Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours
Views Lanka Tours

Kandy

Overview

Kandy, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its ancient legends, cultural treasures, and vibrant festivals, Kandy offers visitors a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vitality.

As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Kandy boasts a rich heritage dating back to the late 14th century when it was founded as the Royal Residence by King Vickramabahu. It served as the last stronghold of Sinhala rulers until it fell under British rule in 1815. Despite its transformation into a modern commercial center, Kandy has retained much of its historic character, with monuments and traditions from its storied past.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, also known as Dalada Maligawa. This revered temple, with its distinctive Sinhalese architecture, houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha and is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. Daily rituals and ceremonies that have been practiced for centuries continue to be performed with great devotion, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient cultural heritage.

Beyond its religious significance, Kandy captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty. The journey to Kandy is itself a scenic adventure, with winding roads that offer breathtaking views of lush valleys, majestic mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Whether exploring the city's historic sites, immersing oneself in traditional arts and rituals, or simply savoring the tranquility of its surroundings, Kandy promises an unforgettable experience that resonates with the timeless allure of Sri Lanka's hill country.

Kandy, with its well-preserved palace complex and historic Buddhist temples, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. The King's Palace, now housing the Museum of the Department of Archaeology, and the Council Chamber, known as Magul Maduwa, exemplify the timber architecture of the Kandyan period. Other historic buildings within the palace complex, such as the Queens' Bath, King's Harem, Queens' Chambers, and Royal Armoury, showcase the grandeur and character of the ancient kingdom.

In addition to the palace complex, Kandy is home to several renowned Buddhist temples, including Gadaladeniya Vihare, Lankathilaka Vihare, Hindagala Vihare, Gangarama Vihare, Degaldoruwa Vihare, and Embekke Devalaya. These temples are celebrated for their intricate artwork, architectural splendor, and historical significance, making them popular attractions for both local and international visitor

Kandy

Highlights

Kandy Esala Perahara (Procession)

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a renowned cultural event in Sri Lanka, drawing crowds from across the country and the globe to witness its vibrant and captivating procession. Held annually for ten days in July or August, depending on auspicious timings, this tradition has been observed since the 4th century, making it a deeply rooted part of Sri Lankan culture.

The procession features over 100 beautifully adorned elephants, accompanied by nearly a thousand traditional dancers, drummers, flag and torch bearers, whip crackers, and Kandyan Chieftains in elaborate attire. This grand spectacle showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kandyan people, with participants paying homage to their religious and historical traditions.

The rhythmic beats of drums echo through the streets, creating an immersive experience that resonates not only with the ears but also with the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the hill country. For the local community, the Esala Perahera provides a platform to showcase their traditional arts and fosters a sense of pride in their cultural identity.

With its dazzling display of color, music, and tradition, the Kandy Esala Perahera is widely regarded as one of the most vibrant and captivating pageants in the world, offering spectators an unforgettable glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural tapestry.

Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, sprawling across 147 acres, stands as the premier botanical attraction in Sri Lanka, an essential visit for anyone exploring Kandy. Originally established as the Pleasure Garden of Kandyan Kings in the 14th century, it is enveloped by the Mahaweli River on three sides, with access facilitated by a charming suspension bridge connecting it to the opposite bank.

This botanical marvel boasts over 4,000 species of flora, showcasing the remarkable diversity and beauty of tropical plant life. Among its many highlights are the majestic palm trees, with more than a hundred varieties gracing the landscape. The garden features five palm avenues, where towering specimens like the Talipot palm reach imposing heights, creating enchanting arches of verdant foliage.

Visitors to Peradeniya are treated to a sensory feast, with delightful ferneries, orchid houses bursting with rare blossoms, and groves of spice trees adding to its botanical splendor. It's a living testament to Sri Lanka's rich botanical heritage and serves as a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Traditional Crafts

Kandy, steeped in tradition and cultural heritage, stands out as a hub for exquisite traditional handicrafts in Sri Lanka. Among the diverse range of crafts, the city is renowned for its silver, brass, and copper work, showcasing intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship. Wood carving is another prominent art form, with artisans creating stunning pieces that reflect the region's cultural motifs and aesthetic sensibilities.

Ceramics, lacquer work, and handlooms are also integral to Kandy's artisanal landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan craftsmanship. The vibrant batik industry flourishes here, with colorful textiles adorned with intricate patterns and designs.

Jewelry holds a special place in Kandy's handicraft tradition, with artisans crafting exquisite pieces of gold and silver jewelry embellished with precious gems, reflecting the island's rich gemstone heritage.

For those seeking authentic handicrafts, the Exhibition Hall of the Kandyan Arts and Crafts Association, located beside the lake, and the Government-owned Arts and Crafts shop, Laksala, offer a curated selection of these items, providing an opportunity to appreciate and acquire these exquisite creations.

Nattaranpotha, a traditional craft village situated 3 km east of the city, offers a unique experience where families engage in crafting using traditional techniques and materials, preserving age-old practices and heritage.

In essence, Kandy stands as a paradise for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka through its authentic handicrafts and artisanal traditions.

Performing Arts

Indeed, Kandyan culture is deeply intertwined with traditional dance and music, which play integral roles in various aspects of life, including rituals, ceremonies, and cultural festivities. Among these art forms, Kandyan dance stands out as a pinnacle of artistic expression, representing centuries-old traditions and embodying the essence of Sri Lankan culture.

Kandyan dance, also known as the dance of the upcountry, is revered for its intricate movements, vibrant costumes, and rhythmic music. It has evolved over time, blending indigenous influences with external elements to create a unique and captivating form of expression. The annual Kandy Esala Perahera, a grand procession that takes place in Kandy, showcases the splendor of Kandyan dance, attracting visitors from around the world and earning international acclaim.

Today, visitors to Kandy have the opportunity to experience the richness of Kandyan dance and music firsthand through daily cultural performances held at various venues across the city. These performances offer a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of traditional Sri Lankan arts, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage of Kandyan culture.

With its profound significance and enduring appeal, Kandyan dance continues to serve as a vibrant symbol of Sri Lanka's cultural identity, captivating audiences and preserving centuries-old traditions for generations to come.

Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela

The Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela is indeed a remarkable and heartwarming destination for visitors to Sri Lanka, offering a unique opportunity to witness the care and conservation efforts dedicated to the country's majestic elephants.

Established in 1975, the orphanage serves as a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, and orphaned elephants, playing a crucial role in the preservation and rehabilitation of Sri Lanka's elephant population. During the British colonial era, elephants faced significant threats from hunting and habitat loss, leading to a drastic decline in their numbers. The orphanage was founded with the noble mission of protecting and nurturing these magnificent creatures, helping to safeguard their future.

Today, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is home to approximately 90 elephants, making it the largest captive elephant herd in the world. Over the years, the orphanage has also witnessed the joyous arrival of around 25 baby elephants, symbolizing hope for the future of Sri Lanka's elephant population.

A visit to the orphanage offers a memorable experience, allowing visitors to witness the daily routines and interactions of these gentle giants. The highlight of the visit is often the opportunity to observe the elephants being bathed in the nearby river, a spectacle that showcases the bond between the animals and their caretakers. Visitors can also participate in this heartwarming activity, assisting the mahouts in bathing the elephants and creating cherished memories.

For those planning a visit to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela, it is recommended to time their visit to coincide with the feeding and bathing schedules, which occur twice daily at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. These moments offer the best opportunity to witness the elephants in their natural habitat and engage with them in a meaningful way.

Overall, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage stands as a testament to the importance of conservation and compassion, providing a sanctuary for elephants in need and inspiring visitors to appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come.

Kandy City

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