Kandy is the Last kingdom of the Sri Lanka located in the Central part of the country and 120 Km (3.5 hours) away from the Colombo City and Kandy is the second largest city of the Sri Lanka. Sacred city of the Kandy is a world heritage site declared by the UNESCO in 1988.Kandy is one of the main tourist attractions of Sri Lanka and one of the most popular destination among the tourist, because of the Religion, Culture, Scenic views and nature. Kandy city has a temperate climate and situated at 490m above the mean sea level and surrounded by mountain ranges. Longest and the widest river of Sri Lanka, Mahaweli and its tributaries flow around the city.
Sri Lanka was a colony under 3 European nations since the 1505. Firstly Portuguese arrived in 1505 and gradually captured the coastal areas; Then Dutch took over from them. Then 1796 British take over from the Dutch. But till the 1815 none of these Europeans couldn’t captured the Kandian Kingdom. In 1815 British signed a treaty with Chieftains of Kandy and started to rule the whole country till grants the independence in 1948.
01. Kandy tooth relic Temple of Buddha
Tooth relic temple of Buddha is the most sacred place for the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Not only the Sri Lankan Buddhist, but also the other Buddhist from the various countries visited the temple of tooth for the pilgrimage. After the cremation of the Buddha, the bodily relics were distributed among the Buddhist countries back then.Accoring to the Chronicles of Mahawamsa, we received the sacred tooth relic during the reign of King Kithsiri Mewan (301-328 AD) from a regional king of India. Since then all the Rulers of the Sri Lanka protected the Tooth relic and built many tooth relic temples. Tooth relic considered as an essential object to claim one’s legitimate right to the throne.
History of the Kandy tooth relic temple dates back to the 16th century AD (400 years).but the initial formation of the building cannot be seen due to the invasions. Many reconstruction and refurbishment works done by the Kandian era kings.
Everyday various types of rituals are performed to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic and many locals and tourists are visiting the temple. Temple of the tooth relic of Buddha is one of the main attraction of Sri Lanka and very popular among the tourist due to the Fascinating Architecture, Landscape, cultural events and rituals.
Kandy tooth relic temple open for the public from the 5.30 am to 8.00 pm. Since this is a Buddhist temple, your dress should be below the knees & should cover your shoulders. You can keep your shoes in the shoe counter near to the entrance. Best time to visit the temple of tooth relic is either morning or the evening to avoid the excess heat in the day time and to avoid the crowd.
02. Royal botanical garden of Peradeniya
Royal botanical garden of Peradeniya is located 5 Km away from the Kandy city. In 1821 British started the botanical garden of Peradeniya.There are around 4000 species of plants including orchid,spices,Cycad,herbals and palm trees spread in an area of 147 acres.
Botanical garden of Peradeniya is one of the famous destinations among the Tourist. Collection of the very rare, old and giant plants, beautiful sceneries attracts the tourist and gives them a memorable experience. The ticket counters are open for the public from the 7.30 am to 5.00 pm.
03. Cultural show in Kandy
Kandy cultural show is one of the main attractions in the Kandy tour and organized in few locations in the Kandy city during all the evenings. The show will be continued for an hour and there are performances of various types of dance events along with the traditional drums. Fire dance is one of the main dance item can be seen in the Cultural show in Kandy.
04. Pinnawala elephant orphanage
Pinnawala elephant orphanage is a captive breeding & conservation center for Sri Lankan wild elephants and located in the Central province of the country close proximity to the Kegalle town of Sri Lanka.It is around 95 Km (2.5 hours) away from the Colombo city and 40Km (1.5 hours) away from the Kandy city.Pinnawala elephant orphanage was established in the 1975 and currently there are around 70 elephants in the premises.
Pinnawala elephant orphanage is one of the main attractions among the tourist visiting Sri Lanka. Everyday by 10.00 am in the morning and 2.00 pm in the afternoon the herd of the elephants are taking in to the River nearby for the bathing and it is one of the best experience you can have in your Sri Lanka tour. Pinnawala elephant orphanage is open for the public from the 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
05. Ambuluwawa tower, Gampola
Ambuluwawa tower is local located in the Central province of the country close proximity to the Gampola town of Sri Lanka. It is around 26Km (1 hours) away from the Kandy city. Ambuluwawa tower is a multi-religious center where you can see Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, Mosque and Church. Ambuluwawa tower is built on a mountain and the view from the top is fascinating and became one of the main attractions among the tourist. Ambuluwawa tower is open for the public from the 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.