Why Kandy is famous

Kandy, the city in the hills and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming locale that will thrill you and enchant you, regardless of where you opt to head off to. Covered in misty hills, lush green tea estates and a plethora of heritage sites that date back to the former Kandyan Kingdom, the sacred city of Kandy is well worth exploring for the following reasons.

Walk around the Kandy Lake

Nestled at the very heart of the city is the manmade lake called the Kandy Lake. Constructed in 1807 by the last king of Sri Lanka – King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe who was a member of the Nayakkar Dynasty, these lake waters though associated with some form of controversy during yesteryear, presently act as a stopover for the inquisitive at heart. Walking around its circumference is a popular pursuit that most patrons resort to and if with a tour guide, then your journey will be made all the more enjoyable with bits of information with regards to the origin and purpose of the Kandy Lake. Initially built to serve as a pleasure garden with an underground tunnel connecting the royal palace to the Kandy Lake, the leafy island found at its center was later utilised by the British to store their ammunition during World War II.

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Without a doubt, the jewel in the crown of Kandy’s cultural and tourist sites is the famed setting of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Renowned for its ancient traditions and ritualistic engagements that have been passed down from one generation to the next, this Buddhist pilgrimage site can easily be recognised owing in part to the golden canopy that has been built to safeguard the temple’s most significant possession – a relic of the tooth of Gautama Buddha. Once inside, you will have to join likeminded visitors and devotees, eager to catch a glimpse of the precious stone -studded golden casket that houses this relic. Further, you may also move over to the two upper storeys of the temple that features a museum. Among the museum’s exhibits are busts of former Diyawadana Nilames, Ola manuscripts, royal regalia and life-size models of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe himself.

Stroll through Peradeniya Botanic Gardens

Situated a short distance away from Kandy in the town called Peradeniya is the magnificently appointed Peradeniya Botanic Gardens. Regarded as the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka covering an impressive 60 hectares, these lush gardens boast a spread of trees and flowers that visitors will do well to explore at their own time and pace. Aside from the enormous Javan fig tree and its central trunk that will be hard to miss, this attraction allows ease of access to a host of highlights. Namely, an avenue of Royal palm trees, cannonball fruit trees and a stunning collection of orchids of varying hues. Ideally, pack a picnic basket and bring it along for a few hours of wandering through a world of all things green, bright and beautiful.

Capture awe-inspiring views from the Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Statue   

As one of the better vantage points in all of Kandy from where jaw-dropping panoramas of the city can be delighted in, calling by the Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is an absolute must. Located within close proximity from Theva Residency which is a good boutique hotel Kandy Sri Lanka has to offer, this Buddhist temple perched atop a hill is best visited either in the morning or towards late afternoon. Having spent time in awe of the seated Buddha statue, you can conclude your time here by making a small financial donation on your way out.