Kandy : 3 Stunning destinations that you need to visit

If you are planning a holiday to this beautiful city in the hill country of Sri Lanka, these are the 3 must-visit places to add to your travel bucket list while traveling to Kandy.

Temple Tooth of Relic

The Temple Tooth of Relic is one of the most iconic places of worship in Sri Lanka. Located within 5 - 10 minutes of walking distance from Kandy Lake, Temple Tooth of Relic is one of the foremost tourist attractions in Kandy City. It was constructed around 1592 – 1604 during the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya. In 1988 the temple was also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage signifying its immense value to the world.

Once arrived at the temple entrance, devotees can purchase flowers, oil, and incense. The main shrine room can be visited during morning hours (5.30 am to 7.00 am or 9.30 am to 11.00 am) and evening hours (6.30 pm to 8.00 pm). This area allows visitors to worship, donate Ata Pirikara (Eight-fold offerings), and offer flowers to the temple tooth.

The temple also consists of many other areas that are worth a visit. The hall of ceremony or the “Magul Maduwa” is one such area, which portrays the ancient architecture of the Kandyan era. The beautifully engraved wooden pillars with flawless Kandyan artistic designs are worth capturing in photographs.

The Kandy Royal Palace, Raja Museum, and the World Buddhist Museum are a few other places within the temple premises that could also be easily reached within a few minutes of walking distance.

Tip: Ensure to dress in appropriate religious attire (preferably in white, shoulders & knees covered)

Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya

Royal Botanical Gardens is situated in Peradeniya, a suburb of Kandy. The garden can be reached within 20 minutes from Kandy Town.

Established in 1821, the botanical garden consists of more than 4000 species of flowers and plants. The garden is also known as the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka with an extensive landscape of 59 hectares (147 acres).

A walk in this magnificent garden surrounded by the serenity of nature is an experience that makes it worth the visit. The garden can be visited from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. The entrance tickets are Rs.100 per adult local whilst Rs.2000 per adult foreigner (rates might vary based on the traveling season).

The Orchid House is one of the prime attractions of the Peradeniya botanical garden. It has renowned for its position as one of the finest places to explore an extensive range of rare and beautiful orchids.

Royal Palm Avenue is another area that has gained popularity among many locals and foreigners. The spectacular view of large Palmyra palm trees beside the walking path is an ideal location for capturing picture-perfect moments in the garden.

Flower Garden and Spice Garden are two other areas that you should explore whilst visiting the botanical garden. The variety of vibrant colorful flowers in the flower garden is extremely captivating and breathtaking. Whereas the aromatic fragrances of cinnamon and cardamom spices throughout the spice garden add a breath of fresh air to anyone passing by that area.

Tips: The Garden spreads through an extensive landscape area and will require you to walk for a considerable distance. Therefore, ensure to bring a water bottle, umbrella, or a cap/hat. However, please avoid littering to protect and maintain the botanical garden.

If you prefer to explore the garden whilst enjoying a ride in an open vehicle, you can rent a buggy that accommodates around 8 – 10 pax. The rates for the vehicle can be enquired from the entrance ticket counter

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is one of the enormous Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Built in the 1980s this stunning white Buddha statue is located at the top of the Bahirawakanda mountain in Kandy.

The height of the statue is 88 feet, and it has been recognized as one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. This magnificent monument is situated alongside the ancient Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya Temple Kandy and can be reached within a 10-minute drive from Kandy City.

The distinctiveness of the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statute is that it can be seen from any location within Kandy city. Especially the view of it during the night is simply magical.

Once reached the top of the temple, visitors can offer flowers, light lamps, and incense to the Buddha. Many locals and foreigners who visit this attraction are mesmerized by the spectacular view of the mountains overlooking the city. If you are seeking a perfect location to capture stunning panoramic photographs of the mountains, a visit to this temple will certainly meet your expectations.

Tip: Please ensure to dress attire appropriately (preferably in white) and leave your shoes/slippers before entering the temple premises

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