Kandy is a city located in the centre of Sri Lanka. This city is a very important religious centre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is popularly known as a pilgrimage destination for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (a sacred tooth of the Buddha. Kandy is very peaceful and is a beautiful place to discover, packed with rich culture. Kandy’s food scene is also thriving, so make sure to try the many different Kandyan authentic dishes on your trip here.
Get the most of Kandy’s serenity with these 17 things to do …
MUST-DO
Temple Of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is considered one of the most important temples of Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Also known as the Dalada Maligawa, it is located to the north of Kandy Lake. This is definitely a top place to visit on your trip to Kandy. The remarkable temple has the sacred tooth believed to be of Lord Buddha enshrined in it. The relic has long played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Puja (prayers) occur daily at the temple at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. The tooth is taken out of its chamber in its golden casket for devout Buddhists to worship. The temple which was built in the 16th century has had continuous additions throughout the years.
Note: You should wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders if planning to go to the temple, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
Sights from the Big Buddha
The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue offers amazing sights of Kandy. Equally, the Big Buddha can be seen from almost everywhere in Kandy. It is the biggest Buddha statue in the whole of Sri Lanka. The 88-foot high statue lies within the hilltops above Kandy. The white marble Big Buddha assumes the Dhyana Mudra position, which was how he attained enlightenment.
You can reach the statue’s location by car or motorbike, it is a ten minute tuk tuk ride from the city center. Once there, you will climb up the stairs which takes about 20 minutes and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
Tip: Try and also go to the statue at night when it is all lit up – you will not be disappointed!
Kandy Lake
A stroll around Kandy Lake is perfectly peaceful. The Lake which is also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk was created as an additional feature for the Temple of the Tooth. It offers the most stunning of nature views. It was built in the heart of the city in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. At the lake you will find exotic birds, ducks, many many fish. The whole trail is approximately 7km from one end to the other.
Take a break from the bustle of the city by walking the path which encircles the lake. This is truly one of the best free things to do whilst in Kandy.
Kandy Lake is impossible to miss!
The Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens are Sri Lanka’s most impressive gardens. The historic Garden is dated back to 1371 and receives a staggering 2 million visitors a year. The well-maintained gardens are large and spacious, the total area being 147 acres. Specifically, the gardens are known for their amazing collection of orchids. There are also a huge variety of other plants, flowers, bamboo forests, bats, monkeys, and birds. Originally, the gardens were solely created for Kandyan royalty, however, they are now open to everyone.
Tip: If you don’t feel like walking around the gardens, you are able to rent a golf buggy which will help to cut your exploration time of the garden down to half!
Visit a Tea Factory
Sri Lanka has been, and still remains one of the world’s most important tea producers. It is number 4 in the world for tea production. For this reason, you will find numerous tea plantations. Kandy houses one of the biggest tea plantations in Sri Lanka. A visit to a tea factory will allow you to tour the factory and see how the machines work. You may also have a chance to do some tea tasting of some of the most popular teas. There are many tea factories to check out whilst in Kandy; Embilmeegama Tea Factory, Kadugannawa Tea Factory, Geragama Tea Factory, and more.
Visit a tea factory and see how Sri Lanka manages to produce a staggering 300,000 tonnes of tea yearly!
Traditional Kandy Dancing
Traditional Kandy dancing is colourful and interesting. Kandyan dancers are traditionally performed only by male dancers.Their technique focuses on dynamism, powerful footwork, leaps and whirls.The 3 venues to watch Kandy dancing are all located around the lake: Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre, Kandy Lake Club and Mahanuwara YMBA. From 5-6pm people will be gathered in a giant hall for the one-hour performance. The traditional dance is commonly performed to percussion only, the most typical drum used is the ‘Geta Beraya’.
This is one of the most unique things you will do in Kandy.
Note: The performance starts at 5 on the dot, so make sure to get there a bit earlier to secure your tickets and ensure you don’t miss any of it!
TOUR THE TEMPLES
Gadaladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya Temple is an old monastery built over a rock. The temple was built in 1344 AD by King Buwanekabaghu the fourth. This is one of the “Three Temples” or “Western Shrines”, the other two being Lankatilaka and Embekke. Gadaladeniya in particular is built from large blocks of natural stone, the walls and pillars are all carved in true South Indian style with elephants, dancers, and other figures. There is a predominantly south Indian influence in the temple’s design as it was designed by the South Indian architect Ganesvarachchari.
Gadaladeniya is famous for housing Sri Lanka’s best paintings from the Middle Ages. The main shrine room also has one large seated Buddha statue under a Makara Thorana (dragon arch) and four standing Buddha images.
Lankathilake Vihara
Lankathilake Vihara is another ancient Buddhist temple in Kandy. The temple is located in Udunuwara which is about a 35 minute drive from Kandy. The history of the temple dates back to the 14th century, it was reportedly built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D. The temple’s architecture has much South Indian influence, as it was designed by a South Indian architect named Sthapati Rayar. It is one of the most architecturally advanced structures of the Gampola Kingdom era. The temple premises have three sectors; the actual temple building, the Dagoba or stupa and finally the Bo tree.
