Joanna James
The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy, is not without reason as the hill country city is home to a whole host of spectacular historical sites. Come, savour a dose of fascinating history, culture and heritage, touring places of wondrous historical significance the central highlands have to offer.
The undisputed crown jewel of the central highlands and the one attraction that single-handedly puts Kandy on the map for most of its visitors, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic needs no introduction. The world-renowned, golden-roofed temple is arguably the most sacred religious site in the island country, for it houses the most revered relic of all Buddhists in Sri Lanka and beyond — an actual tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. Devotees clad in white and bearing fragrant flora, visit the centuries-old temple in droves every day, paying their respects to the worldly precious relic.
As the sun sets in the rolling green hills and the azure blue skies slowly fade away, nothing makes for a tranquil evening in the hill country station like a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Kandy Lake. Sharing boundaries with the landmark Temple of Tooth, set right in the heart of the bustling city — the unruffled body of water is truly an oasis of serenity, oozing peace, calm and tranquillity.
Fun and exciting things to do in Kandy may be plentiful, but your time in the charming highlands wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Kandy National Museum. Treat yourself to a dose of fascinating history in the beautiful hill city and retreat to one of the finest hotels or resorts in town; your options include Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.
Perched atop a hill so dramatically, overlooking the city of Kandy in all its glory, is the striking Bahiravokanda Vihara Temple. The sacred site is better known as the Big Buddha Temple among travellers to the hill country city for its majestic white Buddha — a sight that is certainly worth to behold, but the panoramic views of Kandy afforded at the base of the enormous statue is even more breathtaking.
Kandy, without a doubt, is one of the most laid-back cities in all of Sri Lanka, with an atmosphere that’s unlike any other in the island country. Nevertheless, travellers to the highlands will find that Kandy City itself isn’t the most peaceful place to be and tranquillity isn’t its strongest suit. For those seeking a moment of peace and quiet, Udawattakele Forest Reserve on the hilltop, occupying the backyard of the sacred Temple of Tooth, surely won’t disappoint. Nature so lush and so serene, and the hilltop seclusion is as tranquil as it gets. Come, immerse yourself in peaceful contemplation, feeling a world away while being only a hop, skip and a jump away from the collage of wonderful chaos that is the Kandy City.
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.
