Joanna James
Abundant culture, tranquil nature, and undisputed hill country charm abound in Kandy, the gateway to the central highlands and the renowned cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Uncover a myriad of rewarding experiences in Kandy and the vicinity, amidst emerald-swathed scenic hills.
Part of a quintessential Kandy experience when touring the hill country capital is to visit its number one attraction, the majestic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The ornate golden-roofed temple in the heart of the city requires little or no introduction even outside the tropical island country and all this renown and reverence, for a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. The tooth — unequivocally a precious relic of all Buddhists in the country — is housed in the highest point of the huge temple complex, in a series of diminishing golden caskets. Besides the Sacred Tooth Relic, the centuries-old Buddhist temple boasts striking traditional architecture and stunning views over the Kandy Lake, providing an enchanting feast for the eyes.
“Sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination” — and that certainly is true when it comes to the train ride from Kandy to Ella which is rightly dubbed as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The train ride from Kandy to the small, laid-back mountainous town of Ella, takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes and sceneries the island’s hill country has to offer and is bound to be one of the most memorable train rides of your life.
The cultural capital is not without an artistic side to its proud culture, and the Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a true testament to that. Colourful costumes, authentic Kandyan dances, exhilarating acrobatics and stirring fire walking — all join forces to put together a vibrant spectacle that makes for an authentic dance and culture experience.
As the sun goes down and the azure blue sky takes a profusion of yellowish oranges, head up to Kandy View Point to admire the city and surrounding landscapes in all their glory. Time your visit for the golden hour to experience the best of the breathtaking views complemented by a magical vista created by the setting sun.
Fun, exciting and fascinating things to do in Kandy may be plentiful, but your Sri Lanka experience wouldn’t be complete without savouring the South Asian nation’s authentic local cuisine. Embark on an exploration of local cuisine at one of the finest hotels to be found here, including the likes of Hunas Falls, and let the mouth-watering traditional flavours appease the taste buds! What's more, at such hotels, you can enjoy diverse settings for private dining too be it amidst views of a waterfall or beside a tranquil lake.
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.
