Anastasia Smith
The Historic city of Kandy is teeming with many cultural sights. Kandy is the island's last independent kingdom, thus there is a strong cultural legacy resulting in many temples and exquisite artwork. Here are a few sights all culture and history buffs should visit.
Found within the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kandy the Temple of the Tooth is among the best attractions in Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth holds the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. The relics are enshrined in a golden stupa-like casket. There are seven layers in the casket, the relics themselves are only exposed during special exposition ceremonies. The temple is a great example of Kandyan-style architecture, with many intricate designs and artwork in gold, ivory, gems and so much more. Special ceremonies are conducted at dusk and dawn for the sacred tooth relics, in which anyone can participate. Within the premises is also the audience hall, with ornate Kandyan-style pillars. It once was the audience hall and functioned as the law courts under the Kandyan kings.
This beautiful white Buddha statue overlooks the city of Kandy from a mountain known as Bahirawakanda. Its name translates into ''goblin mountain'' in English. Built in 1972 and standing at 27 meters, you can get an amazing view of Kandy town overlooking the Temple of the Tooth and the lake. It is best to visit early morning or during sundown for some panoramic views and ambience. Towards the evening many devotees flock here and engage in worship. It's a great location to gather your thoughts and enjoy the views in a peaceful and spiritual environment.
This ancient temple is one of the island's oldest temples and is a good example of Kandyan art and architecture. It is built on top of a rock named Panhalgala Rock. The eastern and western areas of the construction have details and designs of Kandyan-style art and architecture. The eastern facade is where you find the Image House of the Lord Buddha, with images and frescoes of the Buddha and his disciples. The western front has many images in honour of Buddhist deities. The location around the temple is lovely too, with lush paddy fields and mountains right around the temple. If you are looking for a place to stay, the likes of Earls Regency can be among the best options available.
Another ancient temple is the Gadaladeniya Temple and monastery, which was built on top of a rock mountain called Diggala. Built by King Buwanakabahu IV in 1334, the temple has a long historical past. It is also one of the most unique temples you will encounter in Sri Lanka. The small stupa has a covering made from four rock pillars surrounding it. There are further four smaller stupas surrounding the main stupa. Within its premises there is another small shrine for one of the guardian gods of Sri Lanka, Vishnu, The temple has an ancient stupa, shrine rooms, sculptures and murals depicting Kandyan artistic traditions.
The shrine at Embekke was constructed by King Vikramabahu III and features exquisite wood carvings, believed to be one of the best on the island. The shrine was made in honour of the god Kataragama, while there is another shrine for Devatha Bandara, the guardian god of the village. There are three sections in the shrine, the Garagha, where you will find figures of gods. The Dance Hall is where traditional dancing is performed, while in the Drummer’s Hall, traditional drummers perform in honour of the gods.
