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Where is Kandy in Sri Lanka?
Kandy in Sri Lanka is located at the center of Sri Lanka away from 120 km from capital city Colombo
Why is Kandy in Sri Lanka famous?
Kandy is famous for Temple of Tooth Relic, Kandy Perahera and for others things mentioned below
Things to do in Kandy in Sri Lanka?
# 1
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the tooth relic also known as the Dalada Maligawa is the most holiest Buddhist temple in Kandy in Sri Lanka, making it the most scared places of worship among Buddhists around the world.
It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country.
The Kandy in Sri Lanka was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple. The entire temple complex covers a large area and as well as the main shrine there are few other temples and museums within the complex.
# 2
Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya
It is located approximately a twenty minute tuk tuk ride from the city center and it attracts about 2 million visitors annually.
The total area of the garden is 147 acres. It includes more than 4.000 species of plants.
The Royal Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of orchids.
The famous Orchid garden and otherworldly Cannonball tree, planted by King George and Queen Mary during their visit in 1901, are also absolutely worth the visit. When you’re done sightseeing, there are also a number of expansive lawns in which to relax and escape the Sri Lankan heat.
# 3
Kandy Lake
This is one of the many free things to do in Kandy in Sri Lanka. Next to the Temple of the Sacred tooth relic, you will find the cities Lake.
An artificial lake built in the heart of the city in 1807 by King King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe . There are many legends and folklore regarding the protected lake.
One such is that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.
# 4
Udawatta kele Sanctuary
It is located approximately a twenty minute tuk tuk ride from the city center and it attracts about 2 million visitors annually.
The total area of the garden is 147 acres. It includes more than 4.000 species of plants.
The Royal Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of orchids.
The famous Orchid garden and otherworldly Cannonball tree, planted by King George and Queen Mary during their visit in 1901, are also absolutely worth the visit. When you’re done sightseeing, there are also a number of expansive lawns in which to relax and escape the Sri Lankan heat.
# 5
Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Although not of any historical significance, this is perhaps the introductory symbol of Kandy. it is one of the cultural things to do in Kandy. The 80ft Buddha Statue can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.
This iconic massive Buddha overlooking Kandy in Sri Lanka is well worth a visit. A ten minute tuk tuk ride from the city center will bring you to this is the ideal place to take panoramic pictures of the historic city.
For a better viewing experience take the twenty minute climb up the stairs to the Buddha statue. It is really worth it the effort!
# 6
St.Paul’s Church in Kandy
It is located approximately a twenty minute tuk tuk ride from the city center and it attracts about 2 million visitors annually.
The total area of the garden is 147 acres. It includes more than 4.000 species of plants.
The Royal Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of orchids.
The famous Orchid garden and otherworldly Cannonball tree, planted by King George and Queen Mary during their visit in 1901, are also absolutely worth the visit. When you’re done sightseeing, there are also a number of expansive lawns in which to relax and escape the Sri Lankan heat.
# 7
Lankathilake Viharaya
It is located on Daulagala road, approximately 40minute drive from Clock Inn, so therefore the city center.
Lankathilake Vihara is considered as the most magnificent architectural edifice created during the Gampola era.
The history of the temple dates back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D.
The king entrusted the construction of this temple to his Chief Minister named Senalankadhikara, who successfully finished the works of this temple.
# 8
Gadaladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya RajamahaViharaya with an ancient monastery located 16km from the city is found on the flat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy in Sri Lanka.
According to a inscription there this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344.
The main shrine room has seated (in Vajrasana) Buddha Statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The makara thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants.
# 9
Embekke Devalaya (Embekka Temple)
This temple was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357 – 1374).
The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers’ hall, as well as the “Vahalkada” (the entrance porch of the devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art.
The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a “Madol Kurupawa”, a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere.
This temple is approximately 20 km from the city center and can be reachable by bus, Tuk tuk or taxi.
# 10
Explore the local market
The market here is not big but you will be able enjoy the sensory experience. It is a place where you can take many photos. People were very friendly and you can communicate well, as English is widely spoken
# 11
PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
The primary purpose of the orphanage has been to provide a lifeline to the orphaned baby elephants and adult elephants lost in the wilderness. In many occasions the mother of the orphaned baby elephant had been killed or there have been accidents of baby elephants falling into pits and losing out to the herd.
There were also instances the mother elephant had fallen into a pit and died leaving the baby elephant lost in the jungle. There are instances of adult elephants being killed by farmers to protect their paddy fields and crops resulting in baby elephants being orphaned.
# 12
Visit a spice garden
There are many spice gardens around. Actually, many spices come from there. Now that you are here, what about exploring a spice garden? It is a free thing to do in Lanka, and not far away.
# 13
LOCAL BATIK SHOPS
The workshops themselves are intimate and welcome foreigners interested in understanding the production of these colorful masterpieces along with those simply interested getting a glimpse of everyday local life. Wall hangers, table clothes, and clothes are all available for purchase, allowing you to take a little piece of “Kandy” home with you.
# 14
Take the scenic train
Take one of the most scenic train rides in the world from Kandy to Nuwara Elya, Ella and Badulla…
You will be passing along the mountains; get your camera ready.
# 15
Attend a cricket match
An unusual things to do in Kandy, that can be fun.
Did you know cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka? As per our friends in Kandy, the second most popular sport is also cricket.
So if you happen to be during the cricket season, consider attending a match.
# 16
Street foods
Sri Lankan spicy food you can find near Kandy Lake and near Kandy town. Usually most of the foods are spicy which every tourist must try and experience
# 17
British Garrison Cemetery
British Garrison Cemetery is a British cemetery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, for British nationals who died in Ceylon.
It was established in 1817 just after British captured the Kandy and closed in 1873 due to a ban on burials within the municipal limits, although special provision was given to allow the burial of relatives of those interred in the cemetery, with last person buried there being Annie Fritz in 1951. The cemetery contains 195 graves of men, women and children.
# 18
National Museum, Kandy
The National Museum of Kandy in Kandy, Sri Lanka is located next to the Temple of the Tooth in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy.
The primary exhibits are housed in the Palle Vahala building, which was the former home of the King’s harem. A secondary exhibition is located in the main palace building. The museum is maintained by the Department of National Museums.
# 19
Arthur's Seat, Kandy
Arthur’s Seat is a popular lookout point southwest of Kandy Lake, just past the Royal Palace Park.
It is located on Rajapihilla Mawatha at 550 m above sea level. It provides a panoramic view across Kandy Lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Royal Palace of Kandy and the city centre.
According to local folklore there was a bungalow owned by a Mr. Arthur, a British tea planter, situated above the lookout, who used to view Kandy by standing on a stone seat under a tree in front of his bungalow.