Sitting in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy is a glorious place bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty. Kandy is more than a stopover before picturesque train journeys; it invites tourists to partake in the hustle and flow of its streets, relax on its lakes, and pay respects at sacred sites. Each nook and corner of the city speaks a tale, where entering the town becomes an experience of discovery and reminiscence.
1. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy stands as one of the holiest shrines for Buddhists around the globe. It is said to contain a tooth of the Buddha Himself, which is said to have been enshrined in a golden casket. While meandering through the temple grounds, visitors marvel at richly adorned architecture, gilded spires, and meditative chants emanating between pujas throughout the day. Witnessing the rituals would be an occasion to feel the spiritual pulse of the city and create moments for tourists to bring their own consciousness into play concerning the veneration of centuries of sacred traditions.
2. Climb all the way up to the Buddha Statue at Bahirawakanda Vihara
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha statue is one of serenity-sending and peace-giving characteristics and can be seen from many vantage areas across Kandy. Being under its huge size invokes a tremendous sense of tranquillity in visitors. A stroll up the gentle incline leads to the temple complex, where one is met with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, along with many hills surrounding it. The placid face of the statue and tranquil atmosphere invite contemplation and offer an ideal escape from the pulse of the city.
3. Stroll about Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake derives its name from the city’s centre, where calm and activity intersect. Walking along the ambient lake lets its visitors bask in Mother Nature’s splendid gifts: the water reflecting the colours of the sky, birds chirping, and locals bustling about. A walk around the full lake circumference takes approximately one hour, an excellent way to mix pleasant exercise with a tiny bit of sightseeing. For those staying at Earls Regency, the lake is just a short stroll away, making it an ideal spot to unwind. As the sun starts to hide beyond the horizon, the lake becomes a perfect reflection of the sky, capturing why it is considered one of the best things to do in Kandy Sri Lanka.
4. Visit Udawattekele Sanctuary
Tucked in just behind the city centre, the Udawattekele Sanctuary is an urban forest once reserved for royalty. This much-deserved haven boasts hundreds of species of plants, a few dozen classes of birds, and a few tiny mammals. The clever visitor may wander winding trails past unfamiliar ponds, lonely caves, and laid-back Buddhist temples. Contrasting with city sounds and the outside world, the solitude of the forest is the perfect excuse to lose oneself in nature again through some light hiking or meditation.
5. Kandy to Ella Train Ride
The train ride between Kandy and Ella is internationally known as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The tracks weave through tea plantations, up hills, and past small hamlets that truly embody the rural beauty of Sri Lanka. Watching the landscapes unfurl before the eyes while sitting near an open window with a fresh mountain breeze in the air is so captivating that it can never be forgotten. This train journey is not merely a means of transportation; it is a journey that embodies the heart of Sri Lanka’s beauty and simplicity.
