Joanna James
Moving inland and into the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Kandy is suggestive of a serene, tranquil atmosphere and visitors to the hill country city are afforded just that. Come, savour the relaxing ambience that's like no other while exploring some of the city's most wonderful treasures.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the crowning jewel of Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a must-visit attraction for tourists. Situated in the enchanting central highlands, this world-renowned religious site holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, attracting visitors from across the globe. Exploring Kandy without immersing oneself in the grandeur of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is simply incomplete. The golden-roofed temple is best known for housing Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist relic — a tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. While it is what draws the crowds, there's so much more to treat your eyes to, starting from the gorgeous Kandy Lake to the remarkable old-world architecture and vibrant wall paintings.
Just outside the city of Kandy, extending across a mind-boggling 147 acres in the suburb of Peradeniya is the crown jewel of hill country Sri Lanka — Royal Botanic Gardens — the largest of the 5 botanical gardens in the island nation. The sprawling natural reserve is chock-full of nature and beauty, where more than 4,000 species of exotic and endemic plants call home. Lose yourself and let both your feet and mind take a wander in the paradisiacal nature setting.
Perched atop a hilltop so dramatically and overlooking the entire city of Kandy, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a place of mystery and curiosity to many tourists to Kandy, drawing them up the hills to check out the striking hilltop temple. The big, white Buddha statue is clearly the highlight of the temple, but the panoramic views of Kandy afforded at the base of the statue are just as wonderful.
No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without a Sri Lankan elephant experience, and what better place to see the majestic creatures than the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage! Set 40 kilometres outside Kandy in the village of Pinnawela, the elephant orphanage is a captive breeding and conservation institute for wild Asian elephants. In fact, Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Come, get up close and personal with elephants like you've never done before.
Craving a bit of adventure in Kandy? Embark on an exciting hike to the Knuckles Mountain Range — one of the most prime mountain ranges in all of Sri Lanka. After a day of adventurous trekking, retreat to a fine Kandy 5-star hotel, including the likes of Earl's Regency Kandy, and call it a day.
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.
