Joanna James
The city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is bathed in many an allure, from its scenic gardens to iconic edifices that go back to the height of the Kandyan Kingdom. Not to be forgotten is a side to the city seldom explored which comprises the following.
Fans of museums will be in their elements no sooner they enter the spectacular setting of the International Buddhist Museum. Depicting architectural elements that evidence the Victorian era, this museum is an ideal stopover for those of you keen to be educated on the values of Buddhism and its growth across various parts of the globe. Founded on the occasion of the 2600th year of the Sambuddatva Jayanthi, the International Buddhist Museum features a marvellous collection of exhibits that combine in highlighting the origins of Buddhism in India and how this way of life was accepted throughout Asia and the Far East.
Though associated with a sombre mood, the well-kept grounds on which the Commonwealth War Cemetery is situated will be hard to ignore when looking for a scenic and peaceful escape. Established as a tribute to those brave soldiers who fought during World War II, the Cemetery is in fact testament to the period of colonial rule that once enveloped Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Overflowing with plants and flowers, the Commonwealth War Cemetery is where perhaps, one of the nation’s greatest history lessons is narrated with amazing accuracy.
Rarely visited by tourists, the Hindagala Cave Temple nestled in the Kandyan suburb of Hindagala is where your appetite for history and art will be whetted in no uncertain manner. Adorned in the distinct patterns and strokes that are solely reserved for murals that were given life to during the Kandyan era, the Hindagala Cave Temple also houses a series of paintings that reference the Anuradhapura period exceptionally well. Encircled by jungle and made complete by a rocky pathway and a magnificent Bo tree, this heritage site is said to be the brainchild of King Walagamba who reigned during the Anuradhapura Kingdom.
The two primary peaks (Uragala and Katusu Konda) that feature at the Hanthana Mountain Range afford favourable conditions to unleash the passionate hiker in you that would make for quite the enthralling experience indeed. View the city of Kandy from numerous vantage points en route to exploring dizzying cliffs and dense vegetation that would appear to go on for miles on end. Essentially, never forget to bring along your trusty camera to capture such unique memories you would not have access to elsewhere in the Emerald Isle.
Noted for being among the top things to do in Kandy is to embark on a riveting night safari in and around the wilds dotting Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy. Experience what it is truly like to be inside a jungle at night as you endeavour to spot a host of wildlife including the Brown Wood Owl, the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and Sri Lanka’s largest species of spider – the shiny blue tarantula.
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.
