Kandy is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. So, here are 6 places to visit in Kandy.
A major city in the central province of Sri Lanka, Kandy, was the last capital of the ancient kings. Situated on a plateau surrounded by mountains, Kandy is popular for its cultural essence. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site that we will discuss in this article.
Kandy is also important for its spiritual sites. Museums, landmarks, etc., make Kandy a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The main reason why Kandy is addressed as a spiritual place is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic has a lot of importance for Buddhist pilgrims.
The common name of this temple is Sri Dalada Maligawa, and it is located in the Royal Palace Complex. This royal palace belongs to the kingdom of Kandy. It is said that after Buddha achieved Nirvana, his tooth relic was preserved and sent to Sri Lanka. This relic is now a temple of prominent importance for the Buddhists.
The temple opens at 5.30 am and closes at 8 pm. The entry is free for all children below 15 years of age. For people over 15 years of age, the ticket price is different. For visitors belonging to non-SAARC nations, LKR 2000 is the entry fee. For SAARC nationals and adults from Thailand and Myanmar, the entry fee is LKR 1500.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Near the longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli River, are the Royal Botanical Gardens. Popular for its orchid collection, the garden has over 4000 species of various plants and flowers.
This one is also the country’s largest botanical garden. The botanical garden is open throughout the year from 7.30 am to 6 pm. The in-house café operates from 8 am to 5 pm.
You will have to purchase entry tickets, which are available from 7.30 am to 5 pm only. Tickets for foreign adults (over 12 years of age) are priced at LKR 3,000. Foreign students need to pay LKR 2,000 per ticket. For children aged 5 to 12 years, the ticket price is LKR 1500.
Inside the Royal Botanical Gardens, you will get to see the lake, the spice garden, flower garden, bamboo collection, and coconut palms.
Kandy Lake
Kiri Muhuda, or Sea of Milk or Kandy Lake, is an artificial lake. It was built way back in 1807 by the Sinhalese Monarch, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It is just beside the temple of the tooth relic.
You can walk around Kandy Lake and also sit at the resting points. There is no fee for the entry, and the lake timings are 6 am to 8 pm. You can try a boat ride on Kandy Lake. The price for a boat ride is LKR 1500 per person.
If you are lucky, you will be able to spot some species of birds and reptiles. The boat ride will offer a great experience. You will get to see the beautiful temple of the tooth relic. Various trees are planted across the lake, which enhances the beauty of the lake.
Udawattekele Sanctuary
Udawattekele Forest Reserve, or sanctuary, is considered a historic one on a hill-ridge. It has existed since the Kandyan Empire. During those times, it was called “Uda Wasala Watta” in Sinhalese. In English, it means “the garden above the royal palace”.
Apart from its variety of plants, it is also popular for its species of birds. There are also three Buddhist monasteries in the forest. You will find many visitors in this sanctuary. The opening hours of Udawattekele Sanctuary are 6 am to 5 pm.
Entry fee for locals is LKR 30 and for foreign nationals is LKR 570. You will need around 2-3 hours to explore the sanctuary. If you enjoy bird-spotting or bird photography, be prepared for longer hours.
There are short trails that take you through nature’s delight and are best spots for photography if you want to get clicked. There are tours organized by private teams. You can join them or roam around the sanctuary by yourself.
National Museum of Kandy
Your next stop is the National Museum of Kandy. This one is again part of the royal palace and is beside the tooth relic temple. It was in 1942 that the museum was opened to the public.
The museum displays artifacts from 17-19th centuries, i.e., the Kandian Era and the British Colonial period. The museum visit is allowed only between 9 am and 5 pm. The entry fee is LKR 50 for locals and LKR 600 for foreign nationals. The museum is closed every Sunday and Monday.
Over 5,000 objects showcase the historical and cultural importance of Kandy. You will find many guides at the entrance of the museum. If you are interested, you can hire a guide to show you the museum. The guide will also tell you about the artifacts and Kandian history.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Big Buddha, or Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, stands 88 feet tall in Kandy. Completed in 1992 on Devil Hill, the statue gives a view of the entire city of Kandy.
Once you reach the base, it will take you another 20 minutes to climb the stairs and reach the statue. The visiting hours are 6 am to 6 pm. Entry fee is around LKR 200. The best time to visit here would be early in the morning or in the evening.
The statue is just 2 km away from Kandy City. You can hire a tuk-tuk to visit the base of the Big Buddha Statue.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka, a popular tourist destination in southeast Asia, has so much for its visitors. This article covers 6 places to visit in Kandy. But there is so much more to do in Kandy. You can explore the Kandy cultural dance show if you have enough time.
There are more places to explore around Kandy that you must visit. Kandy is a mix of spiritual, cultural, and natural spots for visitors. It has something for everyone visiting the ancient capital of the Ceylon kings.
