emma lathen
The engrossing city of Kandy offers many splendid experiences for the visitor. In the environs of this city you will find many things to do that will appeal to visitors with different preferences.
The famous Royal Botanical Gardens located at Peradeniya in proximity to Kandy is always an entrancing attraction for the visitor. Featuring a splendid collection of botanical specimens, this garden is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka. Here you will find a mesmerizing collection of plants including palm trees, medicinal plants, orchids, spices and much more. This garden is meticulously maintained and you can spend many hours strolling around its various sections. Perhaps the most resplendent of all is the section devoted to orchids which is sure to captivate the visitor. Many tourists as well as locals visiting Kandy make it a point to visit this attraction.
Near the city of Kandy you will find the well-known Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, an establishment that cares for orphaned as well as disabled elephants. At this sanctuary you will have the opportunity to ride, pet and feed the elephants. Watching the baby elephants being fed with milk is an endearing sight that will appeal to visitors. You will also have the opportunity to view the elephants at their bath where you can interact with them and be showered with their trunks. Animal lovers in particular will be enthralled by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Elephants are considered to be one of Sri Lanka's natural treasures which is why they are treated with affection and respect.
This esteemed temple which is known as Sri Dalada Maligawa in the local language is unquestionably one of Kandy's most important cultural sites. This engrossing Buddhist temple houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it a greatly venerated site for Buddhists from across the world. As you might expect you will see monks engaged in religious activities within the inner chambers at this temple, with numerous rituals being conducted here every day. This attraction can be conveniently accessed from centrally located Kandy hotels. One such accommodation option travellers can consider is Earl's Regency.
Sri Lanka is one of the world's leading producers of tea and the area around Kandy features a number of renowned tea plantations and factories. Visitors may take the opportunity to visit a tea estate such as the Giragama Tea Plantation where you will be able to take a fascinating tour of the tea factory. Visitors will be able to observe first hand the numerous machines and processes that are instrumental in the production of tea. You will encounter amazing sights and smells on your tour which is sure to be a memorable experience.
Kandy City Centre is an imposing 10 storey shopping and commercial complex that is always an attractive venue at which to shop. It was opened to the public in 2005 after its construction phase which took 12 years. Today it is a popular shopping complex that is frequented by locals as well as foreign visitors. One of the country's leading shopping malls, Kandy City Centre is well-known for its selection of merchandise as well as its moderate prices which offer good value for shoppers. It is the only shopping complex of its kind in Kandy, so make it a point to visit it and perhaps buy a souvenir or two of your visit.
