Highlights
- Famous for the carved wooden pillars of its drummers' hall
- Dedicated to the god Kataragama, also called Mahasen
- The carvings show the skill of Kandyan craftsmen
- Protected today as part of the national heritage
- See dancers, wrestlers, birds and mythical animals on the pillars
Overview
Embekke Devalaya, in the Udunuwara area west of Kandy, is a shrine to the god Kataragama (Skanda). It is best known for the remarkable wood carvings in its drummers' hall, often described as the finest wood carving in Sri Lanka. Tradition dates the shrine to the Gampola period in the 14th century, linked to King Vikramabahu III.
What you see
The site has three parts: the Hevisi Mandapaya (drummers' hall), the Digge (dancing hall) and the Garbha (sanctum). The drummers' hall is the highlight. Its carved wooden pillars show dancers, wrestlers, soldiers, musicians, mythical beasts, birds, swans and the double-headed eagle, among many other designs. Each pillar is different. The roof is held together with interlocking joints, a fine example of Kandyan craft.
How long it takes
Thirty to forty-five minutes.
When to go
Morning or late afternoon. The light inside the hall is soft and good for seeing the carvings.
Getting there
Embekke is about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Kandy, via Pilimathalawa. It is usually visited on a loop with Gadaladeniya and Lankatilaka, two other Gampola-era temples nearby.
Practical tips
- A small entry fee is charged; check on arrival.
- Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees.
- Do not touch the carvings.
Plan with our Kandy city tour, things to do in Kandy and Kandy hotels.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
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