Kandy, the Most Important Cultural Center in Sri Lanka
Kandy is a great tourist destination located in Sri Lanka and is the most important cultural center in the country since it was included as a World Heritage Site on UNESCO's list. Kandy represents the last kingdom in Sri Lanka, and one that was conquered by British at the start of the 19th century. Because the people here are very proud of their ancestors, you can experience firsthand their traditional way of living.
One of the most important places in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth that can be visited at any hour from early morning to late evening. The name of the temple comes from the tooth it holds, which is believed to have belonged to Buddha. Because of the strange relic, this is considered a holy shrine and people from all over the country come here to pray and see the relic, which is shown to the general public only at certain hours.
The Elephant Orphanage is where you can see several dozens elephants that are friendly around humans. The times when the elephants are fed and bathed are particularly popular for tourists. You can travel to Pinnewala to watch the elephants via taxi or bus.
Kandy is also the home of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The gardens date from the times when the ancient kings ruled the country, but the general design suffered changes under the British rule. Many plants can be seen here, such as species of orchids. A forest garden can also be admired here.
Kandy is famous for the statue of Buddha housed by the Bahirawakanda temple. The statue is so large that you can see it from any place in the city. In order to get to the temple, you will have to embark on a tuk tuk, as the destination is one kilometer away from the actual city. Ask locals for directions in order to find the entrance to the temple.
Tea, as expected, is a very important beverage in Sri Lanka, which is why there is a Tea Museum located in Kandy. The museum is housed by an old tea factory, and it tells the history of tea in Sri Lanka.
Just inside the city, you will find the Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary, a place used by the Sinhala Kings. The forest growing here and the wildlife are tropical. Ponds can be spotted everywhere on the forest grounds. It is advised to wear clothing that covers your legs.
One of the most important places in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth that can be visited at any hour from early morning to late evening. The name of the temple comes from the tooth it holds, which is believed to have belonged to Buddha. Because of the strange relic, this is considered a holy shrine and people from all over the country come here to pray and see the relic, which is shown to the general public only at certain hours.
The Elephant Orphanage is where you can see several dozens elephants that are friendly around humans. The times when the elephants are fed and bathed are particularly popular for tourists. You can travel to Pinnewala to watch the elephants via taxi or bus.
Kandy is also the home of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The gardens date from the times when the ancient kings ruled the country, but the general design suffered changes under the British rule. Many plants can be seen here, such as species of orchids. A forest garden can also be admired here.
Kandy is famous for the statue of Buddha housed by the Bahirawakanda temple. The statue is so large that you can see it from any place in the city. In order to get to the temple, you will have to embark on a tuk tuk, as the destination is one kilometer away from the actual city. Ask locals for directions in order to find the entrance to the temple.
Tea, as expected, is a very important beverage in Sri Lanka, which is why there is a Tea Museum located in Kandy. The museum is housed by an old tea factory, and it tells the history of tea in Sri Lanka.
Just inside the city, you will find the Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary, a place used by the Sinhala Kings. The forest growing here and the wildlife are tropical. Ponds can be spotted everywhere on the forest grounds. It is advised to wear clothing that covers your legs.