What: Located in the heart of the island, Kandy is the Sri Lanka’s second city and its undisputed cultural capital (Colombo often gets overlooked in favour of this fabulous place laid out around a lovely man-made lake). Most make a beeline for the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) built by the Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707 to house and honour the country’s most important religious relic - a tooth belonging to the Buddha. While not on public display (it’s completely hidden from view, resting on a solid gold lotus flower encased in a gold jewelled casket that sits on a throne), you may visit the heavily-guarded room to join thousands of white-clad pilgrims who make their way here daily bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani for puja (ceremonial offerings and prayers). Alternatively, if you’re visiting during the Kandy Esala Perahera you’ll get to see the relic casket paraded through the city’s streets atop a male elephant (this colourful and elegant 10-day event takes place in July or August).
Don’t miss: A steep climb up to the gleaming white Big Buddha overlooking Kandy offers some of the best views across the city. Also factor in a stroll around the incredible Royal Botanical Gardens, a visit to at least two museums (the World Buddhist Museum and the Ceylon Tea Museum are both superb), and a trip to the one-hour traditional dance and music showcase at the Kandyan Art Association Hall & Cultural Centre (daily performances start at 5:30pm).
#Kandy #UNESCO #HillCapital #CulturalHeritage #SriLanka #TravelSriLanka #ExploreKandy #KandyCulture #VisitKandy #KandyAttractions #CulturalCentre #KandyLake #TempleOfTheTooth #KandyTravel #NatureInKandy #KandyHistory #KandyPhotography #TravelInspiration #Wanderlust #AdventureAwaits #HeritageSites #BeautifulDestinations #DiscoverSriLanka
Comments
Post a Comment