Best places to visit in Kandy – of emerald hills, free-flowing streams & an enchanting culture

Dubbed the Royal Forest Park of Kandy, the Udawattakele Forest Reserve is a welcome escape well away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in this part of the Emerald Isle. Having once functioned as the personal gardens of the Kandyan kings, the Reserve contains seemingly endless stretches of lush green jungle that would call out to the nature lover in you. If you see yourself meandering along under the shade of a forest canopy with the sights and sounds of chattering monkeys and local birdlife for company, then do make plans to visit the Udawattakele Forest Reserve no sooner you have settled down at your mode of lodging.

Built during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in the year 1807 is the famed setting of Kandy Lake which finds refuge in the heart of the city. While taking a stroll around the Lake will come off as the main activity to be had here, the inquisitive visitor will be handed opportunities to feed the numerous species of fish that live in its waters and await sightings of the monitor lizards who can be easily spotted sunning themselves during the early hours of the day. Also, be sure to reserve as much time to capture the sight of the island which is found at the centre of the Lake and served a dual purpose back in the day. While it was treated as a pleasure garden by the old king himself, its environs would soon fall prey to the British who chose to store their ammunition during the 2nd World War.

Found a mere 2.5 km from Udawattakele is arguably, the most sought-after vantage point from where the entirety of the city can be savoured! Known as the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue which rises to a magnificent 27 meters in the air, both the devotee and adventure-savvy vacationer will find this landmark well worth the time and patience required to access same. Overlooking Kandy Lake in quite a domineering manner, the Statue is one of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statues to come into contact with. However, the visitor hoping to arrive would be advised to be properly attired at all times with the aid of either a shawl or sarong so that one’s shoulders and legs are covered.  

Save the best for last by scheduling a trip to the iconic Sri Dalada Maligawa which is also called the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Renowned for being the ‘heart and soul’ of the annual Kandy Esala Perahera which witnesses swarms of people commune in one awe-inspiring display that finds its way through the streets of Kandy, the shrine is a custodian for the tooth relic of Gautama Buddha which was transported from India many centuries ago. Currently a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Maligawa is part of the former royal palace complex and is distinguished by a golden roof that can be seen from miles afar. Although the relic itself cannot be seen per se, the golden casket that preserves the same is quite the appeal indeed for it is artfully studded in precious stones and housed inside a separate chamber of the Maligawa. If you find yourself in need of a place to stay from where a journey can be made to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, then be sure to check out Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy which is a good luxury hotel in Kandy to stay for the duration of your holiday.