Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka that is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural value. Spread over an area of around 1940 square kilometers, it is counted amongst the world heritage sites of UNESCO. The city promises a number of tourist attractions that include the Old Royal Palace and the famous Temple of Tooth. The latter consists of the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth because of which Kandy is regarded as one of the most sacred places by Buddhists. Other holy spots include the Gadaladeniya Temple and the Lankathilake Temple.
The Old Royal Palace of Kandy is a treat for sore eyes and a treasure trove for history lovers. On one hand, you have the Queen’s chambers and quarters of the concubines and on the other, there are the armory and council chambers. If you pay a visit to the city, you have to go to the Royal Botanical Garden that boasts of several tropical foliages. It is intriguing to know that the garden once served as the regional headquarters for the allied forces at the time of the Second World War. You also have the Embekke Temples which are decorated with complex wooden carvings of musicians, dancers, birds, wrestlers and beasts.
Kandy offers an exciting shopping experience with souvenirs ranging from precious stones and handmade laces to stone and wooden carvings. If you visit the city in the month of August, you can get a taste of Kandy Esala Perehera, an annual ritual of the Sacred Tooth Temple. Thus, your vacation can be an enriching and cultural uplifting one if you choose this sacred and beautiful city.
