Joanna James
The city of Kandy in Sri Lanka is well-known for its cultural and sightseeing attractions. In this captivating city, you will find a host of interesting things to do that are sure to capture the interest of the active visitor.
Sri Lanka is renowned for its massive tea industry, producing as much as 300,000 tonnes of the popular beverage each year. You will find that there are an array of tea plantations and factories in the environs of the city of Kandy; you can take the opportunity to undertake a tour of a local tea factory which is sure to be a memorable experience. You will have the chance to observe the huge machines which are used to process the tea leaves. At the conclusion of your tour, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the teas produced by the factory.
Your visit to Kandy would not be complete without viewing some Kandyan dancing which is considered to be one of Sri Lanka's esteemed cultural features. You will find that Kandyan dance is an entrancing spectacle that is sure to capture the imagination of the culture lover. You will see that this form of dance is performed to the accompaniment of percussion instruments only, with the most frequently used drum being the 'geta beraya'. Kandyan dance is a fascinating and colourful sight that will undoubtedly appeal to the discerning visitor with its unique rhythms and movements.
If you desire a break from the exertions of sightseeing and shopping, take the opportunity to undertake a relaxed stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake. This lake which is located at the town's centre is a manmade creation that presents a tranquil sight for the visitor. You will find that it is a pleasant experience to take a leisurely walk around the lake whilst enjoying the balmy weather and attractive surroundings of Kandy. There are various walks that you can undertake in the vicinity of the lake, such as visiting the Udawattakele sanctuary and the Royal Palace Park. You will also be able to observe the locals and the day-to-day activities of the city of Kandy.
The greatly revered Temple of the Tooth takes pride of place in Kandy as its foremost cultural attraction. As its name indicates this place of worship houses a tooth relic of Gautama Buddha himself and is accordingly venerated by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. This temple presents a distinctive sight with its striking yet simple architecture. However, the interior of this temple is much more elaborate, featuring many intricate decorations made of precious woods, ivory and lacquer. You will notice the various rituals that are performed to honour the tooth relic. When in search of bungalows in Kandy to stay at, an accommodation choice to consider from which this temple would be within easy reach would be Dream Lodge.
The splendid Peradeniya Botanical Garden is sure to capture the imagination of the plant lover with its remarkable collection of botanical specimens. In these gardens, you will encounter a mesmerizing selection of trees, plants and flowers that will captivate the visitor. A highlight at these gardens is its collection of different kinds of orchids that will delight those who admire these entrancing flowers. You will find a number of fascinating trees and plants within these gardens, including the giant bamboo from Burma, numerous palm trees, giant Javan fig tree, cannonball tree and so on. As many as two million people visit this botanical garden each year.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
