Introducing the lovely city of Kandy! Kandy, tucked amongst verdant hills in the centre of Sri Lanka, is a fascinating fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty at its best. This UNESCO world heritage site and the ancient kings’ last capital have many secret draws that will leave you fascinated.

History and culture of Kandy

Kandy – Kandy has immense historical importance in Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the Kingdom of wdbos Kandy minus the period that city was under British rule, from 1592. During the colonial period, the city served as the capital of Sinhalese culture and religion.

Kandy is one of the towns with a predominant Buddhist culture and Kandy being the home of Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the holiest Buddhist places throughout the world. They believe that a tooth relic enshrined in the temple itself belongs to Lord Buddha himself. A place with a long history which pulls almost the people from around the world.

Kandyan Dance and Fire Dance are iconic features of many a festival. Dressed in colourful costumes and accompanied by pulsating drum beats, these performances add colour and vibrancy to Chennai’s cultural legacy.

Attractions

You can check a few from this list of things to do in Kandy and try to be as spellbound as possible. A highlight is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) – a must-see site

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is another well-known place to visit. Situated across 147 acres the gardens are a haven for nature lovers. Take a leisurely stroll among the gorgeous landscaped gardens, complete with a strong collection of plants, including uncommon orchids, palms and even ginormous clumps of bamboo. There is even a spice garden on the premises so that guests can do a bit of exploration of the various spices that are utilised in Sri Lankan cuisine.

Self-tour in Temple of the tooth relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic as previously mentioned has a great religious and historical significance. The temple complex itself is a fine example of Kandyan architecture – it is a rambling collection of fine woodwork, inlaid ivory, elegant carvings, and the paintings. The temple is simply entered at the sound of devotional music and the incense fragrance.

This vault enshrines a golden casket in which the sacred tooth relic is kept.There, within the sanctuary, you’ll be able to see the holy tooth relic, housed in a golden casketlords of the relic. The tooth relic is seen only in processions during special ceremonies here in the Vishnu Temple, but even void of actually experiencing it, the atmosphere of the temple is very spiritual! Please pause for a moment to pray and bask in the quiet environment.

1) Kandy Esala Perahera : The Grander Festival

KANDY: If you are fortunate enough to visit Kandy in July or August, you will be in attendance at one of the grandest cultural events of Sri Lanka — the Kandy Esala Perahera. Ten vibrant nights are celebrated in a grand Perahera and final Randoli Perahera.

A royal tusker carries a replica of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha during the traditional procession of Esala perahera at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka during the annual perahera. Traditional dancers, drummers and fire performers will accompany the whole procession, turning it into a visual feast. Streets are filled with lights, colors, and loud enthusiastic cheers by the spectators. An experience that will make you marvel at the cultural richness that Kandy holds.

Exploring the Royal Botanical Garden

Leave city lines behind and dive into the peace of Peradeniya Royal botanical garden. Built in the year 1821.; a place for nature enthusiasts and a dream for botanist Leisurely stroll among well-manicured lawns, towering trees and exotic blooms.

The gardens host one of the largest living collections of plants in nearly 4,000 species. Be sure not to miss the Orchid House, where you will see a broad display of Orchids in bloom. We also loved strolling through the giant bamboo groves, some of the bamboo stalks were huge — it felt like you were walking in a fairytale forest.

Relishing the scenic beauty of Kandy Lake

A peaceful oasis set in the heart of the city, Kandy Lake — known locally as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk This man-made lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807 is encircled by a verdant tableau of nature. Go for a scenic walk around the lake, the scenery is peaceful.

In the middle of the lake, there is a small island known as the Royal Summerhouse or “Giragama”, the place of the Kings relaxation. Today, the island contains a series of monuments to many mythological deities. An amazing view is one during the sunset with the orange and pink hues surrounding the sky that mirrors on the there calm lake waters.

Shopping and dining in SriLanka

Travel in Sri Lanka with Viator No shopping jaunt to Kandy is complete without a full-on gastronomic experience. The busy thorofares are lined with shops hawking crafts and screaming color woven cloth. Kandy Market- There are lots of spices, tea and local sweet in the market.

Kandy is a gastronomic delight when it comes to dining. Savor authentic SriLanka cuisine that distinguishes itself with rich, bold flavors and scents of fragrant spices. Do not leave without experience the taste of some delicious rice and curry with spicy sambols, papadums.

Best time to visit SriLanka

During January to April and July to September when the weather is always pleasant and rainfall is less always visit SriLanka. One of the ideal time to see the this grand festival is during July or August when the Kandy Esala Perahera takes place. But remember Kandy is over at this time therefore you must plan to go there in advance.

Conclusion

Kandy is a perfect combination of history, culture and natural beauty that you will not miss for the world. From the spiritual vibes of Temple of the Tooth Relic to the panoramic beauty of Kandy Lake, the city has a tale to tell in every nook and corner of the city. Be a part of a legacy, visit the famous tourist spots, taste the traditional food and make memories of a lifetime. So bag pack, set on the journey to SriLanka and get ready for eternal charm! If you like reading this article  then please consider reading our article about Bangkok.