Top 5 must see places in Kandy

Amidst an ocean of greenery and synonymous to serenity and religion Kandy stays one of the most visited places by tourists both local and foreign in Sri Lanka. For a first visitor almost every local will recommend going to this second largest city in the island and last kingdom of the kings’ era, which of course subsequently aided to leave monuments and sculpture back that will later help us to take a glimpse at the ancient people’s lifestyle and heritage- a feature that attracts most.

When in Kandy City there are almost no chances for a person to get bored. So we suggest taking some time for a random walk around the city on your first day there. You can even hire a boat to go around the Kandy Lake which will prove to be entertaining. In case you choose to walk the comparatively small and seemingly cramped boutiques and eateries are worth a visit. These places are unique to the city and adds to its exceptional beauty while the clothes, gifts and ornaments they offer are mainly made by local women who aims to reflect the ‘Kandyan life’ in their art pieces, while the food and sweets are traditional and more ‘Sri Lankan’- a bargain worth taking a shot at.

But, as there are a large number of places you could visit in the ancient city keeping a few key places marked in your map will be advisable. We were able to compile the top places to visit in Kandy and then narrowed them down to five to make things less complicated.

1. Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic

Sticking out like a sore thumb by a peaceful lake and in middle of the humdrum of Kandy City the golden-roofed temple is easily the most important place for Buddhists. Also called Sri Dalada Maligawa this temple houses the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The relic which was brought to Sri Lanka from India remains heavily guarded but will be open to public during puja or prayer times. However, it will still remain well protected in a golden casket. Shaped like a stupa, placed inside a glass box and with white lotuses and jasmines and thousands of many other flowers placed by devotees as an offering, the golden casket is simply stunning.

Next to this there are many other temples and museums to visit within the Maligawa itself.One of them is the AluthMaligawa(or the new temple) where sitting Buddha statues donated by Thai officials are placed. Living up to its image the Aluth Maligawa resembles a Thai Buddhist temple.

Sri Dalada Museum displays numerous gifts given by devotees and well-wishers local and foreign. It also has an array of letters and diaries left behind by the British who colonized the Kandyan Kingdom in 1803. Photos exhibited in the museum depict the damages sustained by the temple during a bomb attack by the LTTE in 1998.The World Buddhism Museum located behind the main temple has exhibits that will help people to take a glimpse into the various forms of Buddhism around the world.

Note: Remember to wear clothes that will cover your shoulders and legs. You will also have to remove your footwear at the entrance of the temple. Also, free audio guides will be distributed at the ticket counter.

Temple of the Tooth

2. The Esala Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera, held in July/August is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and glamorous events to which thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world attend. The Perahera or procession features a large variety of Upcountry dances, musical forms, breathtaking fire breathers and majestically decorated Asian tuskers and elephants.

During the procession, the Sacred Tooth Relic is paraded on a specially selected tusker around the Sri Dala Maligawa accompanied by many other elephants, dancers, musicians and other performers. The event, established to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and commemorate the teachings of the Buddha, lasts for ten days. Another known legend is that the procession was organized to ask Gods enough rain for cultivation purposes in the Kandyan Kingdom.

3. The Royal Botanical Gardens

Located just a little under 6km from Kandy city the spectacular gardens are known to attract about two million visitors every year. History of this 150-acre garden goes as far back as King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha’s rule in 1747. The British later, especially Edward Barnes, governor, brought down a large number of plant species and planted in the gardens in 1820s.

Following this many dignitaries including King George V and Queen Mary has planted trees that are still found today. Now there are over 110 endemic plants and hundreds of other plant species.

If you do go to Kandy take some time relaxing under the Banyan trees and walking under arches of  different types of climbers in full blossom. You can also grab a lunch inside in two different eateries.

Note: The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens are open from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm daily. Tickets range from Rs. 600 to adults and Rs. 300 to children.

5. The Hantana Tea Museum

Built in 1925 as a tea factory, this museum holds great value to Sri Lanka – one of the main tea exporters in the world. In a bid to illustrate how the beverage first came to the country, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Sri Lanka Planters’ Association has successfully converted the former factory into a museum displaying old equipment and specimens used in the harvesting and production process of tea. Located around five km from Kandy, the museum also houses a library, tea sales section and a restaurant where you could sit and enjoy some traditional Sri Lankan tea.

Hanthana Tea Factory/Kandy Tea Museum, Sri Lanka, https://www.flickr.com/photos/87265842@N00/10307132356/

5. Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Adjoining the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, this forest reserve with 0ver 100 acres is one of the major attractions in Kandy. Conserved by the Wildlife Conservation Department of Sri Lanka the reserve was initially taken care by Kandyan Kings. Leaving a glimpse of its imperial past there is a pond in the middle of the forest reserve in which the royals took baths. Now home to a large number of animals and plants species, most endemic, the reserve is ideal for trekking.

Udawattakele Forest, Kandy, https://www.flickr.com/photos/rav560/25732043453/

Note: feeding wild animals within the forest reserve is strictly prohibited by the Wildlife Conservation Department.

For more information email: [email protected] Call 00 9411 2462 7739 or visit our website for more information: www.srilankatailormade.com