Kandy Sri Lanka
While the island’s white-sand beaches and world-class surf draw many visitors, the spiritual, picturesque section of the island’s hilly emerald center is home to tea plantations, foggy hills, and the iconic blue train carriages. Kandy, also known as the City of Kings, is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and the cultural and historic heart of the nation. From here, visitors may access the island’s hill region and take the world’s best train ride.
Today, such cultural preservation carries on in the city’s numerous notable cultural and historic landmarks, laying the basis for all the very finest things to do in Kandy. The most renowned of these relics is housed in the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to be a relic of Buddha’s actual tooth. But Kandy is also so much more than its number one attraction; it’s a city of delicious chaos, with its bustling streets, historic temples, colonial architecture, royal gardens and the gorgeous Kandy lake creating the background to a lovely few days amongst Sri Lanka’s lush green hills.
Spending a few days in Kandy is strongly recommended so that you may experience everything of the city has to offer.
Attractions
Kandy Lake
Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, this serene artificial lake in the city center is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
A vast garden known for its diverse plant species, including orchids and towering palms, it’s a peaceful retreat just outside Kandy.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
This towering statue of Lord Buddha sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Kandy and its surrounding landscapes.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
A lush forest reserve located near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it’s ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Kandy Garrison Cemetery
A tranquil, historic cemetery that provides insights into the colonial past of Kandy and its European inhabitants.
Ceylon Tea Museum
Located in Hantane, this museum showcases the history of tea production in Sri Lanka, with exhibits on vintage tea-making machinery and tea-tasting opportunities.
Kandyan Cultural Centre
Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, featuring vibrant costumes and rhythmic drumming.
Lankatilaka Vihara
An ancient Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and murals, located slightly outside the city, it offers cultural and historical insights.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred Buddhist temple houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important spiritual and cultural landmark.
