Kandy
Kandy, the last capital of Sinhalease kings and the principal cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is a major tourist destination in the country.
Kandy is located 488 meters above sea level and surrounded by the beautiful mountains and valleys. Recently, Kandy has been declared as a "Heritage City" by UNESCO
Living monuments in Kandy include the 'Temple of Tooth', the most sacred shrine for Buddhist all over the world. The other places of interest include, famous Hindu and Skanda shrines, the Royal Botanical Gardens one of the most beautiful garden South Asia, the University of Peradeniya, the foremost University of Sri Lanka founded by the British 60 Years ago, public market place of Kandy. Kandy is a shoppers paradise with gems, and handicrafts including silver, bras and wood carvings and reed weaving.
Kandy Travel Attractions
The Temple of Tooth
The Temple of Tooth is the most important Buddhist place of worship in Sri Lanka and foremost travel attraction of the town. One of the Buddha's teeth is kept in the temple. The temple was constructed in the 16th century but several additions have been done in it. A golden canopy has been recently added. For entering the temple a dress code has to be followed. The temple follows a set of daily rituals.
Hindu Shrines
Three major Hindu shrines are located at a stone's throw from the Temple of Tooth. Lords Vishnu, Natha and Goddess Patthini sit in these shrines. Although most people visiting these temples are Buddhists Hindu rituals and customs are followed here. The shrines testimony that Tamils and Buddhists have co-existed here for long time.
Old Royal Palace compound
Kandy tour is incomplete without a visit to Old Royal Compound. You can tour old royal palace, quarters of the royal concubines; queen's chambers the council chambers and the armoury. Many of these places are now used a museums presenting the articles of Kandyan era. Chambers of the Royal Palace are nice specimen of Kandyan wooden architecture. The Palace is the witness of so many important cultural events in the history of Sri Lanka.
Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilake temple is a fine place located on a lovely location. It is an elegant structure decorated by fine paintings.
Gadaladeniya Temple
This temple, made in 14th century, is located 15km off the town. Built on a rock, the temple has been inspired by the South Indian style of architecture.
Royal Botanical Garden
Royal Botanical Gardens which once served as a pleasure garden of a Kandyan Queen has numerous tropical foliage. It is reputed as one of the best gardens in the island. and the best in the island. The allied forces had their regional headquarters in the garden during the Second World War.
Embekke Temples
Embekke Temples, built in 14th century, are adorned with intricate wooden carvings. The temple is dedicated to God Kataragama. A Buddhist place neighbors the Embekke Temple. The temple is bedecked with the carvings of dancers, musicians, wrestlers, beasts and birds.
Arts and Crafts
Kandy is most important proponent of Sri Lankan arts and crafts. Kandy is the place where the elites patronised these crafts during 300 years of struggle with the Europeans. One can buy exquisite handicrafts in Kandy. Shops catering to the tourists abound in Kandy. Kandyan Art Association is the perfect place to buy souvenirs.
At Kundasale village, near Kandy, a village has been established recently to settle local craftsmen and their families. Visitors could watch craftmen at work and purchase their products on site.