Joanna James
As the Last Independent Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy holds a significant place in terms of religious and cultural value. Surrounded by mountains on each side, this once-formidable kingdom was the seat of power, prestige and an impressive cultural heritage.
If you travel to Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a must-visit, as it is among the most hallowed sites on the island. This magnificent temple is where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha rests. The relics precariously arrived in Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna 301-328 CE. From th If you travel to Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a must-visit, as it is among the most hallowed sites on the island. This magnificent temple is where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha rests. The relics precariously arrived in Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghav ae time the sacred relics arrived on the island, its possession symbolised legitimate rule, and many battles were fought to protect it from enemies. The exquisite temple holds immense cultural value and is a fine example of Kandyan period art and architecture. The interior and main chamber are decorated with carvings of gold, ivory, silver, precious gems and bronze.
This temple is located in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, overlooking a picturesque landscape. The temple is also sometimes called Dharma Kirthi Vihara and Saddharmatilaka Vihara. It was built in 1344 under the patronage of King Buvanekabahu IV, while its design is attributed to the South Indian architect, Ganesvarachchari. The architect has given the temple a distinctive South Indian flair. Much of the temple's history is engraved on a rocky outcrop named Vijayantha Prasada.
Lankatilaka Vihara is one of the oldest Buddhist temples on the island. The temple has a unique architectural style and is built atop the Panhalgala Rock. Its eastern and western sections have intricate and detailed designs of Kandyan-style art and architecture. On the eastern facade, there is the Image House of the Buddha, while the west holds the temples dedicated to Buddhist gods. You can further find murals from the Gampola/Kandyan period. This temple has a vibrant history, spanning many centuries, with numerous inscriptions in Sinhalese and Tamil found on the temple premises. The surroundings are stunning, with the temple perched high, overlooking mountains and green paddy fields.
The Kandy National Museum is in a historic building constructed during the times of King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. It was initially called "Palle Vahala" and operated as a castle for the king's queen consorts. The building was designed according to the traditional Kandyan architectural style and opened to the public in 1942. It displays a vast collection of over 5,000 antiquities from the 17th to 19th centuries. Check out websites like Kandy Escapes for more ideas on how to spend your days in Kandy.
Found on the summits of the Hanthana Mountain Range, overlooking Kandy and Matale, is Katusu Konda, sometimes called Knife-edge. This hike will be an unforgettable experience for all those who attempt it. Its unusual name is derived from its high peak and narrow spike comparable to the backbone of a lizard. The best route is via the University of Peradeniya.
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.
