Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, hill country capital, and sacred city. It is home to the famed Temple of the Tooth, the most revered relic of Buddha. It was the last ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka before the country fell to the British. It is the first stop before going deep into the highland and tea country, places such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella. The notable architecture of Kandy city and its culture remain dominant in Sinhala Buddhist culture. It played a principal role in the British colonialism, as Kandy was Sri Lanka’s last stronghold. Kandy Perehara is one of the most important religious events in the country and has been the case for centuries.
Top Attractions
Temple of the Tooth
Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa within the royal palace complex houses Buddha’s tooth relic. It was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD from India.
Kandy Lake
It is an artificial construction by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Sri Lanka. It is part of the temple complex and is a scenic sight and place of ritual.
Royal Botanical Gardens
This Kandy tourism hotspot is nearby the Mahaweli River. The 147 acres of garden contains more than 4000 species of plants including spices and medicinal plants.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
This forest reserve of 257 acres has a variety of plant and animal species. It was once a pleasure park for Kandyan kings. It has forest monasteries and cave dwellings.
International Buddhist Museum
Situated inside the royal palace complex, this museum is a treasure trove of Buddhist knowledge and information. It showcases the spread of Buddhism in Asia.
Natha Devalaya
This 14th Century Devala is the oldest Devala of Kandy dedicated to local and Hindu gods. It stands on a stone terrace surrounded by bodhi trees and dagobas.
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