Kandy

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The Kingdom of Kandy went through a lot, it had to stand strong against three consecutive invasions of Portugese, Dutch and the British. The kingdom finally was acquired by the British in 1815, after the last Sri Lankan King Sri Vikrama Rajashinga and all righteous heirs to the throne were captured and transferred as royal prisoners to Vellore Fort in South India. Many other regional leaders like Monarawila Keppetipota, Gode Gedera Adkimaram, Wilbawe were executed in 1818 for leading the 1817-1818 Uva Wellassa Rebellion. Kandy however managed to maintain its cultural and historical values and still is one of the most prominent cities in Sri Lanka.

Religion, History and Heritage

Kandy is most prominent for the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, and the most significant cultural event, the Esala Perahera. Kandy also has a lot of other temples which demonstrates the arts and culture of the Kandyan era.

The island’s most sacred and significant temple, housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of Gautama Buddha

The most significant annual festival to honor the sacred Tooth Relic and the four guardian gods of Buddhism with magnificent traditional dancers, colourful elephants with lights, is a must see event in Sri Lanka.

A Polonnaruwa style temple with Dravidian and Indo Chinese influence built in the 14th century under the reign of King Buvanekabahu.

Known for its amazing wood carvings, the Embekka Devalaya is a shrine dedicated to the God Kataragama and Devatha Bandara.

Located 14 kilometers away from the Sacred Temple of Tooth, Asgiriya Monastery is one of the guardians of the tooth relic.

The pure white Buddha statue of Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya.

The main monastery of the Malwatta chapter of Siyam Nikaya built in the late 15th century under the Kandyan King Senasammatha Vickramabahu

A unique temple built in the 14th century by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of Gampola Era.

A temple with paintings aging more than 250 years is a must visit place in Kandy.

An interesting building standing out amongst others in the middle of the Kandy City painted in red and white stripes.

A neo-gothic style church located in the city of Kandy, this church is an impressive building constructed by the British in 1825.

Parks, Nature and Things to do

Apart from the temples and religious attractions Kandy is also popular for the Botanical Garden, nature trailing, hiking, boating. Explore through Kandyan experiences.

A perfect place to watch birds and trek along the trails of the lush forest.

An old cemetery used by the British located just 5 minutes away from the Temple of the Tooth

Located next to the Temple of Tooth within a building called “Palle Vahala” which was the house for royal concubines this museum houses 5000 artifacts from the Kandyan era.

Take a stroll around the beautiful lake of Kandy.

Located closer to the Sacred Temple of Tooth, the International Buddhist Museum showcases replicas and artifacts from various Buddhist countries.

Make wonderful memories while riding boats on the waters of Mahaweli Ganga, the longest river in the Island.

A beautiful range of mountains with seven peaks, the tallest being 3800 feet from the sea level.

A museum exhibiting everything related to tea, and the history of tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

Established in 1821 the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is the oldest and the main botanical garden in Sri Lanka with over 4000 plant species.