Joanna James
Kandy has often been cited as one of the must-visit cities in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst the central highlands of the island, this is a city that's steeped in history and tradition. So, if you're still undecided, here're 5 reasons on why you should visit Kandy.
By far, the main reason that so many people visit Kandy each year is to experience all the wonderful cultural landmarks the city has to offer. In this regard, the greatest attraction here is the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is synonymous with Kandy and is one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and historical locations. It is believed that a tooth relic belonging to Buddha himself is kept at the very heart of the temple. The temple is also an architectural marvel that displays styles and designs that are distinctly Kandyan – all in all, a visit here is an experience that will be etched in your mind for a long time. The temple is also found in close proximity to most of the prominent Kandy hotels like the Hotel Topaz, so there's no reason to miss out. Aside from the temple, there are many other fantastic cultural attractions to discover in Kandy. These range from various Buddhist shrines to feature-rich museums.
One of the more subtle reasons why Kandy is such a popular tourist destination is the charming atmosphere that blankets the whole city. It might not be immediately apparent, but once you start touring the streets, you'll start to notice it more and more. Now, if you're looking to experience and immerse yourself in the culture of Kandy, things to do include a visit to the markets at the city's centre and a tour of the old colonial buildings found here.
One thing most people will notice immediately as they enter Sri Lanka's hill country is just how pleasant the weather is. All throughout the year, Kandy enjoys a nice and cool climate that's perfect for explorations and sight-seeing. This mountain weather is also perfect if you're looking take things easy and just relax – it's certainly calming in its own way. Pair it up with a relaxing spa session and you'll feel rested and rejuvenated like never before.
All around the city of Kandy are rolling hills that are covered in verdant forests. If you want to truly experience the natural beauty Kandy has to offer, you'll want to head to the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. Here, you'll be treated to sightings of a number of amazing animals – from curious langurs to a whole host of endemic birds. Deep within the forest, you'll also find ruins belonging to the Kandyan Kingdom – the last sovereign kingdom of Sri Lanka prior to the island's subjugation by the British.
If you're looking to treat yourself to some truly epic views and nab yourself some great photo ops, Kandy is the place to be. Climb up any of the hills that surround the city and you'll be treated to an unprecedented picture of the surrounding landscape. There're also great locations you can visit like the Kandy Buddha Statue and the Kandy Lake if you want to capture the best scenery.
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.
