Kandy is a city in Sri Lanka, located in the central part of the island. It is the capital of the Central Province and the second-largest city in the country. Kandy is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural significance. The city was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. Kandy is also famous for the annual Esala Perahera festival, a vibrant celebration of traditional dance, music, and processions. The city is surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Here are a few of the top historical and cultural sites you can visit in Kandy!
Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred and significant Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, located in the city of Kandy. This revered temple houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and a focal point for worship and pilgrimage.
The Temple of the Tooth has a deep historical and cultural significance. The relic, believed to be one of the Buddha’s teeth, was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century and has since been kept in various temples across the island. The relic’s importance is such that it has long been considered a symbol of the legitimacy of the Sri Lankan monarchy. The king or queen of Sri Lanka would traditionally rule in accordance with the possession of the tooth relic, believed to carry the divine right to govern.
Sri Dalada Maligawa, built in the 16th century, is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural masterpiece, blending traditional Sri Lankan styles with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Kandyan eras. The temple’s serene and beautiful setting, located beside Kandy Lake, enhances its sacred atmosphere and draws visitors from around the world.
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda (meaning “Milk Sea” in Sinhala), is an iconic and tranquil body of water situated in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The lake holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, making it one of the most visited and admired landmarks in the country.
Kandy Lake was constructed in the late 16th century, during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last monarch of the Kandyan Kingdom. The creation of the lake is often attributed to the king’s efforts to beautify and enhance the city, and it was designed as part of the royal palace complex, located near the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). According to legend, the lake was originally built as a water reservoir to serve the royal palace, but it soon became an integral feature of Kandy’s landscape, enriching the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
The lake’s name, Kiri Muhuda, is believed to have been inspired by the pale, milky color of the water, which was enhanced by the natural minerals present in the surrounding region. Over time, Kandy Lake has become not only a significant cultural and historical landmark but also a symbol of the Kandyan Kingdom’s grandeur.
Royal Palace of Kandy
The Royal Palace of Kandy, also known as the Maha Wasala or the Palace of the Kandyan Kings, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It served as the residence of the last kings of the Kandyan Kingdom, particularly during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798–1815).
The first palace in the Kandy area was constructed by King Vickramabahu III of the Gampola Kingdom (1357–1374). Subsequent kings, including Senasamatha Vickramabahu (1469–1511) and Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1603), occupied and likely made improvements to the existing palace structures.
The palace complex is situated next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), underscoring the close relationship between the monarchy and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The proximity of the palace to the temple emphasized the monarchy’s deep connection to Buddhism.
Today, the Royal Palace of Kandy serves as a museum. The National Museum of Kandy, located within the Lower Palace, houses artifacts from the Kandyan period, including royal attire, ceremonial items, and weapons.
Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and scenic botanical gardens, located just 5.5 kilometers from the city of Kandy, near the Mahaweli River. The gardens cover approximately 147 acres and are renowned for their diverse collection of over 4,000 plant species, including tropical plants, orchids, medicinal plants, spices, and palms. The gardens are a popular destination for both local and international visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich natural and horticultural heritage.
The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens dates back to 1371, when it was originally established as a royal pleasure garden by the rulers of the Kandy Kingdom. It was later transformed into a botanical garden in 1780 under British colonial rule. Since then, the gardens have played an important role in the scientific study and conservation of plants. They were expanded and developed over the years and became an essential part of Sri Lanka’s botanical research.
During British colonial rule, the garden served as a center for experimenting with plant species from around the world. It was also used for acclimatization of plants that could be cultivated for economic purposes, such as rubber and tea.
Kandy View Point
Situated on a hilltop, you can see panoramic views of the city, the surrounding lush mountains, and the Kandy Lake. The viewpoint provides a great opportunity for visitors to capture the serene surrounding of Kandy. It is located just a short distance from the city center, making it easily accessible to tourists. It is situated on a hilltop to the northeast of Kandy Lake and can be reached by a short drive or a relatively easy walk uphill from the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya
The Lankatilaka Temple is an ancient and historically significant Buddhist temple located near the town of Habaraduwa, close to Kandy, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Known for its impressive architecture and historical importance, the Lankatilaka Temple is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of traditional Sri Lankan temple architecture. The temple is particularly famous for its grand structure, intricate carvings, and the rich history associated with Buddhism in the region.
The Lankatilaka Temple dates back to the 14th century and was built during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who ruled the Kingdom of Kandy from 1341 to 1357. The temple was constructed as a symbol of power and spiritual strength, reflecting the influence of Buddhism during the Kandyan period. The temple was a center for religious and cultural activities, serving as a focal point for both spiritual practices and community gatherings.
Gadaladeniya Temple
This Temple is a significant ancient Buddhist temple located in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka, specifically near the town of Pilimathalawa, around 13 kilometers from Kandy. This temple is renowned for its historical value, architectural beauty, and cultural importance. It is one of the prominent temples in the region and is often visited by both locals and tourists due to its stunning location and serene atmosphere.
The Gadaladeniya Temple was built during the 14th century by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of the Gampola Kingdom, who reigned from 1341 to 1357. The temple was constructed as a center for Buddhist worship and is a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural achievements of that time. It is believed that the temple was designed by a South Indian architect, as evident from its Dravidian-style architecture, which was influenced by the Tamil and South Indian temple traditions.
Embekke Devalaya
The Embekke Devalaya (also known as Embekke Temple) is a historic and significant Hindu-Buddhist temple located in the village of Embekke, about 10 kilometers southeast of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important religious and architectural landmarks in the Kandy District, renowned for its intricate wooden carvings and historical significance. The temple is dedicated to God Kataragama, a popular deity in Sri Lankan Hindu and Buddhist traditions, known for being a protector and a god of war.
The Embekke Devalaya was built during the reign of King Vikramabahu III of the Gampola Kingdom in the 14th century, around 1370. It is believed to have been constructed by the king as a religious site for worship and as a tribute to God Kataragama. The temple reflects the strong influence of the Kandyan Kingdom, which was known for its religious devotion and cultural prosperity during this period.
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