Joanna James
Kandy was the main city of the last Kingdom in Sri Lanka, thus is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty due to being on a plateau. Take a peek into its glorious past in all its grandeur, marvel at ancient skills and the unique fusion of cultures. It will be an enriching experience.
Located within the Palace Complex of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom, this iconic temple has historical as well as cultural significance. Witness the unique ancient Kandyan architecture adorned by meticulous carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory. Buddhists from all over the world visit this Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Other visitors too at many Kandy city hotels flock to witness the grandeur of the architecture and carvings, veneration of the devotees and to have a feel of a majestic bygone era.
Take a walk around Kandy Lake at dawn or dusk as often done by guests at Hotel Topaz, to get a picturesque image of the background with the majestic Dalada Maligawa backed by the lush rainforests looming behind it. This man-made lake has been built by the last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the temple on what had been paddy fields. The lake was named Kiri Muhuda after the pond which was at the centre of the paddy fields. Although much smaller in size at present, this protected Lake provides a serene walkway around it to many pilgrims and visitors to the city.
Once the abode of the queens of the King of Kandy, this Museum is rich with many items used by the royalty such as jewellery, weapons and tools, items from the post-British colonization era of Sri Lanka, as well as various historical artefacts.
Once a garden of pleasure of a Kandyan Queen, the present Peradeniya Gardens, located a short distance from Kandy City, is a much-visited park. Considered as one of the superior Botanical Gardens in all of Asia for many species of plants it beholds, the gardens are blessed to have an enormous bend of the Mahaweli River, the longest river on the island providing cover to it from 03 sides. The artistically laid out gardens, massive tree-lined avenues, spectacular and fragrant flora, a vibrant collection of orchids, multiple plant houses are some of the attractions to keep you happy and browsing for many hours.
Do a walk through the Kandy Municipal Market to enjoy the local vibes, view the colourful handicraft items, varieties of food depicting the many cultures prevalent and engage in dialogue with stall owners. You will find them to be warm and friendly, yet eager for you to buy their wares. It is a convenient and economical place to buy a few souvenirs, spices, tea, local sweets as well as cotton clothing in vibrant hues to be given as gifts or as a treat for yourself.
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