Go to Lankathilake Vihara and admire the stunning architecture and richness of colours.
Embekka Temple
Embekka Temple was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era. Also known as Embekke devalaya, it is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo. The local deity Devatha Bandara is also worshipped here by devotees. The temple is situated in Medapalata Korale of Udunuwara. At Embekka Temple, you will find the finest wood carvings of old. The temple specifically stands out as everything consists entirely of wood, no other materials have been used, not even metal. Even the nails used have been hewn out of wood. The carvings which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers’ hall are certainly some of the best examples of Sinhalese art.
The shrine in the temple consists of three sections: the “Sanctum of Garagha”, the “Digge” or “Dancing Hall” and the “Hevisi Mandapaya” or the “Drummers’ Hall”.
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO
Spice Garden
There are many spices to discover in Kandy. Some top spices in Kandy include cinnamon, cardamom, citronella, turmeric, curry leaves and cloves. A vibrant history lesson awaits you as you visit a spice garden. You will learn about plantations, spices, and the various techniques involved while cultivating them. You will also see how they are used in traditional medicines along with everyday life. Curry leaves, for example, are a very popular spice in Kandy and will most probably be in most of the meals you have. They are said to be helpful for your heart to function better and aiding you to fight infections.
Stop at a local spice shop and return home with some of the best spices you will have ever tasted!
Hulu River Waterfall
Hulu River Waterfall is a sight to behold. The full name of the waterfall is Huluganga Falls. It is located about 30 kilometers away from Kandy, in Huluganga’s town. Huluganga Falls is about 75 meters in height and its water falls over the nearby villages of Elliyadda and Aratthana. The waterfall is a refreshing place to be, revel in the cool atmosphere and watch the water flow at amazing speeds.
Make sure you take pictures on the numerous rocks present in the bed of the waterfall, they make for the most picturesque background.
Take a Food Tour
Enjoy Kandy’s extensive choice of cuisine during a food tour. Kandy is a foodies’ paradise! This is truly the best way to discover authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Whilst on the food tour, not only will you eat your way through the city streets, you will be simultaneously learning about the city’s culture and history. There are several things to discover, including exotic fruits. You will also be able to explore the local market whilst on the tour. You’ll be taken on a culinary journey through Kandy’s markets, and have the chance to sample some tropical fruit.
Kandy is a foodies’ paradise! Make sure you don’t miss out.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum
The Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum is housed on the first and the second floors of the Temple of the Tooth. It is also commonly known as the Temple of the Tooth Museum. The museum showcases the expansion of Buddhism throughout Asia and the rest of the world. It is the only museum of its kind which shows a Buddhist exhibition of the religion’s global spread – originating in India and its eventual extension to other countries throughout Asia. The museum features a stunning array of gifts donated to the Temple of the Tooth by several presidents and Buddhist leaders from across the world.
Learn more about the cultural roots of Sri Lanka at Sri Dalada Maligawa Museu
Esala Perahara
Esala Perahara is a 10-day festival which takes place in Kandy either during July or early August. The timing is particularly significant as it is the month that is believed to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment. Esala Perahara is also known as The Festival of the Tooth. The Buddhist festival features a parade of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Several processions are carried out, with elephants decorated, and also traditional local dances such as fire dances and whip-dance garments. This is one of the oldest and most extraordinary festivals in the world.
The festival is colorful and lively – definitely something to be a part of if you happen to be in Sri Lanka during these months.
St Paul’s Church
St Paul’s Church is located in the main city, right next to the sacred grounds of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The construction of the Church began in 1843 and was completed in 1848. First built to be a symbol of British power (as the British Garrison), the church now serves as a great exhibit of the colonial architecture of that time. This gorgeous Church is in classic Neo-Gothic style. There, you will find many memorial tablets which tell very interesting stories of the early settlers who worshipped here. Inside, the church maintains simplicity, however it is extremely spacious.
The church is said to house the only pipe organ in Kandy, and potentially, the largest pipe organ in regular use in Sri Lanka.
Day trip to Sigiriya
A day trip to Sigiriya is a perfect place to venture from Kandy to. Home to Lion Rock, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla. It was built by the fifth-century king Kashyapa I. The enormous Lion Rock which Sigiriya houses is a 200-meter square-shaped rock which towers over the entire region. Whilst in the town, you can also visit the landscaped gardens, and also the monastery. At Sigiriya, you will find the most amazing frescoes. Walk amongst the amazing ruins of the royal palace, and be in awe.
You can ride on a direct bus to Sigiriya from Kandy, the journey will take around 3-4 hours.
As one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO world heritage sites, Sigiriya is worth a visit.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
If you are fascinated by wildlife, The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage should be on your must-visit list. The orphanage is a popular nursery and breeding ground of 90 plus wild Asian elephants who stay in their natural habitat. It is situated about an hour and a bit out of Kandy, in the Pinnawala village in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Pinnawala orphanage is the place where abandoned elephants are raised, also those elephants who are seriously injured. It is a great conservation project to visit.
Go to the orphanage and spend your afternoon with the most adorable elephants.
