Joanna James
A region overflowing in natural wonder & scenic beauty whilst being at the very heart of a once-thriving kingdom that was overthrown by the British, the central citadel of Kandy is all this and more.
Nature lovers are sure to fall head over heels with a mere glimpse of the fascinating Udawattekele Sanctuary which is but a 15-minute drive from the city of Kandy. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, one may spend a few hours strolling along pathways pausing only to catch fleeting views of mischievous monkeys, deer, and a myriad of bird species that throng its environs. A viewpoint can be accessed so that the scenes of the city are never too far away but should you wish to take a complete break, then beelining towards any of the three meditation centres will stand you in good stead for the duration of your time here.
Also termed the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Peradeniya Gardens although found a short distance away from Kandy itself will surely compel you into paying a visit. The glorious outdoors come alive when in Peradeniya and against such a backdrop, one will be treated to a marvelous spectacle of palm trees, spices, orchids, and well over 80 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, 20 reptilian species, and 15 variants of amphibians that certainly add to the charm of the place.
Religion and more importantly, Buddhism retains pride of place in the citadel of Kandy with the Embekka Devalaya featuring as one of its custodians. Belonging to the Gampola era and constructed by King Vikramabahu III, the Embekka Devalaya is a work of craft & art while comprising three sections. These are the Drummers Hall, Dancing Hall, and the Sanctum of Garagha respectively. The former is adorned with priceless wood carvings on its high-pitched roof and pillars that depict the sheer brilliance of the arts during days gone by.
In Sri Lanka, tea is more than just a beverage but a way of life that attracts both locals and foreign nationals in their numbers. With Kandy overflowing in tea estates and factories, one will do well to learn of the intricacies of what makes a cuppa tea in this part of the world. The Ceylon Tea Museum paves the way for vacationers and tea connoisseurs to have a whale of a time within the floors that make up this attraction. The option of a tour guide can be toyed with but if you are a 'do it yourself type of visitor, then go right ahead. A model of a tea factory will greet you on the 1st floor before the 2nd floor will bring you to what is arguably the oldest tea package in the country. Should this have whetted your appetite for more, then make your way to the 4th floor where the beverage itself can be savoured with the possibility to purchase some freshly brewed tea readily available.
Dubbed the 'Sea of Milk' which translates to 'Kiri Muhuda' in Sinhalese, the enchanting Kandy Lake must not be forgotten when one is touring the city. Located a short distance away from Amaya Hills which is one of the hotels in Kandy from where such sites can be reached, the Lake saw the light of day in 1807 during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, Presently, holidaymakers can go on long walks during evening or night with the sound of chirping birds a constant companion.
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.
