Where to Go >> Kandy

Kandy

The erstwhile Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, the history of Kandy evokes images of riches, marching elephants and much pomp and pageantry. About 129 kms away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. One of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Kandy was once home to the Kandyan Kings of yore in the 16th-century and a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. Taking in a performance of Kandyan Dancers is rather like floating on an unending wave where rhythm and movement become one against the backdrop of the throbbing drums.

 
Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka, because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or ‘Temple of the Tooth’ is located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded. The best time to visit Kandy would be in July/August when you can experience the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, an unforgettable parade that reflects the pomp and pageantry of kings and more significantly, an occasion when a replica of the relic casket is paraded. Almost 100 elephants strut along the main thoroughfare of the city, bedecked with ceremonial gear and are accompanied by dancers and drummers over 10 riveting days.
 
Even if you miss this spectacle, there are many more sights and sounds in Kandy that will hold your attention.  The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens invite visitors to a learning experience about flora and fauna and some majestic trees that can be traced back centuries ago. A visit to the National Museum once again underscores the city’s royal past and is well worth a stop. The 17th-century Asgiriya Monastery houses ancient manuscripts and other treasures from a bygone era. A short trip on the way to Kandy (from Colombo) is undoubtedly the Pinawela Elephant Orphanage, which is home to many abandoned baby elephants and injured pachyderms. This spot is incredibly popular amongst tourists who converge here during the elephant bathing and feeding rituals.
 
Kandy is an exciting place for shopping and a well-known centre for elaborate brass, bronze and silver ware. Batiks, handlooms, ceramics, jewellery, reed ware and jewellery are other readily available items. This hill capital is at the heart of the island’s history and identity and no visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a stop-over in Kandy.
 
(Image Source : en.wikipedia.org)
 

Kandy Temple of the Tooth Peradeniya Botanical Gardens The old High Court of Kandy

Where to Stay

Randholee Luxury Resort

Randholee Luxury Resort Kandy, the sacred hill-country capital, lies on a plain amidst towering hills on the banks of the wide Mahaweli River. For almost two centuries Kandy provided a safe haven for the proud Kandyan Kingdom, stubbornly resisting colonization by the European powers who had entrenched themselves in Galle and Colombo.



Things to See

Udawattakele Bird Sanctuary Two highland bird sanctuaries are Udawattakele and Peak Wilderness.Udawatta kale is situated just above the temple of Tooth Kandy.It supports many species of bird life. Some of the common birds are Layard’s Parakeet, Gold fronted and Blue winged Leafbirds etc.



Things to Do

The Victoria Golf Course The newest golf club of Sri Lanka has the grandest setting among the serried Kandy mountains and adjoining the spectacular Victoria Dam. The appropriately named Victoria Golf Club has much more than just magnificent views.