Joanna James
Kandy is one of the most historically and religiously important places in Sri Lanka. Revered by Sri Lankans, Kandy is visited by many. The city offers plenty of attractions to be enjoyed by families.
This sacred city is nestled in the cold hill country, and it is a must-visit. The city is a surviving remnant of Sri Lanka's ancient heritage. Travellers tend to focus on the beaches in Sri Lanka, but many don't know what an exciting tourist spot Kandy is. During the colonial times, Kandy, thanks to its location, was able to ward off the Portuguese and the Dutch. As such, the city was the last bastion of Independent Sri Lanka. This is the reason why its local customs didn't become obsolete. As a tourist destination, Kandy offers a lot. Kandy city hotels sell out fast during the tourist season, and places like Kandy Topaz are high in demand.
Found inside the Royal Palace of Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most famous attraction in Kandy. This historically, culturally and religiously important site is why Kandy is visited by locals and foreigners every year. Buddha's tooth relic is preserved inside the temple in a pagoda-shaped receptacle. There's an admission fee, and visitors are expected to dress modestly.
One of the family-friendly attractions in Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens grow nearly 4000 plant species. Over two million people visit the garden each year, and among them are families. Tropical botany is the theme of the garden, and the highlight of the garden is the large orchid collection. The garden also nurtures a variety of medicinal plants.
From Kandy town centre, it is only a short walk to this nature reserve. You need to pay an admission fee to enter, but it's worth it. The sanctuary is home to a range of animals and plants; it also attracts various bird species. Make sure you have something to drink as it gets very hot here during the day.
The Kandyan Art Association Hall hosts a cultural show that showcases local customs. Kandyan dancing is fun to watch, and it involves a lot of acrobatics, making it a very spirited dance style. The dance represents various aspects of Sri Lankan culture. Followed by the dance is fire walking. Firewalking is associated with the worship of Hindu deities; this is an example of the amalgamation of ethnicities and religions in Sri Lanka. The start time of the show is 5.30 pm.
There are several museums in Kandy. The National Museum and the International Buddhist Museum are two places you must visit. These museums are a reflection of the ancient era of the country. An extensive range of artefacts can be seen if you visit.
Kandy Lake is a place where you can spot wildlife. Monitor lizards, birds and turtles can be spotted here. Walking around the lake is a fun thing to do while in Kandy. The lake is somewhat clear, and you can feed the fish. At the far end is a cosy restaurant where you can have a nice family meal.
Sri Lankans aren't much different from the English when it comes to tea. When you feel down, a cup of tea is all it takes to lift up one's mood. All over the town are small cafes and tea shops where you can enjoy a cup of Sri Lankan tea.
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