An Essential Guide to Kandy – Things you should know before visiting

Kandy is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city's history dates back to the 14th century. All over the city are attractions that speak of Sri Lanka's culture, religion and colonial history. Tourists are attracted to the city on account of its cultural tokens. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, for example, is visited by locals and foreigners alike.

There are various ways you can travel to Kandy. You can hop on a train from the Colombo Railway Station and get to Kandy Railway Station. Travelling by train is the most affordable and most enjoyable. The train takes a route through the beautiful scenery of the country. Getting here by taxi is the most expensive, but it's the most comfortable. You also have the option of taking the bus. If this is your first time travelling to Kandy, getting in touch with a tour agent or someone who's experienced might be the best option for you. Tourists can also go through online sources such as Kandy Escapes to educate themselves more.

Being a famed tourist destination, it's not surprising that Kandy has all kinds of accommodation options. Whatever your accommodation allowance is, you are sure to find an option that suits you. From budget options to mid-range to luxury options, the city has a diverse range of choices.

Visiting the Botanical Gardens is a must. If you want the total experience of touring Kandy, you should give yourself the chance to admire the city's most visited attraction. The place is ideal for a stroll, but you can also sit and relax under the shade of a giant tree. The coconut grove is one of the main features of the garden.

For an in-depth history lesson, visit the National Museum of Kandy. The museum occupies an area of the royal residence. The place has an extensive collection of artefacts that unravel the history of the city. In addition to historical artefacts, the museum has a range of native artwork.

Found right beside the National Museum of Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth. For Buddhists, the temple is one of the most sacred places on earth. The temple is believed to house the Buddha's tooth relic. It also plays a political role; the ruler of Sri Lanka is the custodian of the tooth relic. Three religious rituals are performed every day, and a special ceremony meant for bathing the relic is held on Wednesdays. The water used to cleanse the relic is believed to have healing powers.

Kandy eateries offer a range of authentic Sri Lankan food. If you are in the mood for some rice and curry, pop into one of the Kandy eateries.

Kandy Lake is another famous attraction in the city. Located right in front of the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake is ideal for sightseeing. This massive body of water is man-made, and it was constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.

Located 20 kilometres away from the city, Alagalla Mountain offers perfect hiking opportunities. Also referred to as the 'Potato Mountain', the Alagalla Mountain makes for a fun day trip. You can get here by bus. The best thing to do for a tourist would be to choose a guided tour. Speak to your hotel if you need help arranging a guided tour.