Joanna James
The picturesque Kandy city in the central highlands, it isn't monikered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka for nothing. Come, explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Kandy, and enjoy a slice of fascinating history on your getaway to the charming hill country capital of Sri Lanka.
Revered by locals for its historical and religious significance and loved by tourists for its alluring charm, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is, without a doubt, the most popular tourist attraction in Kandy, and what put the hill country city on the map for most tourists to the Indian Ocean island nation. The striking Buddhist temple sees heaps of white-clad, flower-bearing devotees every single day, who come to pay their respects to the most precious and sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha himself.
Overlooking the city of Kandy, perched atop a mountain so dramatically, the majestic, giant, white Buddha at Bahirawakanda Vihara temple fuels the mystery, curiosity, and excitement of everyone to the Kandy city, leaving them wondering, what lies at that mountaintop. The mammoth Buddha statue is undoubtedly a charming sight to behold, but at the base of the statue is another incredible treat for your eyes — breathtaking panoramic views overlooking almost the entire city, allowing you to soak up the stunning view in tranquillity.
A visit to the Temple of Tooth means you have more than just the temple complex itself to explore. Set within the sanctuary of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, to the north of the main temple complex is the Royal Palace of Kandy. Also known as the Old Royal Palace, the striking palace complex was the royal residence of the Sri Lankan monarchy of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka and offers a glimpse into the bygone Royal Kandyan Kingdom.
A short 15-kilometre drive from the city centre to the outskirts of Kandy will bring you to the picturesque Embekka Dewalaya. It is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God of Kataragama Deviyo, but isn't really known for its religious significance, but its mind-blowing work of architecture. The temple is adorned with striking carvings, sculptures, wall paintings and scores of remarkable architectural elements and has heaps to treat your eyes to.
In a city peppered with Buddhist temples, St. Paul's Church is truly a change of scenery in the city of Kandy. The quaint church is set right next to Kandy's world-renowned Temple of the Tooth Relic and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in the hill country capital. After a day of immersing yourself in history and culture, retreat to one of the finest Kandy hotels the likes of Amaya Hills.
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.
