Joanna James
The World Heritage City of Kandy is surrounded by mountains. The cultural capital has a river and a lake in the middle and is the home of Lord Buddha's sacred tooth relic. There is plenty to do here - from exploring markets and ancient temples to beautiful gardens - to keep you glued to the city.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is 5.5 km west of Kandy and has over 4000 species of native plants and a famous collection of orchids. Though the site of the garden had a long history under the Kandyan kings, it became a Botanical Garden in 1821 under British Occupation. These gardens are ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll and a picnic among the shaded trees and gardens. Just adjacent to the Botanical Garden is the University of Peradeniya, considered one of the most beautiful universities in Asia! It's located on the lower slope of the Hanthana Hills, where the Mahaweli River flows through the University grounds. There are vast manicured lawns, large flowering trees, an open-air theatre, and bridges to explore.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve is on the northern mountain peak of the Hantane Mountains and overlooks the Temple of the Tooth and the ruins of the Royal Palace. Now a protected area, it was once the pleasure garden of the ancient Kandyan Kings and Queens. It is open to the public for a small entrance fee. Visitors are allowed to trek across its many paths, while its extent covers 257 acres. You can find many birds, reptiles, deer, and abundant flora. Areas of the reserve are inhabited by meditating Buddhist monks, with at least three hermitages and caves.
This temple on the hilltop has a white Buddha statue overlooking the city. At 27 metres, it is one of the largest statues of Lord Buddha on the island. Once atop, you will witness panoramic views of the city and lake below. The best time to visit is in the late afternoons or evenings. You can witness a beautiful sunset overlooking the town while immersing in the serene temple surroundings.
Visit the central market between Sri Dalada Veediya Road and Colombo- Kandy Road. This area is known as the old Kandy town and is filled with a maze of sellers and shops selling various goods. You can look forward to buying fresh fruit, vegetables, snacks, clothes, branded knock-offs, caps, t-shirts, shoes, toys, gadgets, electrical ware and trinkets here. Most days, it is packed with people doing their shopping. It is indeed a good place to people-watch!
While there, do check out Giragama Walawwa nearby. It is a spectacular Kandyan-style ancestral mansion! You can also visit the Red Mosque of Kandy and the vibrant Kataragama Devalaya Hindu temple. If you are looking for family hotels in Sri Lanka, the city has got you covered! The likes of Hunas Falls Hotel in Kandy are good places to start.
Also called Lankatilaka Viharaya, it is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple has a unique architectural style, special to the Kandyan Period, and was constructed on a rock.
The temple's eastern and western sections have intricate and elaborate Kandyan-style art and architecture. On the eastern front is the Image House of the Buddha. In the west, you can find temples to Buddhist gods and murals from the Gampola/Kandyan period. A lot of history lies behind this temple, with many stone inscriptions relating it to ancient Sinhalese and Tamil. The surroundings of the temple are beautiful! Sitting high on the rock, the temple overlooks the mountains and rice paddy fields!
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.
