Joanna James
Kandy is a must-visit location when you are in Sri Lanka as there are so many beautiful places to visit and explore and given below are seven places you must add to your itinerary, so you make the best of your time spent in the capital of the hill country.
Commonly known as the Dalanda Maligawa among the locals, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is a religious location where the tooth relic of Lord Buddha is stored in an ornate casket. This is considered the most sacred venue not only for Sri Lankan Buddhists but also for those from around the world as well.
The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens was built by the British and is now maintained by the Agriculture Department of the Peradeniya University and they do an excellent job with the garden. The area is filled with so many different flower gardens and trees while providing shade and greenery that invite you to relax and wind down, taking time off your busy schedule.
If you travel to Kandy and miss exploring Kandy Lake, you have not made the best of your trip to Kandy as this is a vital part of exploring the city. The Kandy Lake, next to the Temple of Tooth Relic, is beautiful as it is outlined by so many beautiful trees adding a sense of serenity in the middle of a bustling city. The viewpoint is not too far from the lake round so you can make a visit during daytime or night-time or even both, so you get to see the beauty of the city in natural light as well as after dark with city lights.
The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a forest reserve in the heart of the city, which is one of the reasons it is nice and cool even during the sunny months of the year. You can explore the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary within a few hours, but you need to be prepared to face monkeys, snakes, wild boars and other animals since this is their home and be mindful not to be a hindrance to them or the environment.
Most tour guides, blogs such as Kandy Escapes and anyone who recommends locations to visit in Kandy will suggest a visit to the Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple as it is home to a stunningly massive seated Buddha statue that overlooks the Kandy city. It is a beautiful sight to witness, and you can also get a beautiful view of the city.
The Kandy National Museum is an educational location to visit to learn about the history of the proud and religious city and its practices and traditions. You can also learn about the clothing and jewellery of the ancient Kandy while you are at the Kandy National Museum, which is in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
If there is one thing Sri Lanka is popular for apart from Cricket, then that is the delicious tea the country produces. You will be able to learn how tea was introduced to the island and how many countries Sri Lanka is exporting to at present and sit down and enjoy a warm cup of Ceylon Tea at the end of the museum tour.
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.
