Joanna James
Kandy is one of the biggest cities in Sri Lanka, and there are plenty of activities to do while in this historic area. Here are some that you simply should not miss out on.
Sri Lanka is home to five botanical gardens, and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is perhaps the most famous. Visit the Orchid Gardens and appreciate the delicate and unusual varieties that grow there. Stroll down cobblestone roads lined with towering palm trees, straight out of a movie. Or sit by the lake and enjoy the tranquil environment. This is a great place to spend a relaxing day in Kandy.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, or the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is an ancient and sacred site to the Buddhist population of Sri Lanka. Locals flock to this temple to worship the relic housed inside, said to be a tooth from the Lord Buddha. There is a dress code for entering the temple, which includes having your shoulders and knees covered, removing shoes, and not wearing any headgear.
This is one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, but what really makes it a must do activity is the view from the statue. It is situated on a hill that overlooks Kandy, and visitors are treated to panoramic views of the city below. Devotees enter the statue and make offerings here too, as it is another sacred site. Similar to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, note that there is a dress code for entering here too.
Kandy Lake and the area surrounding is a lovely place to simply relax and enjoy the cool weather. It is a scenic area, with many tall trees growing and offering a shady spot to sit and relax. Hop into a swan boat and enjoy travelling around the lovely lake. It is a great way to spend some free time while in Kandy.
The Kandy to Ella train is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Words cannot describe the stunning views you are treated to as you travel; you simply have to see it yourself. Be sure to book tickets fast as they tend to sell out. If you are a couple planning a honeymoon, this train ride is definitely something that you will enjoy. The best honeymoon hotels in Kandy will offer you similar luxury and stunning views, such as Amaya Hunas Falls Kandy. Regardless of what kind of traveller you are, taking the Kandy to Ella train is a must do activity.
Sri Lankan food is growing in popularity, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel has some of the best cuisine the country has to offer. The samosas and the rice and curry are delicious, but what really steals the show is kottu! Be sure to sit with the locals and have an authentic Sri Lankan meal.
Also known as the Kandy Garrison Cemetery, this is an ode to Sri Lanka's colonial past. It is a memorial for all the soldiers who perished fighting for Sri Lanka during WWII. The tranquil and pensive atmosphere is a contrast from the bustling city surrounding it.
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