Kandy is a stunning city located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and lush woods, this city perfectly captures the essence of Sri Lankan culture, history, and spirituality. Kandy is more than a city; it’s a collection of experiences. Kandy caters to all types of travelers, with gorgeous temples, verdant gardens, and breathtaking views. Let’s have a look at the must-see attractions and things to do in Kandy that have attracted visitors from all over the world.
Must 10 Things To Do In Kandy
The Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
Temple of the tooth relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, the moment you hear the name, you feel a sense of reverence. Yes, it is because this place is the most sacred in Sri Lanka. Buddhists from all over the world come on pilgrimage to this holy place because the sacred left tooth of Buddha is enshrined there. This is not just a temple; It is a magnificent royal palace steeped in history, architecture, and cultural significance.
From the moment you enter the temple, you will be mesmerized by the intricate carvings, the golden roof, and the calm, peaceful atmosphere. It is an experience that is difficult to put into words. Here, traditional rituals including drumming and singing take place approximately three times a day. If you visit the temple at that time, you as a visitor can observe these ceremonies, giving you a unique cultural immersion. If you are visiting Kandy, remember to visit this sacred place as one of the must-have things to do in Kandy.
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Picturesque Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya
One of the world’s most picturesque train trips is the one that runs from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. You will see breathtaking sights as the train slowly moves past mist-covered mountains, luscious tea plantations, and stunning waterfalls. The unique aspect of this trip is that the trip is equally as delightful as the final destination. You may get a close-up look at local foods by purchasing fruits, snacks, and other delights from the merchants aboard the train. It’s wise to get your tickets in advance if you want to sit at the window and take in the view.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is a peaceful haven in the middle of nature, only a short drive from Kandy city. More than 4,000 plant varieties, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees, may be found in these gardens, which cover more than 147 acres. For those who love botany and want to unwind in verdant surroundings, the gardens offer a haven.
The Orchid House, which has more than 300 types of exquisite orchids, is one of its attractions. Don’t miss Royal Palm Avenue, which is ideal for leisurely walks, and the enormous Javan fig tree. A stunning suspension bridge that spans the Mahaweli River is another highlight of the gardens that provides picturesque vistas and fantastic photo ops. It is a must-thing to do in Kandy since a visit here is both instructive and revitalizing.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Bhairavakanda Buddha statue on top of a hill, which can be seen from a distance to anyone who comes to Kandy, is a unique symbol of Kandy. This 88-foot-high Buddha statue gives us a very beautiful view of the city and the surrounding environment. When you reach the top of the mountain, you will see the calmness of the Buddha statue and the view in front of you. If you go in the evening, you can watch the beautiful sunset. Also, this is the best place to take a photo of Kandy city.
Traditional Kandyan Dance Performances
One of the must-do things in Kandy is to see a traditional Kandyan dance performance. These performances showcase a captivating blend of music, dance, and vibrant costumes, giving you a real taste of the region’s artistic talents and deeply rooted traditions. The dances, often accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting, create a truly electrifying and immersive atmosphere. Kandyan dance is particularly known for its energetic and dynamic movements and highly intricate footwork. Many of the dances tell stories from ancient folklore, myths, and legends, adding another layer of depth to the experience. These performances are typically held at various cultural centers around Kandy, so it’s usually easy to find a show. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Kandy, offering a unique and memorable cultural experience.
The Kandy Esala Perahera Festival
The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the most beautiful and grandest festivals in Sri Lanka. Usually held for ten days in July and August, this festival is a wonderful scene where culture, religion, and history come together. Dancers, drummers, beautifully decorated elephants, and torchlight processions are truly a feast for the eyes. The most special thing of this festival is carrying the tooth in a golden casket. Thousand of people come to Kandy to see that scene.
Kandy itself is like a different world these days. Traditional music can be heard along the roads and the beauty of elephants can be seen. This event is a good opportunity to get a better understanding of the culture and religion of Sri Lanka. If you are thinking of going to Kandy, go during the Esala Perahera festival time. That experience will never be forgotten. But remember one thing. Because many people come to Kandy at that time, it is important to book hotels and accommodation in advance.
Hiking Pekoe Trail Stage 1
Pekoe Trail Stage 1 is one of the best things to do in Kandy. This is only the first part of the long Peco Trail, but it can be a small part of the whole trip experience. This section passes through the tea estates, dense forests, and beautiful landscapes of Kandy. As the road is well-marked, it is easy for those who are new to mountain climbing. That said, this is not a difficult hike, but the best trail for a perfect hiking day. The specialty of this section is that you meet people in the villages while walking along the trail. You can learn a lot about their lives and the culture of that area.
Kandy’s Vibrant Markets
If you want to feel the heartbeat of Kandy City, then you must go to Kandy market. It’s not just a market but a place where you can see the life and culture of the Kandian people. You can buy many things like various vegetables, fruits, spices, clothes, and handicrafts here. If you like spices, you can buy pure Sri Lankan spices here for a cheap price. And remember, you can bargain the price here. That’s one of the fun things about this market.
Nelligala Temple
Nelligala International Buddhist Center, or Nelligala Temple is a very quiet and beautiful place located on a hilltop a little away from Kandy. As it is located on top of a mountain, it is very quiet, a place to meditate and get peace of mind. The white pagoda in the temple is very beautiful. Also, Buddha statues and other creations are very artistic. Many people come to this temple to meditate quietly and get peace of mind. You can take the bus or tuk tuks facilities from Kandy city to go to Nelligala.
Conclusion
Kandy is a wonderful city where culture, history, and nature meet together. From the sanctity of the Tooth Relic Temple to enjoying the beauty of the mountains and learning about Sri Lankan culture, this city is the best place. Also, it is very lucky to be able to see a festival like Esala Perahera. Among the things to do in Kandy, these are just a few of the things we talked about. In this way, the trip to Kandy will add so many unforgettable experiences to your life.