Kandy is central province mountainous city in Sri Lanka which is filled with history and culture. Kandy is recognised as the last capital of the kings of the ancient Sri Lanka and thus blessed with immense natural beauty. In this article, I take my readers through a brief history of Kandy, the attractions of the cultural sites and show why this place is uniquely suited as travel destination for people across the globe.
Kandy: The Place of History
Kandy is not just a city but it also depicts our national integrity and cultural personality. It was the last refuge of the Sinhalese kings during the colonial rule by Portuguese, Dutch and the British and was only annexed to the British in 1815. The city has is the Temple of the Tooth Relic or the Sri Dalada Maligawa which is important pilgrimage for Buddhists since it consists the Canoe with the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic
The most vital place for spiritual life in Kandy can be considered as the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Situated within the former Kingdom of Kandy, Palace complex this temple is one of the holiest shrine in the Buddhism list. It’-s visited by thousands of devotees and tourist who come to pay their respect to the sacred tooth relic. Sri Lanka, India, and British style are clearly seen on the building structures of the temple, which explain the cultural history of Kandy.
The Esala Perahera Festival
Even mentioning Kandy it can be impossible not to say about the Esala Perahera, which is an annual Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka that brings together dancers, drummers, and decorative processions. This festival that begins in July or August, and lasts for ten days, is also famous for dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire eaters, and decorated elephants. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the Sacred Tooth Relic and is a colourful celebration of faith indeed a feast to watch for visitors from all corners of the world.
Kandy’s Natural Beauty
Mathedded in hills and valleys, rivers and lakes, Kandy offers tremendous scope for the tourist interested in natural beauty. The city is surrounded by tea growing slopes and forests which are biodiverse rain forests. Udawattakele Forest Reserve nearby contains trails that take one to view scenic area and the place is ideal for bird watching. The Royal Botanical Gardens situated in Peradeniya on the outskirts of the hill capital of Kandy houses over 4000 species of trees, shrubs and including one of the world’s finest orchid collections.
The Kandy Lake
The gem of the city is the circulated lake is called Kandy Lake or Kiri Muhuda means Sea of Milk It is an artificial lake was constructed by the King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807. The good value that I got from the walk around the lake after the sun set was that I got to enjoy the as peace from the city. It also helps in making Temple of the Tooth Relic a relusive site as its reflection of the Temple can also be seen in the waters of the lake.
Cultural and Arts
Traditionally arts and craft products, especially Kandyan dence of Sri Lanka is popular throughout Kandy. Crafts made in the city include; Silver and brass work, fabrics which are woven by hand. This Kandyan art and craft centre serves the purpose of retaining them and offering a fair arena for the crafts to be sold out. Further, dance forms of Kandy primarily the Kandyan dance is famous for its dynamic beats of drums and leaps and twines.
Culinary Delights
Tasting Sri Lankan food is a great experience because it is rich in spices and the Kandy influence is shown in especially attractive dishes. Plain, fluffy rice served with curry is definitely a must-try, but choice is found in the curries and more so the types and preparations of the curries which can include chicken, fish, twenty seven varieties of vegetables and fruits from Sri Lanka. Missing out on eating local food such as kottu roti and hoppers should not happen as they are tasty and pocket friendly to most travelers.
Tourist attractions: The best destinations in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, the city which was the proud capital of Sri Lanka till the British came in is the city with a mix of tradition, beliefs and scenic atmosphere that one can look for. It was the last kingdom of the Sri Lankan Kings and the site is part UNESCO World Heritage where people can find numerous exotic natural sceneries or significant cultural heritage landmarks, or colorful traditions. Although this magnificent city is steeped in history, you might confuse itself with what to visit in Kandy to get the most out of the journey into the cultural history of Sri Lanka.
1. Temple of Tooth Relic of Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa
A sacred temple in Sri Lanka especially for Buddhists; it contains the tooth of the Buddha. Situated in the royal palace complex the temple is an important place of worship, and during full moon ‘Poya’ days the relic is exhibited. It is full of ornaments and has a very calm aura bringing multiple meanings spiritually and historically to Kandy.
2. Peradeniya botanical garden
The Royal Botanical Gardens situated within a 147-hectare area approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre provided visitors with more than 4,000 species of plants; the orchids collection along with the colossal Javan fig tree. These gardens were also established in the British colonial era and are excellent examples of green tropic paradise perfect for a walker and a true nature lover.
3. Kandy Lake
Famous and well maintained natural beauty Kandy Lake was built in 1807 by the last King of Sinhalese Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe to augment the serenity of the temple of the Tooth Relic. Waking around the lake early morning or during the evenings to discover beauty of the city and sample a slice of life of the residents.
4. Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Located directly behind the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy, the Udawattakele Forest Reserve made for excellent bird watching along the various trails that ran through the large forest with a tropical feel and many small mammals that could also be seen there. I particularly recommend it as a perfect place for hiking and bird watching because it has numerous trails that afford splendid views of San Diego’s cityscape.
5. National Museum of Kandy
Located in one section of the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Kandy is a treasure trove of exhibits concerning the last royal capital of the country. As it stores the royal regalia, jewelries, tools and weapons etc, one feels that the place offers a peep into the colorful history of that place.
6. Sculpture in Bahirawakanda Vihara
Overlooking the city of Kandy is located at Bahirawa Kanda, the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha statue. This white sculpture is really enormous and is easily visible to anyone in the city; besides it has this amazing view of the entire city at night when it is well illuminated.
7. Ceylon Tea Museum
Situated at Hantana, close to Kandy, the Ceylon Tea Museum was established at site of the earlier tea factory. The museum exhibits the Ceylon tea and shows the history of it and its effect on the Sri Lankan economy. Public are allowed to go round and get acquainted with other tea prominent liners such as James Taylor and Thomas Lipton including getting taste of Ceylon tea.
8. Community Craft & Commerce Custom.
The center is therefore an appreciation of Kandyan arts and crafts which include items that are made out of lacquer work, batik, wooden carvings, as well as silver. Tourists are able to observe local skilled workers and buy unique products while sustaining the craft of such historical art.
9. Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka Temple is situated near Kandy and approximately 12 kilometers away; this temple is built in the Sinhalese and Dravidian architectural style. It stands on a rock that has spectacular beautiful sceneries of the countryside below and has stunning wall arts and sculptures.
10. Spice Gardens
The vicinity of Kandy is rich with spice gardens where tourists can familiarize themselves with those spices that form the basis of Sri-Lankan cuisine, including cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Several gardens provide.Locale Guides that teach the culinary and medicinal properties of spices.
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