Joanna James
Visiting the hill capital of Sri Lanka, the city of Kandy, you will be enthralled by the glorious past, be ensconced in the beautiful vistas and get energized into action as there is so much to see and do!
This is a must-visit site in Kandy, being an iconic building enshrining the 'sacred tooth relic' of Lord Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site carries unique Kandyan Architecture, intricate carvings, religious artefacts and a host of historical features. Majestically sitting on a backdrop of lush rainforests and soothed by the breeze from Kandy Lake this temple is a beautiful sight at especially at dawn and dusk.
Complementing the Majestic Temple of the Tooth is the famous 'Kandy Lake' offering a feast to the eyes and a soothing breeze to the body. One of the best things to Do in Kandy is to visit the lake at dawn to witness the picture-perfect backdrop created by the iconic 'Temple of the tooth' and the awesome rainforests rising above, just to catch the priceless sense of tranquility and serenity.
The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is an exceptional park worth visiting. Uniquely positioned with river Mahaweli the longest river in Sri Lanka, enclosing the park on three sides, the gardens behold over 4,000 varieties of plants, an abundance of spectacular blooms, an avenue of majestic palms and an exotic collection of orchids in addition to medicinal plants and spices spread over 60 hectares of meticulously designed lawns, plant houses and pavilions.
Don't miss strolling through the Kandy Market as done by guests from Hotel Topaz. Browse through the handicraft items, pick souvenirs for your loved ones, treat yourself to a vibrant piece of clothing or an intricate piece of authentic jewellery. Buy nibbles to enjoy as you browse through the stalls and chat with the vendors imbibing in the ethos of the market. The stalls also offer varieties of spices, tea and other knick-knacks from diverse cultures.
Elephants are revered, admired and even held in awe in Sri Lanka. A visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-do visit to have firsthand experience of the man's bond with this intelligent mammal the elephant. Have your children feed the baby elephants, watch them play, or even do a majestic ride on one to complete the memorable visit.
A legacy to Sri Lanka after colonization by the British, tea plantations have flourished all over the country. Whilst in Kandy, visit the Tea Museum to learn how the tea processing had evolved over the years at this meticulously planned location. In addition to learning about the machinery used and visiting the library and auditorium, make your tea purchases and move to the top floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kandy town, which can be viewed even better through the telescope mounted on this floor!
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