Joanna James
In the central part of Sri Lanka, the hill capital, Kandy, is brimming with fascinating local treasures providing much to discover amidst the lofty mountains and verdant tea plantations. Apart from enjoying pure relaxation here, these are some of the key sites that you should look to visit.
Right at the heart of the spiritual city lies Kandy’s most famed attraction, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. White-clad devotees arrive in droves at this Buddhist temple every single day to pay their respects to what is considered the South Asian nation’s most precious relic — a tooth of the Lord Buddha himself brought down to the country back in the 4th century. The golden-roofed chamber is the key place of worship at this temple complex, where the Sacred Tooth Relic lies in a golden casket. Apart from catching a glimpse of the glimmering casket, visitors have a whole lot more to discover at this sacred site where remarkable ancient architecture, colourful wall paintings and breathtaking views abound.
Perched atop a hill, standing watch over the city of Kandy, is the majestic white Buddha of Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddhist temple. The giant Buddha is certainly a sight to behold, but there is another captivating element at this site; at the upper end of the long flight of stairs and the base of the statue, visitors to this hilltop temple are afforded dramatic views overlooking the picturesque city of Kandy.
Just outside Kandy City, the outlying suburb of Peradeniya is home to the largest of the 5 botanical gardens in the country. At an extent of nearly 150 hectares, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a haven for nature and offers a quick getaway for all looking to escape the hill country city’s hustle and bustle. Set yourself free and wander amidst soothing nature and colourful blooms. This attraction can be easily accessed by those staying at Kandy-based holiday bungalows in Sri Lanka set amidst breathtaking mountain views; these include properties like Mountbatten Bungalow from where you can continue your exploration of the city.
Although charmingly tranquil and peaceful on the outskirts of the city, Kandy is known for its lively environment in the town centre. For those looking for a quick nature fix away from the busy streets, the Udawatta Kele Forest Sanctuary near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic won’t disappoint. Nestled in scenic seclusion and featuring several trails to explore, this sprawling forest reserve offers delightful encounters with local wildlife too.
To soak up some local culture and get in some shopping, head to the Kandy Market in the town centre. This bustling market is a sensory delight, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vivid colours of fresh produce, handwoven textiles, and artisanal crafts. It's a great place to find some souvenirs and mementoes of your trip to Kandy as well. As you wander around this site, you will be captivated by the warm smiles of the local vendors with whom you can look to politely bargain for a discount as well!
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.
