Why visit Kandy – A Cultural and historic landmark

The Kandy lake is an artificial lake which was built in 1807 on the orders of Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, the last king to rule Kandy. The island located in the centre of the lake was initially used as a domestic living space for the King's wives but was later re-used as an ammunition store by the British during their reign. The serene lake is an ideal location for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the sites around the town such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Malwatte Maha Vihara.

Located close to the luxurious hotels in Kandy similar to the likes of Amaya Resorts & Spas lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is also known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a temple with a roof made of gold which houses one of Sri Lanka's most valued artefacts: A tooth of Lord Buddha. The room that tooth lies in is guarded very tightly but can be visited during prayer (puja) times. Visitors will not, however, get to see the actual tooth in all its glory as the tooth is stored in a golden casket that is shaped like stupa (dagoba).

Built during the 18th century and located in the suburbs of Kandy lies the Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara, a lesser known and visited cave temple whose walls are covered from top to bottom with paintings that depict the tales of Buddha's previous lives. A painting of men carrying guns and a large painting of a reclining Buddha are amongst the paintings you'll be able to see while being shown around by one of the five monks who reside in this temple.

The Ceylon Tea Museum, located 4 kilometres south of the Kandy town was originally built in 1925 and was known as the Hantane Tea Factory. While it was refurbished recently and displays a wide variety of vintage tea processing machinery it lay dormant for more than a decade!

The tour of the museum is concluded with a complimentary cup of tea at the tearoom situated on the topmost floor of the building.

Located within the lands of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, the British Garrison Cemetery, also known as the Kandy Garrison Cemetery was built in 1817 right after the British captured Kandy to bury British residents who died in Sri Lanka or Ceylon as it was referred to during the British reign. The cemetery houses 195 graves of men, women, and children; the leading causes for death contrary to popular belief were tropical diseases such as cholera and malaria. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission granted funds to restore this cemetery in 1998 and it is currently being maintained by the "The Friends of the British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy".

Located in the old High Court inside the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex, the World Buddhism Museum showcases a variety of images and models depicting how of Buddhism is practised across the world. Most the items that are on display are reproductions of the originals.