Kandy Tours

Top 10 Things to Do in Kandy

1. Lankatilaka Temple

   
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   We were incredibly lucky to visit this temple on a private tour during a festival when it was strung with twinkling fairy lights and had been newly whitewashed. The site is still being archaeologically digged, but the finished meditating Buddha in gold paint is an outstanding example. One of the Monks gave us a history of the Temple and the background to the festival. It was nice to sit a while in the peaceful gardens surrounded by pools of water lilies

2. Temple of the tooth

   
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   Sri Dalada Maligawa is one of the Holiest Shrines of the Buddhist World due to its housing the sacred relic tooth of Buddha in its very own stronghold. Still, a place of daily worship for many we saw Monks in the inner chamber performing their daily ritual as well as locals and tourists making theirs in the outer chamber. Although not much inside it was a truly spiritual experience especially the ancient written scripts in the old library

3. Big Buddha Bahiravokanda Vihara

   
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   A small Temple complex is overshadowed by the 88 foot Great White Buddha, and it is this that people make the steep climb for and of course the most fantastic view. After leaving your shoes at the kiosk, you can enter the temple compound. Once outside again you are greeted by the stunning panoramic view of the entire city of Kandy as well as the shimmering lake and the large bulk of the mountains in the distance.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens

   
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   Strolling leisurely down the imposing Avenue of Royal Palms in Sri Lanka's beautiful botanical gardens on a private tour is pure heaven. Of the 4,000 species of plant the real kings are the trees, lofty giants include the giant Burmese Bamboo capable of growing 30cm a day and the unusual cannonball tree but, for me, the most impressive was the rooted tentacle century old Javan Fig Tree, also a fabulous array of stunning rare species

5. International Buddhist Museum

   
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   This small museum situated next to the Temple of the Tooth holds a fabulous collection of Buddhist artefacts from all over Asia as well as information about Buddhism and Buddha quotes. It gives an informative and stimulating history of the spread of Buddhism and its impact on each country it entered. Each country has its own room devoted to this influence, and it is so interesting that it is easy to lose yourself here for a few hours

6. Raja Museum

   
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   For over 50 years the giant ‘tusker’ elephant, Raja, was the head honcho in festivals and processions before he passed at the age of 75. This large model shows just how impressive he was and dressed in all his finery he must have been a sight to behold. Over 35 times he was the carrier of the sacred casket holding the tooth relic in the August procession in honour of the Los Buddha. Photos of him in all his glory line the walls.

7. Royal Palace of Kandy

   
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   Looking to escape the crowds this peaceful location was the residence of Kandy's last King. Not much remains of the original Royal Palace apart from some unique wood carvings, with most of its buildings being destroyed but some parts were repaired during the British occupation. The only remaining part is the entrance building which now houses the Department of Archeology and the Museum with the Queens quarters housing the District Court

8. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

   
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   Having a few hours spare, we took a trip out to Udawattekele Sanctuary an amazingly tranquil forest perfect for walking under the green canopy. There are smooth dirt tracks to follow through the woods or take the 4km roadway walk. We were stunned when half way round curious chattering monkeys appeared from the trees and was playing on the road in front of us. We also saw wild boars and deer along with the constant beautiful bird song.

9. Ceylon Tea Museum Hantana

   
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   As a lover of tea, this was a definite for me to see first hand the reason why Sri Lanka and especially Ceylon Tea is famous around the world. On a steep green hillside, the old wooden tea factory houses the first, original, tea production machinery. Displays of historical documents, the first ever tea packet and one of the first tea shrubs ever grown here. A fascinating private tour and at the end, of course, a proper cuppa awaits you.

10. Cultural Dance

    
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    A great family activity the Cultural Dance Show tells the story of Kandy through dance and music. Clothed in intricately designed traditional costumes the groups of sometimes 50 dancers and musicians perform an art form originally part of an all-night ceremony for the King. From The fire and harvest dance to stunning duets the performers give this acrobatics with grace and poise ending with a fire walkers and a huge fire show

Travel Tips for Kandy