Joanna James
Being last stood kingdom in Sri Lanka, Kandy is regarded as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka Being home to numerous historic attractions, the city is drenched in history. Read on to know what places you should visit during your day trip in Kandy.
Dalada Maligawa or the temple of the tooth relic is the centrepiece of Kandy's historic and religious attractions. Being a monumental religious site, the temple draws in Buddhist devotees and tourists around the globe throughout the year. In one of the many shrines in the temple, there is a casket which contains the tooth relic of lord buddha himself and it is the reason the site is revered by many. It is also worth noting that before the building was converted into a temple, it was the palace of the last Kandyan King. There is also a museum within the premise of the temple where you could see and know about the history of this ancient building. Also, bear in mind since this is a sacred site, tourists will have to be dressed modestly covering their shoulders and knees before entering the temple.
Located right next to the Dalada Maligawa, the Kandy Lake is a man-made lake that also has an ancient origin - the lake is believed to be built by one of the Kandyan kings. Today it lies at the very heart of the city, offering those who visit Kandy a piece of tranquillity. The placid waters are home to a wide variety of fish and wading birds – visitors could also feed these amazing creatures. There is a walkway around the lake which is ideal for an evening walk with your loved one.
This too being an attraction that is located at proximity to the temple, is a shopping mall that is home to a plethora of stores. The city centre has stores that specialise in selling everything one would want – there are stores that sell clothing goods, there are book stores, boutiques that sell souvenirs, stores to buy electronic goods and more! There is also a dedicated food court on the topmost floor of the mall which lets you enjoy everything from local food favourites to international delicacies!
The royal botanical gardens in Kandy is an expansive garden that is home to a vibrant array of endemic plant species. It also features a collection of foreign plants that were brought to the island from other parts of the world. All of the plants here are labelled in all three official languages in Sri Lanka which also includes English. There is also a dedicated region in the park which features over 50 varieties of orchids. Many travel reputed travel websites such as Kandy Escapes insists that this attraction should not be missed when you travel to Kandy
Located a few kilometres away from Kandy, the Embekke Devalaya is an ancient temple that is renowned for its intricate woodwork! The temple is built on wooden pillars that feature sculptures of wrestlers, dancers, noblemen and creatures from mythology. If you are into exploring ancient forms of art and into history this is a must-visit attraction in Kandy.
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.
