The Top 5 Things to Do in Kandy – Diversions and Fun for the Visitor

This greatly revered religious site, known as Sri Dalada Maligawa in the local tongue, is considered to be one of Sri Lanka's foremost religious features as it houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. This temple can be found within a former royal compound and presents a distinctive sight for the visitor. The interior of the temple is elaborately decorated with precious materials such as ivory, lacquer and special woods. At this religious attraction, you will have the opportunity to observe the numerous devotees going about their activities and the various interesting rituals that are conducted here. Visitors will be enthralled by this remarkable site which is greatly venerated by Buddhists.

The much admired Esala Perahera is another of Kandy's religious attractions. This event is, in fact, an elaborate and entertaining procession featuring many participants. You will have the opportunity to view exquisitely attired elephants, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, musicians, torch bearers and other performers at this splendid event. Although the Esala Perahera can be regarded as a religious feature it also attracts a multitude of sightseers, both local and foreign. The focus of the celebration is a replica of the revered tooth relic which is carried around the streets of Kandy on the back of a royal elephant as the centrepiece of this procession.

No sightseeing tour of Kandy would be complete without strolling around the picturesque Kandy Lake. Visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by this lake's tranquil beauty and pleasant appearance. A walk around the perimeter of this appealing feature in Kandy is sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This lake which is situated amidst the heart of the vibrant city is, in fact, a manmade feature constructed by a former monarch. Many interesting tales and legends are associated with this alluring lake. As you leisurely make your way around this attractive body of water you will be enthralled by the striking scenery that you will encounter.

Avid shoppers will be captivated by the splendid Kandy City Centre, which is a large and alluring shopping mall situated in Kandy. This expansive 10 storey shopping complex is sure to capture the interest of the shopping enthusiast with its many attractions. Having opened its doors to the public in 2005, this distinctive mall has established itself as one of Sri Lanka's premier shopping attractions. You will find a diverse selection of merchandise on offer, with the prices of the goods generally being reasonable. Kandy City Centre will be a great place to purchase a few souvenirs as mementoes of your visit to the engrossing city of Kandy. A choice of accommodation that you could consider from which this mall can be easily reached would be Hotel Topaz Kandy; it is one of the options travellers will come across when in search of the best hotel Kandy has to offer.

If you love interesting plants and flowers you are sure to be enthralled by the splendid Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden which is located in proximity to the city of Kandy. This garden which is regarded as being one of the finest of its kind in the region will undoubtedly strike the interest of the discerning sightseer. As you might expect you will encounter a remarkable selection of botanical specimens here, including different varieties of medicinal plants, spices, palm trees and much more. Make sure to check out the area devoted to orchids which may be regarded as one of the highlights of this splendid garden.