Kandy

Kandy is quite far away in the green hills of central Sri Lanka and has a story to tell on its own. 

It was the last city to hold out against European colonizers, finally giving in by 1815. 

These days, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site because Kandy was a place with Sri Lankan history and Buddhist culture. 

Speaking of which, the city is in a perfect spot, with misty mountains and tea plantations all around. Which is no wonder the ancient kings chose it as their capital. 

Anyway, as for this guide, we have brought you five amazing places to visit in Kandy. To get the best Sri Lankan experience.

Our list includes of everything that a tourist is looking for in a country like Sri Lanka.

Therefore, read on to find out the best tourist spots in this amazing city. To fulfil your Sri Lankan journey with its culture and history.

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Right in the middle of Kandy, you’ll find its biggest historical site. That is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Actually, the temple keeps what people believe is an actual tooth of Buddha. Which made its way to Sri Lanka in the 300s.

Speaking of which, the temple building itself went up in the 1600s and 1700s. And it’s really something to see with its golden roof.

Inside, you’ll find amazing carved details, beautifully painted ceilings, and an interesting eight-sided design. That shows just how important this place is.

Moreover, the temple gets really lively three times a day when people come to make offerings to the sacred tooth.

As for the time, the best times to visit are early morning or evening. But here’s the thing – you won’t actually see the tooth itself.

This is because it stays locked up in seven golden cases. Something that is absolutely rare to see for the public.

Anyway, if you’re around in July or August, you can catch the Esala Perahera festival. When the temple area fills up with decorated elephants, dancers, and drummers.

Note: Just remember to dress neat and tidy and keep your shoulders and knees covered. Also, you need to take off your shoes before going in.

Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya Gardens)

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya covers 147 acres, and it’s beautifully kept up.

It started out as a garden for the royal family in 1821, but when the British came along. They turned it into one of the best botanical gardens in Asia.

Speaking of which, there are more than 4,000 different types of plants here. And they’ve got name tags on all of them.

Moreover, the orchid collection is particularly amazing, as they’ve got over 300 different kinds.

In here, everyone wants to take pictures of the Avenue of Royal Palms due to its beauty and its incredible walkway lined with tall palm trees.

In addition to that, there’s a massive Javan Fig Tree that takes up almost 2,500 square meters.

So, once you are here, don’t forget to take some amazing pictures of it.

Kandy Lake and the Scenic Walk

Kandy Lake isn’t natural, which means that King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe had it built in 1807, and as of now, this lake has become the centrepiece of the city. 

Speaking of which, the wall around it, called the Walakulu wall, has quite interesting cloud patterns built into it.

In here, you can walk all the way around the lake on a path that’s about 3.5 kilometers long, and it’s a great way to get to know the city.

Speaking of which, the walk has lots of good spots to take photos, especially where you can catch the Temple of the Tooth that is been reflected in the water. 

Plus, it’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the lake gets all golden. 

Anyway, if you feel hungry on your way, you can grab something to eat from people who are selling local food along the way. 

As for the food items, you can find things like egg hoppers, kottu rotti, and fresh coconut water. 

Bahirawakanda Temple

Once you are in Kady, you can’t miss the big white Buddha statue at Bahirawakanda Temple. In fact, it stands out against the city skyline at 88 feet tall. 

It looks particularly impressive at night when they light the Buddha statue up. 

Speaking of which, the temple is on top of Bahirawa Kanda (they call it Gnome Mountain), and from up there, you can get some amazing views of Kandy and the valleys around it.

Moreover, if you’re into photography, get up there early in the morning.

If so, you can catch some great shots of the mountains in the mist and watch the city as it wakes up below you. 

Plus, the temple isn’t as old as some other places in Kandy, but it gives you a good look at how Buddhism is practiced today. 

Note: There are quite a few steps to climb, but the views make it worth it, especially around sunrise and sunset.

Traditional Arts & Crafts Center

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Center keeps old crafts alive and well in Kandy. 

In here, you can watch experts working with brass and silver by carving wood in order to make masks, and weaving special Dumbara mats. 

Plus, they put on daily shows with Kandyan dancers and drummers who perform traditional pieces that tell stories about Sri Lanka’s past.

In addition to that, you can watch the craftspeople at work, and if you want, you can even try learning some basic techniques yourself. 

Moreover, they also show how gems are cut and how traditional cloth is woven. Which is quite amazing to see because these crafts have been important to the area for hundreds of years. 

Note: There’s a shop where you can buy directly from the people who make the crafts, which means they get properly paid for their work.

To see all five of these places properly, you might have to spend two or three days in Kandy. 

Anyway, if you’ve got more time, you can check out some other places nearby as well.

Speaking of which, there’s the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, the Ceylon Tea Museum, and some old temples called Embekka, Gadaladeniya, and Lankatilaka. 

Anyway, just remember to be respectful of local traditions, wear appropriate clothes at temples, and take your time when travelling.

This is because Kandy is a place where you want to slow down and really take in all the Sri Lankan culture around you.