Kandy

Kandy also known as Maha Nuwara by the Sri Lankans is found in the central province of the island. It was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient monarchs. The city is filled with the beauty of nature itself where  beautiful tea plantations and the surrounding hills, lakes and rivers are a sight to behold. The temple of the tooth relic “Sri Dalada Maligawa” is also located here.  It was also announced a World Legacy site by UNESCO in 1988. A visit to this place would show you the friendly neighborhoods of Kandy where people are friendly and nice. This city will also take you back to the ancient times of Kandyan kings who once ruled this place and the rich Buddist culture of the sinhalese.

History of Kandy

Kandy or the city of Maha Nuwara is known for its rich religious culture, a place where buddhism thrives. The city was first founded by KIng Historical Vikramabahu III. Kandy became a center for both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism in the 13th or 14th century. Many temples and religious sites came into place but the most famous of them all is the  Dalada Maligawa also known as the “Temple of the Tooth ”.

Kandyan Kingdom was the last Sinhala kingdom to be conquered by a colonial power.  It was able to withstand the first two colonial countries Portuguese and the Dutch, it came under British command in the year 1818. The Kandyan kingdom stood strong against colonial invasion and managed to stay independent for two centuries.

However, by 1815, the Kandyan chiefs had grown tired of their dictatorial ruler and accepted the help of the British. The Kandyan king was removed and authority was placed on the British crown based on the agreement signed by the Kandyan Convention, in 1815, where the rights of the Kandyan chiefs were substantially preserved. Later on dissatisfaction arose among the chiefs regarding the agreement made with the  British, it was subsided by the British in 1818. Thus Ceylon was bought under a unified rule for the first time in history.

Best five places to visit in Kandy

Pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

This world renowned place of worship is a sacred place of worship for all Buddhists. The sacred tooth relic of Lord Biddha is housed here. The temple carries a lot of value to Bhuddists due to its ancient history and the rich cultural value it possesses. The architecture is of a unique kandyan style bringing back to life the ancient cultural values of the past.  The beautiful Kandy lake is also situated nearby and an explorer would surely make a stop to enjoy the scenic view. Beautiful ancient carvings of  gold, silver and bronze, also part of the architecture of the temple, will speak volumes of the traditions and culture of ancient Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka.

Kandy Lake

Kandy lake is an artificiall lake built in the year 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth relic. If you are willing to take a walk around this beautiful lake  it would sure to be a walk to be remembered. The trail winds through numerous neighborhoods, providing a unique and beautiful experience. You will also come across sellers selling delicious street food, benches to sit and relax under  shady trees while you enjoy the heartwarming view of the lake. Make sure to take a walk and learn about the city’s culture, friendly people and the best views a city could offer.

The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya

If you get tired of the city’s busy lifestyle, pay a visit to this beautiful botanical garden situated near the Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka. The gardens feature blooming orchids, towering palms, and over 4000 types of flowers and animals. It is well maintained and the calm scenic views of nature would relax and calm any traveler’s mind. Learn about the plants, animals and birds and be amazed at all what nature has got to offer you.

Visit Kandy’s many historic temples and ancient buildings 

There are other sacred places apart from the temple of the tooth relic. Gadaladeniya Viharaya, Embekke Devalaya, and Lankathilaka Vihara temples are some of them. Learn about their ancient cultures of buddhism as you visit.  If you love exploring ancient architecture, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Royal Palace of Kandy. The Temple of the tooth  was a part of this palace; it still stands and now is the  National Museum of Kandy. You will be able to see ancient artifacts from the Kandyan Kingdom and the British Colonial rule.

The Udawattakele Sanctuary

The UdawattaKele Sanctuary is a historical forest preserve covering a land of about 250 acres. Rich in nature this place offers a wildlife experience to any visiting traveler. Different species of birds have made this place their home. Other wildlife such as Deer and monkeys are also spotted here.

Best time to visit Kandy

If you are planning a visit to this city the best time to visit is from January to March since these are the warmest months of the year. This would provide a better sightseeing experience for any traveler. Do you want to be a part of the festivals and traditions of the locals? Kandy Esala Perahera is a festival you would love to be a part of since it’s the grandest procession of the year. This festival takes place during the months of July and August. It is best not to visit the city during the months of October and November since this is the time of the monsoon and you wouldn’t want to be caught in the rain which would ruin your traveling plans.

What is the weather like in Kandy?

Kandy is normally known for its tropical climate. It has an average annual temperature of 23.5 °C | 74.3 °F. Sometimes it is difficult to categorize the seasons since the city is located in a temperate zone. June is considered to be the driest month whereas November experiences the most number of rainfalls.

Enjoy the Authentic meals Kandy offers

The menu includes a variety of traditional Sri Lankan, South Asian, and Halal meals, as well as a number of Western favorites.  You could also stop by a local restaurant to enjoy some freshly made vegan foods that are popular among Kandy’s Sinhalese community. Trying out these dishes will bring to life Kandy’s traditional food recipes. Why not try out  the street foods and enjoy  the wonderful flavors of the island. Sri Lankan street food is of different varieties and a mixture of different authentic spices sold by street vendors. Give them a try and make yourself at home while enjoying each cuisine brought to you.

Shopping in Kandy

Pay a visit to the Main Market for Local Handicrafts. The locals and tourists come here to shop. The colonial-style structure is the perfect place for street shopping where you will find various items such as handcrafted items and paintings. Also don’t forget to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum, here you will find unique types of tea. Why not take back home some traditional tea of Sri Lanka. If you are a tea lover, treat  your taste buds with the best. If you’re looking for clothes, the city offers its travelers beautiful  batik clothes. Some shops sell antique items uniquely representing Sri Lankan culture where you can find ancient jewelry  and coins. The city also offers you hand loomed sarees and clothings representing Sri Lankan culture. Therefore Kandy offers you much more than you could imagine a walk around this city would delight you in every way possible.

Transportation options in Kandy

Rented Vehicle

The most common way to get to Kandy is traveling by road by renting a vehicle. Taking the normal A01 route could become a tiresome journey if you get caught in traffic. This can be avoided now using the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway which offers a different route that will get you to your destination in three hours if there is no traffic. The roads are well carpeted and give a better traveling experience and the fact that you can avoid traffic mostly is another added advantage.

Bus

Buses between Colombo and Kandy run frequently. If you’re looking for a cheaper method to travel, a bus is a good option. You could Take an air conditioned bus which would cost you a little more than the non air conditioned buses.

Train

One of the most popular ways to go to the capital of the hills is by rail, which is quick and inexpensive. There are many trains that go between Fort and Kandy, making a day trip possible. The train journey is enjoyable due to the beautiful views you would come across as you travel.

A view of the beautiful sunset  on the evening intercity train back to Colombo is an experience you would love. Take beautiful photos of the scenic views and enjoy each moment as you travel.

Sri Lanka is an island known for its beauty. A traveler looking for destinations on this island would surely visit Kandy.  A place where you can explore various cultures rich in Buddhism, unique archaeological ancient temples and buildings, beautiful lakes and rivers, a city surrounded by nature itself. What more can one look for but to explore. Dive into unknown adventures and have an experience of a lifetime.