Kandy, Sri Lanka: Island LifeThe Heart of Sri Lanka
Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the gentle green hills of the central part of the country. Known as the “Hill Capital” of Sri Lanka, the city was once the last royal capital of the island, preceding the British colonial era. Now, it is a fascinating mixture of ancient tradition, stunning nature and urban life, a beautiful space and regarded as one of the most crucial and popular places to visit for both locals and foreign tourists.
A travel destination in itself, there’s more to Kandy than just stunning lakes, historic temples, rich cultural heritage, and relatively cooler weather due to its mountain location, it’s a living memory of Sri Lankan past and present. Whatever your interest: history, culture, nature, Kandy will have you covered. So in this article, we are going to cover all sides of this mysterious city from Kandy History to Kandy attraction which makes it a complete guide to knowing Kandy Sri Lanka.
The Rich History of Kandy
First, to understand Kandy, you need to understand its historical significance. After the kingdom of Polonnaruwa was defeated and the Kotte Kingdom was established in the late 16th century, Kandy became the capital of the newly founded Kingdom of Kandy. It quickly became an important and powerful city under the control of the Sinhala kings, who were able to keep the Portuguese and Dutch colonial invasions at bay thanks to the city’s natural defenses, including surrounding hills and mountains.
In 1815 — after a long struggle — the British Empire annexed the Kingdom of Kandy, extinguishing Sri Lanka’s monarchy. This was when the Treaty of Kandy was signed, allowing the royal family to stay in the city and retain their influence over local culture. Today, vestiges of Kandy’s royal history are visible around the city, which serves as a living historical monument.
Must-See Attractions in Kandy
Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)
No visit to Kandy is complete without a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered and important sites in Sri Lanka. The temple here contains the relic of the Buddha's tooth. For centuries, it represented royal power, because whoever possessed the tooth relic was traditionally regarded as having the right to rule the island.
The temple is also a great example of Kandyan-style architecture, with elaborate wood carvings, gold decorations, and a tranquil atmosphere. People from all parts of Sri Lanka come to pay their homage to Saptha kothi and once a year, Esala perahera (Temple Procession) held and parades through the streets of Kandy where relic is shown with maximum Traditional Sri Lankan culture displayed, including dancers, drummers and elephants.
Kandy Lake (Kandyan Lake)
In Kandy’s center is tranquil Kandy Lake, which was manmade in 1807 by Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, Kandy’s last king. The hills around the lake are beautiful, and you can take a leisurely walk along the shore of the lake or take a boat on the lake. Lush greenery and small bridges line the perimeter of the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the city.
It is also a picturesque escape from the activity of the city itself; walking around the lake, for instance. If you are in search of a tranquil place to meditate or spend a relaxed afternoon, Kandy Lake is the place to go. Its historical significance, along with its natural beauty, make it one of the city’s most popular sites.
Peradeniya, Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens: One of Sri Lanka’s most stunning and sprawling gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens is an absolute must-see, located just outside of Kandy in the town of Peradeniya. Covering over 60 hectares, the garden features a spectacular array of flora, from rare orchids and tropical trees to giant bamboo groves. Dating back to 1371, the gardens were once for royalty and were used as a place of leisure for the kings of Kandy.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is open to the public today and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With its well-groomed pathways and various sections of the garden travelers can stroll through and marvel at the famous Avenue of Palms. It’s also home to many species of birds and butterflies, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
For a sweeping view of Kandy, make your way up to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue on a hill on the edge of the city center. Rising 88 feet high, it overlooks the city and offers remarkable views over Kandy Lake and the green mountains that surround the city.
Visitors can ascend the stairs that lead up to the statue, walking through a quiet Buddhist temple on the way. The great Buddha statue serves as a reminder of peace and stillness, while the gardens around it offer a tranquil space for contemplation and repose.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
When are a lover of natural beauty, UdawattaKele sanctuary is a secret attraction to discover the natural features of Kandy. A 257-acre local forest reserve this though, you don’t have to go far from the city center to visit — it’s just a short kilometer walk away and is a sanctuary for monkeys and other wildlife, including birds and butterflies. The sanctuary is a tranquil escape from the busy town of Kandy, and offers designated paths for hiking and birdwatching.
Udawatta Kele is steeped in history as it was used as a royal forest reserve during the reign of the Kandyan Kingdom. For people yearning for a peaceful retreat in the middle of nature, it’s the perfect destination.”
The Culture of Kandy
Kandy isn’t just famous for its historic sights and natural beauty — this is a city with a deeply ingrained culture. Kandyan culture represents the combination of ancient Sinhala practices and generations of its own special traditions. The city is famous for its colorful arts scene, including traditional dance and drumming.
One of the most popular cultural dances in Sri Lanka, the Kandyan Dance, can be enjoyed by the visitors at the various theatres in Kandy. Live drumming accompanies the dance, which brings audiences into the center of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Another of the city’s rich cultural traditions is the Kandy Perahera. It’s an annual pageant held in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic and is made up of elephants adorned with incredible decoration, traditional dancing, drums, fire breathers and much more! It is a great spectacle and attracts large crowds from around the world.
The Food of Kandy
Sampling the delicious local cuisine is one popular way to experience Kandy! This city is famous for its variety of Sri Lankan food that has bold flavors, and uses fresh and local ingredients.
Kandyan rice and curry is one of the most famous dishes in Kandy and is a traditional dish that combines rice with an assortment of vegetable and meat curries. Coconut milk is frequently used in curries, which are rich and creamy in nature. Sri Lankan food is notable for its use of spices, including turmeric, curry leaves, chili, and coriander, creating each dish bursting with flavor.
Another highlight of Kandy’s culinary scene is street food. Having fresh kottu roti, a stir-fry of flat-bread mixed with vegetables, meat and spices sold by vendors You’ll also see plenty of fresh fruit juices, including king coconut water, ideal for cooling off on a hot day.
Getting Around Kandy
It is relatively easy to get around Kandy, owing to its well connected road network and public transportation system. Tuk-tuks -- three-wheeled motorized vehicles -- are a popular means of getting out and about for tourists, and are the fastest, most economical means of transport around town. Or you can rent a private transport or use the public bus to go in and out of the attractions.
Kandy is a city pleasant to walk around as well. Many of the city’s main attractions — Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens, to name a few — are all within walking distance of each other. Exploring Kandy's narrow streets offers a glimpse into local life and a chance to meet its welcoming on the spots.
The Best Time to Visit Kandy
When is the best time to visit Kandy? The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Kandy. The weather is nice during this period with cooler weather in the hills and less chance of rainfall. But to see the enormity of the Kandy Perahera, the best time to visit is in July or August when the festival occurs.
Conclusion
Kandy, Sri Lanka: A full disclaimer, kandy is what I call my soul city. Kandy has something for everyone from its rich history and beautiful nature to its vibrant culture and delicious food. Whether its ancient temples, lakeside beaches or dancing the night away to traditional Kandyan dance, Kandy guarantees an experience that won’t fade from your memory well after you’ve steered away from the island.
Kandy is the heart of Sri Lanka, and it beats with the heart of Sri Lanka—a delicate balance of old and new, tradition and modernity, nature alongside culture. Whatever you do when visiting Kandy, you can rest assured that Kandy has magic all its own, making it one of the world’s most unforgettable places.
