Joanna James
Kandy was home to one of the last Kingdoms of Sri Lanka, until the entire island was brought under colonial rule in the early 1800's. Today it has a rich culture to offers visitors to the city.
One of the most sacred sites in all of Sri Lanka, this temple is of major significance because it houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. This isn't just a place to worship however, the beautiful temple is full of traditional art and statues giving visitors plenty to see. This is the ideal place to visit if you want to learn about the local Buddhist culture. with an eye-catching gold roof, this temple is noticeable from all across the hill capital, and much of the city is centred around it. Being such a sacred site, visitors are expected to maintain a level of decency, and this involves ensuring that you're fairly covered up, thus excluding shorts or sleeveless clothes.
Near the temple of the tooth you will come across the Kandy Lake. The lake is surrounded by myth and legends about secret tunnels and other mysteries, and it was built just before the Kandyan Kingdom came under the British rule, by the last king who reigned before that. This vast lake which is centrally located in the city contributes to its beauty, and you can enjoy an evening stroll around it. Stop by vendors selling king coconuts and snacks, and experience authentic local life.
Peradeniya is a few minutes outside Kandy, but these gardens are definitely worth a visit. A comprehensive collection of flora can be found at the gardens, which was established formally in 1843. Stroll around to learn about the different plant species, admire the vibrant and unique flowers, or just have a picnic in this tranquil setting. The orchid garden, fernery and spice garden are some of the highlights, along with the great lawn towards the entrance and the lake on site. The gardens are both a great place for learning as well as ideal for relaxing.
Time your Sri Lanka Cultural Tours to be in Kandy during the Esala full moon Poya day, to enjoy an experience of a lifetime. Falling in July or August, this city streets comes to life as a procession of dancers, drummers, and fire handlers makes its way through the city, along with several majestic elephants. The whole event is full of grandeur and tradition, and crowds flock to the city to witness this spectacular sight. If you are passionate about learning more about the way of life of the locals, sign up for tours with an operator such as Walkers Tours who will show you the essence of the island.
For those seeking some adventure, why not take a mountainous hike, where you can feel close to nature, while enjoying spectacular views at the same time. The Hanthana Mountain range is a favourite site for those who enjoy the outdoors, the range is made up of seven mountains, and its highest peach reaches a height of 3800 feet above sea level. The place is popular amoung bird watchers for the many species that inhabit the area, and is even often used as a site for camping. Make sure to wear shoes ideal for the trek as it can get a bit challenging at times, and the high peaks result in the area getting quite misty occasionally.
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