Finding the hidden Nalanda Gedige stone temple near Kandy
3 Answers from travellers
Yes! Nalanda Gedige is one of the most unique hidden gems in Sri Lanka. It is located exactly in the geographic center of the island, about 20km north of Matale on the A9 highway. The entire temple was dismantled and moved to higher ground when the nearby reservoir was built. It has unique Pallava style carvings and even Tantric sculptures. Very few tourists go there.
Yes, take any bus heading to Dambulla from Kandy/Matale and ask to be dropped at the Nalanda junction. It is a short walk from there.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Staying in Kandy - best area to stay and what to actually do in the city itself?2 answers
- Finding the hidden Nalanda Gedige stone temple near Kandy3 answers
- Temple of the Tooth crowds during Vesak festival weekend4 answers
- How to visit the Lankatilaka Viharaya temple near Kandy.3 answers
- Hanthana range and Udawattakele forest near Kandy good hikes straight from the city and are they safe and worth it6 answers
- Tuktuk drivers in Kandy quoting crazy prices for temple tours6 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture