7 Great Things To Do In Kandy – be mesmerized by the ‘citadel in the hills’

Where else would you commence journeying through Kandy than on its streets which can get a tad busy, particularly during the day? Scenes of street vendors busily engaged in their trade complement the colonial buildings and cultural monuments that add to the allure of Kandy's identity. As you move about, be sure to do so with a fresh king coconut in your hand which will be a much-needed source of sustenance.

Considered the brainchild of the city's last ruler, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, the Kandy Lake stands out for more than one reason. With a central island that once served as the king's pleasure garden before the British utilized same for the storing of ammunition, the Lake itself is often seen on the back of postcards and is surrounded by a parapet wall that runs the length of the Lake. An evening stroll around the Lake can be looked at which to this day retains a semblance of peace and solace.

Rising against the brilliance of a clear blue sky and serving as a constant reminder of the city's deep-rooted cultural ties with Buddhism, the Temple of the Tooth Relic or the 'Dalada Maligawa' ought to feature on one's travel itinerary when holidaying in Sri Lanka. Before entering, be sure to be appropriately attired, and thereafter, the Temple's interiors will give way to the majesty surrounding the tooth relic of the Buddha which is found enclosed in golden boxes that are covered in priceless jewels. To stay well clear of devotees and similar travellers like yourself, consider heading over during the early part of the morning.

Situated within a 15-minute drive west of the city of Kandy is Peradeniya which is known for housing one of the more delightful attractions in Sri Lanka's Central Province: the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Once you make your way within its cooling and welcoming environs, one's senses will be treated to 147 acres of unimaginable beauty and wonder where in excess of 4000 floral species find refuge. Amidst scenes of blooming orchids, roses and towering trees would be an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka's longest river which is the Mahaveli Ganga that flows by in its own merry way.

Imagine being well placed to scour regions both near and far from Kandy. Well then, consider making a beeline towards the Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Statue which is credited with being Sri Lanka's largest Buddha statuette. Standing proudly over the city below at an astounding 88 feet, the statue which is found within the sacred grounds of the Bahiravakanda Vihara can be accessed via car or motorbike with only a small climb separating avid adventurers from the summit of the shrine. From here, sweeping views of Kandy and also the Knuckles Mountain Range can be caught sight of.

From being able to bottle-feed elephant calves to observing a herd of over 80 elephants frolic in the waters of the Maha Oya River, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is well worth the investment should you be looking for a different form of activity that will see you heading out of the city limits. Established in the 1970s, the Orphanage found on a 25-acre coconut plantation sets out to care for elephants while acting as a breeding ground as well.

Found near Kandy and within easy access to bungalows in Kandy such as the Mountbatten Bungalow Kandy, the Victoria Golf & Country Club provides ample space in which to settle down to a cuppa Ceylon Tea before heading out for a round or two on the greens. Further, activities ranging from swimming and horse riding can also be indulged in amidst the engulfing greenery.