Kandy, fondly called the 'Hill Capital of Sri Lanka', is dotted with myriad tourist destinations. The city is located 115 km away from Colombo (the capital city of Sri Lanka) and is 465 meters above sea level. You can get to see some of the greatest Buddhist temples and exquisite flora and fauna in gardens of Kandy. Famous for the Temple of Tooth, the town is home to many other temples that symbolize the magnificence of Sri Lankan architecture. If you are planning a family trip to Sri Lanka, Kandy is a great choice. Go through the following lines to explore information on the important tourist attractions in Kandy.
Tourist Attractions in Kandy
The Temple of Tooth
The Temple of Tooth should not be missed, while traveling to Kandy. Dedicated to Lord Buddha, the temple is famous for being a sacred Buddhist establishment, where the 'tooth' of Lord Buddha is preserved. The temple was built in the 16th century.
Embekke Temple
Embekke Temple, also known as Embekke Devalaya, is a renowned wooden temple situated in Ambakka Village. Built in the 14th century by King Wickremabahu III, the temple is adorned with beautiful engravings of swans, lions, bulls, elephants and other such animals.
Hindu Shrines
Three out of the four major Hindu Shrines of Kandy are located in the vicinity of the Temple of Tooth. The three shrines are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Natha and Goddess Patthini. The fourth shrine is located near the town of Kandy.
Knuckle Mountains
The Knuckle Mountain Range, which is now known as Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area, is one of the important tourist destinations of Kandy. The region is spread over an area of 155 sq. km, consisting of five major forest formations, which are shelter to a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna.
Lankatilaka Temple
If you are planning a pilgrimage with your family to Sri Lanka, then visiting Kandy would be the best bet, because it is dotted with beautiful temples such as the very famous Lankatilaka Temple. It is a magnificent construction that was built on rock, and is adorned with fine paintings.
Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden of Kandy boasts of being one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Sri Lanka. The garden, as the name suggests, exudes grandeur in its every nook and corner. Spread over 147 acres of land, the garden is just 4 miles from Colombo. It displays exquisite flora and fauna of the country.
