Nestled among the misty hills of the central highlands is Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city. Thankfully this place has no tall skyscrapers or urban chaos, it is a little calmer and cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka. The city is filled with traditional temples, picturesque gardens, and bustling markets built using the colonial style of architecture. A place so rich in art, history, and culture, it’s no surprise, the city of Kandy is called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. And beyond its natural beauty and vibrant traditions there are many incredible things to do in Kandy.
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Things To Do In Kandy City
From ancient temples to aristocratic gardens, from bustling streets to calm lush green hills, there are plenty of things to do in Kandy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things this enchanting destination has to offer.
1. Explore The Royal Botanical Gardens
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens spread through 147 acres is one of the most popular things to do in Kandy. The botanical garden with 4000+ species of flora is exquisitely maintained. One can easily spend half a day wandering along the manicured lawns admiring all of Sri Lanka’s unique flora along with specialized collections of plants and trees.
2. Attend A Ceremony At Sacred Tooth Relic
The Sacred tooth relic also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa is one of Buddhism’s most revered sites. It houses a tooth of Lord Buddha brought to the island in the 4th century. The tooth is kept in a golden casket inside a magnificent temple complex and is out for display only during ceremonial times. To understand Sri Lanka’s Buddhist practices, visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Kandy.
3. Day Trip To The Rock Fortress Of Sigiriya
The rock fortress also known as Lion Rock in Sigiriya is a unique rock island that stands 200m above the jungle below. Sigiriya is two hours away from Kandy but the efforts taken to reach here will be truly worthwhile. The fortress which was built in 480AD has a lot of abandoned palaces, gardens, waterways and frescoes to see and explore.
4. Stroll Around Kandy Lake
Right next to the Temple of the Tooth is the iconic Kandy lake which you simply cannot miss while here. This artificial lake was built by Sri Wickrama Rajasinha in the year 1807. A stroll around the 2.1 miles of pathways offers delightful views of the surrounding hills and the sacred tooth relic. A visit to this lake is definitely one of the best things to do in Kandy.
5. Watch A Kandyan Dance Performance
To understand the cultures and traditions of Sri Lanka, watching a Kandyan Dance performance will give a profound knowledge about it. Kandyan Dance is the national dance of the country and this dance form originated in Kandy. Both men and women with spectacular outfits and heavy jewelry dance gracefully and enthusiastically to every beat of the drums.
6. Admire Buddhist Craftsmanship At Three Temple Loop
Three significant Buddhist temples, Gadaladeniya Viharaya, Embekke, and Lankathilaka, each a feat of craftsmanship on its own, are worth exploring. The impressive wood carvings and religious architecture provides a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s extensive heritage and craftsmanship. The carvings inside the temples serve as a living history of Sri Lanka’s relationship with Buddhism.
7. Hike The Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A hike through the dense tropical forest is a great opportunity to spot endemic birds and other wildlife. The Udawattakele forest which was once the king’s personal garden is today an urban forest and wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species of mammals, reptiles, and other animals. The forest also has several meditation hermitages and Buddhist temples used by monks. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be with nature, this is one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
8. Spend A Day At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a place that cares for the injured and orphaned elephants. It is also the breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Visitors are allowed to observe these elephants from a close proximity, feed them and click pictures with them. A visit to the elephant stables Kandy will give an idea of how they cater to these orphaned elephants.
9. Climb Bahirawa Kanda Hill To See The Buddha Statue
Pretty much from anywhere in the city, the sculpted white statue of Buddha is visible. However, for a close up view of this beautiful Buddhist monument and panoramic views over Kandy and the surrounding countryside, a steep walk to the top of the hills is highly recommended. The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at 27m in height is one of the tallest statues in Sri Lanka.
10. Tea Tasting At Ceylon Tea Museum
Sri Lankan tea is one of the World’s best and to know more about the history and process of tea making, a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum is a must. The museum provides a complete insight into Sri Lanka’s tea industry. A number of exhibits like the vintage tea-processing paraphernalia and photographs of development of the tea industry to the present day can be seen. At the end of the tour, you get to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea.
11. Shop At The Kandy Market
There’s always something to buy, see and eat at the Kandy Market. The bustling market is spread out over two courtyards, with one selling fresh produce while the other specializes in clothing and souvenirs. To see the market in its full swing, it’s best to visit in the morning. To get a feel of the ‘real’ Kandy, a visit to the Kandy Market is one of the best things to do in Kandy.
12. Scenic Kandy To Ella Train Ride
A beautiful train journey from Kandy to Ella is the perfect way to end your trip. The seven hour journey will take you through green tea fields, misty mountains, beautiful waterfalls and lovely hilltop villages. Make sure to keep the doors and windows open to take in the stunning views and refreshing breeze. Book your Kandy Ella train tickets in advance as this ride is one of the best things to do in Kandy.
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FAQs
– Formerly, Kandy was known as Senkadagalapura (city of five hills).
– Due to its cultural and religious significance, Kandy is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Every year during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, tooth relics are paraded on the streets of Kandy.
– The buildings and structures in Kandy reflect the influence of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Yes, Kandy is considered a hill station as it is located 1600 feet above sea level between mountainous and thickly forested area. Nuwara Eliya is another popular hill station in Srilanka.
The best time to visit Kandy is from January to April, the driest months of the year. The weather in Kandy during these months is very pleasant, making it perfect to explore all outdoor attractions.
