Joanna James
As a popular day trip destination for travellers based in Colombo, Kandy is a misty hill station ideal for family getaways. From visiting the city's top cultural highlights to picnicking in the country's oldest botanical garden, here are 10 activities every family should enjoy during a trip to Kandy.
Ranked among Sri Lanka's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a family tour of Kandy would not be complete without paying homage to the Temple of the Tooth. Those who are fortunate enough to be visiting the island during the July/August period can also witness the annual Esala Perehara at this iconic former palace which now houses the holy dental remains of Lord Buddha.
Occupying a convenient location close to Kandy Lake, the Senanayake Children's Playground is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours while the kids enjoy the swings and other play areas of this vast verdant expanse with lake views.
Culture buffs can also head to the Kandyan Art Association to catch traditional dance and music performances by local artists. Taking centre stage daily at 5.30 pm it is a fine opportunity to witness Sri Lanka's performance arts heritage in all its glory as fire-breathers and acrobats will also be in attendance to enchant the little ones.
Families based at Hotel Topaz or any similar 4-star hotels in Kandy can't afford to miss one of the island's finest horticultural highlights. Officially known as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Gardens dates back to the colonial era when it occupied a large area of the sacred city and welcomed royal patrons and dignitaries from around the world. Divided into different enclaves, the medicinal plants, orchid collections and rose garden are the main crowd-pleasers of this lush parkland with its manicured lawns.
Active families with a passion for hiking and exploring wild and unchartered terrains can also sign up for a hiking excursion in the Udawattekele Sanctuary. Teeming with endemic flora and fauna, the best time to explore this particular wildlife park in Kandy is during the early morning hours.
While it may be a tradition that's steeped in Sri Lanka's colonial heritage, high tea has become a veritable institution in the tea-cultivating regions of the island. Families will find that high tea spreads are part and parcel of nearly every 5-star resort or hotel in the city while local bakeries and restaurants also prepare a plethora of sandwiches, baked goods and cakes for their high tea buffets or trays every afternoon.
Families that like to shop together and spend their recreational hours at malls or department stores will find no finer alternative to the KCC when holidaying in the hills. Home to some of the island's best boutiques and lifestyle brands, the Kandy City Centre's extensive food court is equally well-known for the variety of meal options and restaurants occupying its confines.
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.
