pond give the place a calm, open feel.

Parts of the temple have been under conservation with a protective roof at times, which affects photographs but not the visit.

Visiting

Foreign visitors pay an entrance fee at each of the three temples, so carry cash in small notes. Dress modestly, and remove your shoes and hat. The rock gets hot in the sun, so socks are useful. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

The three temples loop

The three temples lie within a few kilometres of each other, among villages and paddy fields. Most people visit by tuk-tuk or car from Kandy in half a day, usually in the order Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and Embekka. Keen walkers can go on foot between them along quiet lanes. Our guide to the Kandy three temples loop has the full route, timings and costs to expect.

The turn-off is at Pilimatalawa on the Colombo to Kandy road, where you'll also find brassware workshops. Buses from Kandy towards Kadugannawa stop at Pilimatalawa, and tuk-tuks wait at the junction.