Top five attractions in Kandy Sri Lanka – Green hills and tradition

The temple of the tooth sits at the centre of this picturesque town close to many of the famed Kandy hotels. Displaying the scared tooth relic of Gautama Buddha, this World Heritage site is located within the palace premises of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom. The ritualistic drumming is performed thrice a day in honour of the tooth relic. The annual 'Dalada Perahara' a parade filled with versatile dancers, colourfully dressed elephants and the magnificent tusker parading the Kandy city carrying the tooth relic on its back are events not to be missed in this temple.

Locally known as 'Kiri Muhuda' which literally translates into 'the sea of milk' is a man-made lake located close to the temple of the tooth relic. 'Jayathilake Mandapaya'; a tiny island in the centre of the lake used by the ladies of the court in the past to bath, 'Ulpange'; the bathing pavilion of the queen built partly submerged in the lake, and 'walakulubamma' the wall of clouds or rather the grand wall built around the lake are some of the key points to take note of while enjoying a peaceful walk around this magnificent lake.

Stretched across an area of 147 acres, this garden paradise is known as the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Perched in between the scenic views of Mahaweli River and the National Herbarium, Peradeniya botanical garden is home to more than 4000 species of flora. The orchid, herb and spice gardens are must see attractions within the premises. The garden's beautifully designed and well-maintained nooks and corners along with its palm trees attract tens of thousands of picnic goers each year.

Be it locally produced fruit and vegetables, be it ever famous Ceylonese spices and herbs or handmade souvenirs and gifts, the central market in Kandy is the place where you could find all that you need in and around a single building complex. The exotic smells, the vibrant colours and the hustle and bustle of the local people in this bee hive of activity would give you a quick glance into the life style of the Kandyans.

Located just a 20-minute drive away from the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, this tea factory turned museum tells the story of your beloved Ceylon tea. At the end of an informative tour displaying old tea processing machinery dating back to the colonial era and manuscripts telling sweet old tales of British tea pioneers, a delicious cup of Ceylon tea can be enjoyed at the premise if you are up for a tea adventure in Kandy.