26 km. from Kandy is the Matale district. An ancient rock temple "Aluvihara" of great significance in the history of Buddhism. The Buddhist canon and its commentaries, which were till then handed down orally, were written for the first time at Aluvihara Temple.

The rock monastery of Aluvihara is beside the Kandy-Dambulla road. The monastery caves are situated in rocks, which have fallen from the mountains high above the valley. Some of the caves have fine frescoes. The doctrine of the Buddha was first recorded here, in Pali scripts, around the 1st century BC. The monks today are inscribing Buddhist Scriptures in palm-leaf (ola) books. In addition there are colourful statues of devils and sinners that show the various forms of punishment handed out in the afterlife.

Matale is famous for its numerous spice garden along the Matale - Dambulla Highway, which is a must stop and go attraction for those who passing by.

Large volume of greenery can be seen in the form of Paddy Fields where farmers still use age old traditional harvesting methods. Altogether by visiting Matale you will be treated to the village living tradition in Sri Lanka.