Location: Kandy
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10 Things to do in Kandy That You Shouldn't Miss
Kandy (Sinhalese: මහනුවර Mahanuwara, pronounced [mahanuʋərə]; Tamil: கண்டி, pronounced [ˈkaɳɖi]) is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Restaurants in Kandy
1. Kandy Garrison Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By LordRay - Kristianstad, Sweden
Very interesting visit. Takes about 5 min to walk from the temple. The cemetery is being handled by a non-profit organization. When we visited there were two older gentleman that gave us a little tour. All is free - but please give em a little contribution for their effort!
2. Kandy War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Formerly known as Pitakande Military Cemetery, it was acquired originally by the military authorities, and was subsequently taken over by the Commission as a permanent war cemetery. Kandy is in central Sri Lanka, 910 metres above sea-level. It is 121 kilometres north-east of Colombo, from which it is easily reached by road. From the Botanical Gardens at Peridenya, take the road to Kandy. Just past the gardens, take a left turning at the roadside direction sign, down Lady Magdalene Drive. The Cemetery is approximately 1.5 kilometres along this road.
Reviewed By MrBlueRL - Leeds, United Kingdom
Thanks to our tuk-tuk driver, Jenudeen, we visited this beautiful little cemetery. We would never have known about it nor visited it if he hadn't shown us. It's not huge, which means you can pay every grave the respect it is due by visiting and looking at the names of all the men buried here. It is genuinely moving to see the graves of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Jew and Sikhs side by side. A sad reminder that in death, we are all equal. The garden is impeccably kept, and it is one of the prettiest graveyards you will ever see. Worth taking the time to visit and experience some tranquillity.
3. Lankatilaka Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By isurupremaratne - Gampaha, Sri Lanka
This temple is one of the examples for early settlements of Kandyan kingdom dating back to 14th century. Since it is situated in a remote village, you can see the natural beauty of the environment. Fortunately this are is not urbanized. Around the temple, you can see the paddy fields, forests and rarely a vehicle. It feels like going to the Kandyan era. There's a large rock-writing which was written in both Sinhalese and Tamil. The main Buddha image house has a Buddha statue and paintings dating back to Kandyan era. Recommended for family trips with kids. This place has a value of archeology and history. 1.5 - 2 hours will be enough to spend. Access from Colombo - Kandy main road is very easy. If you are using public transport, get down at Pilimatalawa. Since the temple is located 4.5 km from the town, three wheeler (taxi) would be a good option. Otherwise, there's a bus (Kandy - Pilimatalawa - Daulagala raod) you can take from the Gadaladeni junction. Then, get down at Lankatilake junction and walk 300 m to reach the temple. If you are traveling by your own vehicle or taxi, use the other road which you can go to the top of the cliff. There is parking space available.
4. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11,934 reviews
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Sinhala: ශ්රී දළදා මාළිගාව) or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple. The temple which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is one of the holiest shrines in the entire Buddhist world.
Reviewed By Getaway291528 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Fantastic temple and we were lucky enough to have an excellent bespoke guide who was able to explain the history of the Sacred Tooth Relic and all it means to the Sri Lankan Buddhist followers. A definite must to visit and try to plan your visit during one of the thrice daily "prayer" times.
5. Kandy Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,899 reviews
Reviewed By j0eycalgary - Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
We have love living near this lake We walked around it every day and were thoroughly entertained by kingfishers egrets cormorants water monitors and exotic ducks It’s a favorite place for wedding couples to have their photos taken More than anything it’s a lake that belongs to the locals - there are always people walking to the temple; walking to go shopping; walking out of sheer joy and pleasure A great place for a long lazy walk
6. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,148 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine760116 - Cairns, Australia
For people who like having a nice steep walk I prefer a tuk tuk up to this statue. We arrived in the afternoon meaning the tiles where so hot you burned your feet almost bring a pair of socks with you . The view is amazing seeing the city the old fortress and the lake
7. Udawattekele Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By 905niamhi
This sanctuary is pure beauty! It is so peaceful inside and a great escape from the bustling city. There are many different paths you can take in the park, some short for those not wanting to walk too far, and some longer ones for those after a longer walk. There is also a cycle path. There are also lots of monkeys, which are great entertainment! We also spotted a turtle in the river. This place is definitely underrated and should more a must see for anyone visiting Kandy!
8. Ceylon Tea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By CSLouter - Amman, Jordan
This quiet museum is a hidden gem!! Absolutely underrated by guide books! It was fascinating to see traditional tea making equipment, and learn the history. Our entrance fee included a complementary guide who was professional and spoke excellent English. We finished with a delicious cup of tea in the café overlooking great views, and buying different types of tea from the shop for our friends and family.
9. Kandy View Point
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By Summerksa
The birds eye view was nice as it was a clear day could see the lake and the tooth temple was a nice experience
10. New Ranweli Spice Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 460 reviews
New Ranweli Spice Garden is located near Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Send us an email for a pick up from Kandy town to the spice garden.
Reviewed By periwinkl - Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Asanka is a knowledgeable and personable host, from arranging a tuk-tuk pick-up to explaining all about the spices around the small garden that he manages. We had a fantastic time learning, and exchanging our own experiences on medicinal uses of spices and beyond. A highlight of our time in Kandy indeed.
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