• Sri Muthumariamman Temple - Constructed in 1874 with the support of the Nattukkottai Chettiar, this temple serves both Hindus and Buddhists. Initially, it was a small statue under a tree worshipped by Hindus, but it has since been developed by the Matale community. The temple’s first Kumbhabhishekham took place in 1960.
• Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple - Known as the Aluvihare Rock Temple or Matale Alu Viharaya, this sacred Buddhist site is located in Aluvihare, Matale District, Sri Lanka. Nestled among hills, it is 30 km north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. The temple’s history dates back to the 3rd Century B.C. during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign. It is believed the king established the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling, and founded the temple following Buddhism’s introduction to the country.

Aluvihare Rock Temple is historically significant as the site where the Pāli Canon was first transcribed onto ola (palm) leaves. Numerous monastery caves, some adorned with frescoes, are located nearby.

• Ranweli Spice Garden - Located about an hour’s drive north of Kandy in Kawudupelella, Matale, the Ranweli Spice Garden celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich spice history. Spices and herbs are integral to Sri Lankan cuisine, enhancing flavor and providing health benefits by reducing inflammation and cellular damage. Herbs come from plant leaves, while spices are derived from seeds, berries, bark, or roots. Many plants essential to traditional Sri Lankan cooking can be found here.
• Nalanda Gedige - Designed in the style of a Hindu temple, Nalanda Gedige features a mandapa, an entrance hall (originally roofed), a short passage to a bare cello, and an ambulatory around the sacred center. While few original Hindu deity statuettes remain, a statue of the God Kubera is visible on the south side of the tympanum over the sanctuary, a unique feature in Sri Lanka.

The intricately decorated facade sections, painstakingly reassembled in 1975, predominantly reflect South Indian style. Although their exact age is uncertain, they are believed to date from the 8th to 11th centuries.

• Dambulla Cave Temple - Dambulla is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex, with the rock towering 160 m above the plains. Over 80 documented caves exist in the area, with major attractions spread across five caves containing statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu and Ganesha. The murals cover 2,100 square meters (23,000 sq ft), depicting scenes like the demon Mara’s temptation and Buddha’s first sermon.
• Sigiriya Lion Rock - According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was once a vast forest. After storms and landslides, it became a hill, chosen by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) for his new capital. He constructed his palace atop the rock and adorned its sides with vibrant frescoes. Midway up the rock, he built a gateway resembling a giant lion, giving the site its name, Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.

Following the king’s death, the capital and palace were abandoned, later serving as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned as a well-preserved example of ancient urban planning.

• Pidurangala Rock - The history of Pidurangala Vihara is believed to extend back to the first and second century BC. Initially a Buddhist monastery, it gained prominence during King Kashyapa’s reign (473–495 AC).

Pidurangala Temple

Inscriptions in early Brahmi script
According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa killed his father, King Dhatusena, and fled to Sigiriya for safety from his half-brother Mugalan’s retaliation. Upon King Kashyapa’s arrival, the meditating Bhikkus were asked to relocate to nearby Pidurangala. As compensation, King Kashyapa renovated the temple, enhancing its significance.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Experienced Guide
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• All fees and/or taxes

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