Kandy is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka. Located in the core of the hills of Kandy Valley, it is also renowned as the cultural capital of the island and the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. The beautiful city came into existence in the 15th century. It is a house to a number of administrative and religious affairs of the island. Blessed with various historical as well as world heritage sites, Kandy is one of the major tourist destinations not only in the island but also in the world.
Tourist Attractions in Kandy
Buddhist Temples
A number of Buddhist Temples are situated in Kandy. Among them, the major attractions for the visitors are Malwaththa and Asgiri temples that are located on the shores of the lake.
Embekke Temple
Embekke Temple was built in the 14th century. It is famous for its unique wooden carvings dedicated to God Katargama along with beautiful wooden buildings decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds.
Gadaladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya Temple is popular for its Dravidian architecture along with picturesque view of the country's surroundings. It was built in 1344 on a hilltop at a distance of 15 km from the town.
Hanthana Mountains
Hanthana Mountains is an ideal destination for the lovers of trekking. The mountains are located on the suburbs of Kandy and renowned as the source of many rivulets and streams.
Hindu Shrines
Kandy is blessed with four famous Hindu shrines with are dedicated to God Vishnu and God Natha and Goddess Patthini. In these four shrines, three of them are situated near to the Temple of Tooth and the last one is located towards the town.
Knuckle Mountains
Knuckle Mountains consists of 35 peaks mounting to more than 3000 feet (915 m). The Knuckles range is located about 90 square miles. A rich variety of flora and fauna is available in the Knuckle Mountains.
Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka Temple was built in 14th century. The major attraction of this beautiful temple lies in its magnificent picturesque view of the surrounding hills, paddy fields and the diverse vegetation located around it. Lankatilaka Temple is built on the peak of a rock called Panhalgala.
Peradeniya Garden
Founded in 14th century, Peradeniya Garden is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Kandy. It is an ideal place for nature-lovers. The main features of the garden are orchid House that contains more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids and a spice garden holds various trees and plants used in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
The Temple of Tooth
The Temple of Tooth is among the most holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is also known as Dalda Maligawa. Built in 17th century, the temple holds one of the teeth of Buddha and a golden canopy has also been added recently. Visitors also part in daily rituals that practiced in the temple.
Udawatte Kele
Udawatte Kele is a historical forest, which is located above the Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa). Its main features lie on its variety of trees like Talipot trees, cinnamon, olive, rattan cane, betel, bo-trees, kitul palms, jak, mara, betelnut and arecanut. Udawatte Kele is also famous as the Forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy.
