Kandy or “Mahanuwara” in Sinhalese, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Sri Lanka. Kandy is enriched with its unique natural beauty and the cultural heritage. The forestry mountain view and misty climate mesmerizes any tourist and encourages anyone to take a walk around the city.
The city is situated in the midst of central highland of the country among tropical plantations, mainly tea and natural forests. The monarchy of the country “Sri Dalada Maligawa” where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha deposited is situated in Kandy. Therefore, for the locals, Kandy is one of the most sacred places in the island. The temple of tooth relic was also declared as a world heritage by UNESCO in1988.
Kandy is Sinhala majority city while having sizable communities belong to other ethnic groups as well. There are more than hundred and fifty thousand people living in this area in peace and harmony. Kandy is known as the second largest city in Sri Lanka where having health, education, transportation facilities well enough for the citizens. The most popular cultural event in Kandy is “Esala Perahera”. This is an annual ceremony decorated with traditional dances, traditional music, elephants and many more traditional activities. This attracts both local and foreign tourists during the months, July-August.
Historical Background
Kandy is known as the last kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. According to historical sources, the kingdom was first established by the king Vickramabahu and the golden era was during the rule of the king Wimaladharmasooriya the first. The king having embraced the Buddhism, brought the scared tooth relic to Kandy from where earlier was hidden at “Delgamuwa Viharaya”. When it was the colonial era, the kingdom was well protected due to its natural existence among the mountains and the forest coverage around.
Attractive Places around Kandy
There are many attractive places in Kandy city and around, listed as below.
- Dalada Maligawa – the temple of tooth relic
- Kandy Lake
- Royal Palace
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden
- Udawaththa Forest Resort
- Buddhist Museum
- Bahirava Kanda Temple
- Hanthana Mountain
- Gadaladeniya Temple
- Lankathilake Temple
- Knuckles Mountain Range
- Spice Gardens
Dalada Maligawa and Royal Palace
The temple of tooth relic or popularly known as “Dalada Maligawa” is one of the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Also, the temple contains of rich art and architecture from the Kings’ era. It is constructed on a base of granite which was inspiration of the former kingdom “Anuradhapura”. An array of materials such as sculped wood, marble, ivory, mineral etc. was used in construction of this attractive building. The temple and the palace is an associated construction with superior architectural designs. Due to the antient tradition the protector of the sacred tooth relic become the ruler of the island. Therefore, both the temple and the palace were parts of the same building complex. The national museum is established in the same building complex inclusive of a wide range of antient craft, statues and other materials.
There are many antient temples and religious places around Kandy having a rich variety of art, architecture, wooden carving,
Parks and Sightseeing
Peradeniya botanical garden is one of the most popular gardens and also the largest garden in the island. The garden is extending to 147 acres containing more than 4000 spices of plants. The river “Mahaweli” which is the longest river of the country flaws from one corner of the garden. Anyone who loves the nature can have a quality time by visiting this place.
Udawatta forest is a protected sanctuary since 1938 situated in the city of Kandy covering an area of 257 acres. This sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna which is a spice of birds also known as “Avis”. The Udawatta reserve also has a variety of plants, shrubs and other small trees. There are many small and medium size mammals that inhabit Sri Lanka can be seen in this forest reserve.
The Knuckles mountain range lies in the Kandy and Matale districts of Sri Lanka. This was also named as world heritage site by UNESCO. The climate in Knuckles is cold and there are beautiful waterfalls and streams. There is also a wide variety of flora, fauna and high density of bio diversity in this area. For anyone who is interested in hiking and natural bathing would love this place and would be memorable visit for life time.
Staying at Kandy
There are number of luxury hotels and average guest houses around the city area as well as off the city area. Most of them are easily reachable. Tourists may reach Kandy by public transport such as bus and train. The journey by train definitely provides a wonderful and a memorable experience.
If you visit Sri Lanka, Kandy should be one of the best places in the bucket list to visit and to feel the tropical beauty and to witness the eastern cultural heritage, adding up a life time experience.
Conclusion:
Kandy, with its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, stands as one of the most enchanting destinations in Sri Lanka. From the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic to the lush Peradeniya Botanical Garden and the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, Kandy offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, attending the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes, Kandy promises a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Make sure to include Kandy in your travel plans and immerse yourself in the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich and diverse culture.
