Kandy

About Kandy and Sightseeing – Kandy – The Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most important and historical cities. Nestled in the central highlands, it is known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and deep cultural heritage. The city served as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka before falling to the British in 1815. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for preserving Sri Lankan culture, traditions, and religious significance. Historical Significance Kandy was the stronghold of the Sinhala kings for over 200 years. It remained independent long after the coastal areas of Sri Lanka were colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The Kingdom of Kandy maintained Sri Lankan sovereignty and Buddhist traditions during the colonial era. It was the final kingdom to fall to British rule, marking the end of Sri Lanka’s monarchy. Cultural Importance Kandy is the spiritual center of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority. The city is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where a relic of the Buddha’s tooth is enshrined. The annual Esala Perahera is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in Asia, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The procession involves traditional dancers, drummers, and richly adorned elephants Scenic Beauty Surrounded by rolling hills, misty mountains, and tea plantations, Kandy is a gateway to Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, flows near the city, adding to its natural beauty. Kandy’s lakes, gardens, and nearby forests provide a peaceful contrast to its bustling city life. Architectural Highlights Kandy’s architecture blends traditional Sinhalese designs with colonial influences. The city’s Royal Palace Complex is a remnant of its regal past, with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic being the centerpiece. Many historical temples, such as Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya, showcase the artistry of ancient Sri Lankan builders. Economic Role Kandy is a major hub for tea production. The surrounding hill country is known for producing some of the world’s finest tea. The Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy provides insights into the history of Sri Lankan tea and its global importance. Handicrafts, gem trading, and traditional Sri Lankan textiles are also important to Kandy’s economy. Accessibility Kandy is easily accessible by train and road from Colombo, with a scenic rail journey that winds through the central highlands. It serves as a base for exploring other parts of the hill country, such as Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Horton Plains. Kandy Esala Perahera From the beautiful Buddhist festivals celebrated across the island, the Kandy Esala Perahera stands as one of the most magnificent and significant festivals among them. It happens every year in July or August in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Perahera, a procession, is an amazing display of traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, and fire-dancers, along with ornately costumed elephants. The crowning event of the festival is a certain procession with the relic casket, or the symbol of the sacred tooth, performed upon the back of the lead elephant. It is a 10-day festival where each night’s procession is larger and more elaborate than the last. This will be both a cultural and spiritual experience for locals and tourists alike. The Esala Perahera exemplifies deep reverence for Buddhism and rich cultural heritage on this island. Kandy remains an essential destination for anyone wanting to understand Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical roots. Its religious significance, colonial history, and natural beauty make it a unique city. About Kandy and Sightseeing – The main attractions in Kandy are : 1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most venerated Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. Situated within the complex of the royal palace, enshrining a tooth relic of Buddha, it thereby became one of the major sites of pilgrimage. Beautiful Kandyan architecture is well-represented by this temple with its wood carvings, golden roofs, and ivory decorations. Visitors take in the spiritual atmosphere in the daily rituals of the place and exploration of the surroundings of the temple. It also hosts the annual Esala Perahera, a grand festival that parades the sacred relic through the streets of Kandy. 2. Kandy Lake Artificial and tranquil, the Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, lies at the heart of the city. Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, this tranquil lake adds serenity to the bustling streets surrounding the city. A quiet walkway surrounds the perimeter of the lake with picturesque views across to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Pidurutalagala, the adjacent hill. It is a great place for walking or even just to sit by the water and enjoy the calm in the midst of the city. 3. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, situated about 5 km from Kandy, have the distinction of possessing one of the finest collections of flora anywhere in the world and an orchid house renowned internationally. Sprawling over 147 acres, it was originally developed by the Kandyan Royalty and later further developed during the British period. Visitors can easily walk along the well-maintained paths to see gigantic bamboo groves and then proceed to the famous avenue of royal palms. For the garden enthusiasts, this place would be heaven as it offers gardens as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 4. Kandy Viewpoint The Kandy Viewpoint is situated on a hillock overlooking the town and its panoramic view ranks amongst the best in Kandy and outside of it. It’s from here that one gets an excellent view of Lake Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and most importantly those lushly green hills circling the city. It is one of the favorite tourist stops and is particularly dramatic in its view over the city at the times of both sunrise and sunset, when all is painted in shades of gold. It is easily