Kandy

4.2 (871) Reviews

★★★★★ 4.2/5

Morning Visit:
- Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
- Highlights: Observe the daily rituals and offerings (puja) conducted three times a day – morning, noon, and evening. Explore the richly decorated interiors, Kandyan architecture, and the museum showcasing the history and artifacts related to the relic.

Mid-Morning Exploration:
- Head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, located about 5.5 km from Kandy. These gardens are among the finest in Asia and span 147 acres.
- Highlights: Wander through meticulously landscaped gardens featuring over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, medicinal plants, and a remarkable collection of palms. Don’t miss the giant Javan fig tree and the Orchid House.

Lunchtime Stroll:
- Return to the city and take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, an artificial lake created by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807. The lake is situated in the heart of Kandy and offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
- Highlights: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the picturesque views, and the various bird species around the lake. You can also take a boat ride to appreciate the lake from a different perspective.

Afternoon Visit:
- Travel to Bahirawakanda to see the towering Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. This immense statue of Lord Buddha is visible from most parts of Kandy.
- Highlights: Climb up to the statue for breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy and its surroundings. It’s an excellent spot for photography and to appreciate the scenic beauty of the city.

Tea-Time Tour:
- Proceed to the Ceylon Tea Museum, located in the former Hanthana Tea Factory. This museum provides an insightful look into the history of tea production in Sri Lanka.
- Highlights: Tour the museum to see old tea-processing machinery, historical exhibits, and documents. Visit the tea shop and tasting room to sample some of the finest Ceylon teas.

Late Afternoon Nature Walk:
- Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a historical forest reserve located on a hill-ridge in Kandy. This reserve was once a sanctuary for Kandyan kings.
- Highlights: Enjoy the tranquility of the forest, walk along the well-marked trails, and spot diverse flora and fauna. The reserve is also home to several bird species, making it a great place for bird watching.

Evening Scenic View:
- Visit the Kandy View Point to enjoy a panoramic view of Kandy city, Kandy Lake, and the surrounding hills. This spot is especially beautiful during sunset.
- Highlights: Take in the stunning vistas, capture beautiful photographs, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Evening Shopping:
- Head to Kandy Market Hall to experience local life and shop for a variety of goods.
- Highlights: Browse through stalls selling fresh produce, spices, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a vibrant place to experience the local culture and pick up unique items to take home.

Evening Entertainment:
- Attend a traditional cultural dance show in Kandy. These performances showcase the rich heritage of Kandyan dance and music.
- Highlights: Enjoy an hour-long performance featuring traditional drumming, elaborate costumes, fire-walking, and various traditional dances. The shows are held at various venues in Kandy and provide a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lankan culture.

Optional Visit:
- If time permits, visit the Kandy National Museum, located near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum offers insights into the history and culture of Kandy.
- Highlights: Explore exhibits featuring artifacts from the Kandyan era, including royal regalia, ancient weapons, and historical documents. The museum is housed in a former palace building, adding to its historical charm.

KANDY