Kandy is a lovely city known for both its natural beauty and its cultural legacy. The city is an ideal connecting point between the cultural triangle and the hill area. The hill country is to the south of Kandy, while the cultural triangle is to the north. Kandy is an excellent illustration of Sri Lanka’s cultural variety. For a long period, the city served as the country’s capital, despite many invasions by colonial armies, notably the Portuguese and the Dutch.
Many attractions may be found in Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth is the country’s most respected Buddhist institution. In this temple, one of Buddha’s teeth has been preserved. A trip along Kandy Lake offers spectacular views of the town and hills. Three remarkable Hindu temples devoted to Kandy’s guardian deities are located near the Temple of the Tooth. These are dedicated to the gods Vishnu, Natha, and Patthini.
Kandy has a lot to offer as a tourist destination. To get about the city, you may hire a taxi or a three-wheeler or use the bus. You may also go for a walk and do some sightseeing. The Kandyan Art Association is a renowned shopping destination for artisan products, especially brassware. Many stores in central Kandy provide an excellent assortment of antique jewellery and other goods. Craft products may also be found in the region of Station Road, near the market.
Kandy is located in the country’s heartland, some 70 miles (114 km) from Colombo. It is surrounded by mountain ranges. Hantana is to the south, while Bahirawakanda is to the northwest. To the east is Udawattekelle.
Kandy Tourist Attractions / Things to Do
Temple of The Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth is without a doubt the city’s most popular attraction and the country’s most respected Buddhist institution. In this temple, one of Buddha’s teeth has been preserved. The temple was built in the 16th century, but after the Kandy kingdom fell apart, alterations were made to it. Every day, thousands of worshippers go to the shrine. Three times a day, daily rituals are carried out. The octagonal pavilion is the temple’s most spectacular feature, despite the temple’s Sinhalese style construction.
Kandy Lake
A trip along Kandy Lake offers spectacular views of the town and hills. Sri Wickrama Rajasinha built the lake in the early nineteenth century. This lake was built by the last Sinhalese king using slave labour. The Royal Summer House was located on an island within the lake. It was frequently described as the king’s harem until the British converted it into an ordnance storage and built walls around the lake.
Hindu Shrines
Three remarkable Hindu temples devoted to Kandy’s guardian deities are located near the Temple of the Tooth. God Vishnu, God Natha, and Goddess Patthini all have shrines dedicated to them. The primary feature of the Esala Perahera festival is the procession of these deities and the procession from the Temple of the Tooth. The participation of Hindus in Buddhist events is an excellent example of Sinhalese and Tamil coexistence that has lasted for generations.
Lankatilake Temple
Lankatilake Templeis a magnificent temple perched atop a cliff. A Buddha image, as well as antique paintings and inscriptions, can be seen in the temple. The main shrine features a grand entryway, a wooden ceiling, and several minor shrines. This temple, which originates from the 14th century, has spectacular views of the surrounding farms, hills, and vegetation.
Peradeniya Botanic Gardens
Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, about 4 miles (6 km) from Kandy, are regarded as Sri Lanka’s best gardens. On three sides, the Mahaweli River separates the gardens, which are connected to the opposite bank by a suspension bridge. King Vikrama Bahu III created the gardens in the 14th century. The orchid house is the centrepiece of the grounds, with hundreds of types of beautiful orchids.
Udawattakelle Sanctuary
The Udawattekelle Sanctuary, located north of Kandy Lake, is a refreshing and pleasant woodland, which allows tourists to experience nature right in the midst of the city. Talipot, betel, bo-trees, rattan cane, and arecanut are only a few of the trees found in the jungle. A variety of bird species and monkeys may be seen in the woodland.
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is roughly 25 miles (40 km) west of Kandy and slightly north of Kegalle. The orphanage was founded to preserve stranded wild elephants, and it now cares for hundreds of them. Elephant caregivers ensure that the elephants eat at regular intervals and do not injure any visitors. These elephants may also be seen bathing in the Ma Oya river in the morning or afternoon.
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