Joanna James
The ancient city of Kandy is beset with culture and tradition, a reflection of its Buddhist heritage, and is a treasure trove for those seeking history, culture and spirituality.
The sacred temple houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which lies encased in a golden casket of seven layers and is only exposed during special ceremonies. The temple structure incorporates traditional Kandyan architecture, sculpture and paintings. While the environs of the temple are eye-catching, you can also witness the devotional rituals performed in honour of the sacred tooth relic at dawn, midday, and evening. The temple borders the picturesque Kandy Lake, and many Kandy bungalows can be found near the sacred site. The likes of Hanthana Boutique Villa are among the many options available.
The Buddha statue in pure white sits atop the hill and overlooks the city. Constructed in 1972, and at 27 metres, it is one of the largest statues of the seated Buddha. Once atop the hill, you will get to see panoramic views of the city and lake below. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon to witness a beautiful sunset overlooking Kandy town. There is also a temple, which is mostly visited by devotees in the late evenings for a moment of quiet prayer and reflection.
This temple is among the oldest Buddhist temples on the island. It has the distinctive architectural style of the Kandyan Period and is constructed on the ground of a rock known as the Panhalgala Rock.
The temple's eastern and western façades highlight detailed and elaborate designs of Kandyan-style art and architecture. The eastern front holds the Image House of the Buddha, while the west occupies temples to Buddhist gods. You will encounter murals and sculptures from the Gampola/Kandyan era of art in Sri Lanka. The area surrounding the temple is tranquil and lush, with mountains and rice fields stretching over the horizon.
The ancient viharaya (temple) is a Buddhist monastery with a long past and built on the surface of a rock, known as Diggala. Built by King Parakramabahu V, the temple has an ancient stupa, shrine rooms, sculptures and murals depicting Kandyan artistic traditions.
There is a small shrine for the god Vishnu, the guardian god of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and near it, another stupa made from rock. This small stupa has a shelter, which rests on four pillars and four smaller stupas built around it. It is one of the rarest designs in stupa construction found on the island!
Built by King Vickramabahu III in 1357-1374 CE, the shrine at Embekka Devalaya was made to honour the guardian god, Kataragama and the god who protects the village, known as Devatha Bandara.
Found in Udunuwara, the temple has three important sections. The Garagha, where the figures of divinities are placed, the Dance Hall, where dancing events were held, and Drummer's Hall, where the drums were sounded. The latter features one of the finest examples of the woodwork in Sri Lanka, the rooftop and pillars are remarkable works of art found anywhere in the world!
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.
