Kandy

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is a major tourist destination in the country. The town boasts prominent tourist attractions like the Temple of Tooth and the Old Royal Palace. The city which came into being in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended. Here you can visit elegant historict sites, enjoy song dances, buy souvenirs and indulge in adventure activities. Kandy is a good transit point to travel to cultural north or hilly south.


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.

Travelling to Kandy
Kandy is linked by buses from almost all parts of the county. Buses take about 2.5hrs from Colombo, about 2 hours form Nuwara Eliya and one and a half hour from Sigiriya. Kandy is 116km from Capital Colombo and 138kms from Anuradhapura. Trains are also available from Colombo for Kandy and they take approximate 2 hours. You can also hire a car for Kandy.