Joanna James
Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is located in the scenic Central plains. It is also considered the cultural capital. Kandy is situated 110 kilometres east of Colombo and offers a fascinating mixture of historical, cultural and natural attractions. Here are the top cultural experiences to explore in Kandy:
One of the most important landmarks in the city is the Temple of the Tooth which attracts hundreds of worshippers and tourists. The relic is placed in a series of golden dagoba-shaped caskets and is not exposed for public veneration, except on rare occasions. Devotees and visitors file past the upper floor inner chamber where the casket is housed. The temple has a mix of architectural and sculptural elements typical of the Kandyan style.
Murals cover the wall and ceilings and it is dominated by the octagonal Pattiripuwa, a gem of late Kandyan architecture of the early 19th century. The whole complex sits serenely overlooking Kandy Lake and is within easy reach of top hotels in the area such as Earl's Regency.
The palace of the last king of Kandy is situated near the temple. Its location draws attention to the close link between the King and his role as the protector of the Tooth Relic. A long rectangular building of modest appearance was originally built here in the late 16th century. It houses an archaeological museum today. The Royal Audience Hall (Mahamaluva) is also part of the palace complex. It is an elegant open building with carved columns.
Going for a walk around Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda) is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Kandy Sri Lanka. This artificial lake is a central and prominent feature of the city. It was also a creation of the last Kandyan king who wanted to beautify the city. It has a circumference of 3.2 kilometres and is surrounded by a distinctively shaped parapet wall, the Walakul Bemma, meaning the wall of clouds. Built into the lake on the Temple side are the bathing chambers of the queens and royal ladies.
This 100-hectare forest lies above the Temple of the Tooth. It was once a prohibited area, only for use by the King and his family. Once degraded by felling and encroachments for planting, it was declared a sanctuary in 1958. Going for a walk here is both cool and wet but pleasant. The forest is home to about 80 species of bird, some of them endemic.
The fauna includes the difficult-to-spot Mouse Deer, civets, porcupines, mongoose, and pangolin. The forest consists of upper and lower canopies, underlayers, and some invasive species. Three Buddhist forest monasteries are also located here.
At the southern edge of the lake is the former British Garrison Cemetery, which dates from the earliest British period. Interred are military officers, the wife of a British Governor, and possibly the most famous occupant, Sir John D’Oyly. This is the colonial administrator who played a significant role in the downfall of the last king and drafted the Kandyan Convention of 1815.
Visitors can also explore the Gothic-style Anglican Church of St. Paul’s Kandy, built in 1843. Another famous building is the Chapel of the Boys' School of Trinity College, inspired by ancient Kandyan style architecture, with its soaring tile roof supported on 54 massive carved granite columns. The chapel has several murals by David Paynter, one of Sri Lanka’s well-known painters and a former student of the school.
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.
