Kandy
Kandy is a city that lies in the midst of hills in the center of the island, 123 km away from Colombo. The whole city is covered with a mountain range named Hanthana.
Kandy can be considered as the most important city in Sri Lanka fro Buddhists. It is mainly because of the sacred Temple of Tooth, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Kandy has historical importance too. It is because it is the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Historical records suggest that Kandy was first established as a kingdom by a warrior names Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu. After few years it became the capital city of Sri Lanka of the last remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese in 1592 and the first king was 1 st Wimaladarmasuriya. It remained as the capital of Sri Lanka till 1815, until Sri Lanka was conquered by the Britain crown.
From the known history Kandy had historic and religious importance. Many interesting incidents had taken place during the era of Kandy. Those incidences are popular as folks within Sri Lanka. Even today many Buddhists consider Kandy as the center of Buddhism. Many religious functions are organized in the city.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Temple of the tooth relic also known as the Dalada Maligawa is the holiest Buddhist temple in Srilanka, making it the most sacred place of worship among Buddhists around the world.
Temple of Tooth
(Sri Dalada Maligawa)
It is located next to the Temple of the Tooth. It was built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807. In the past, it was used for the king's helm for bathing. Folks say that there was a secret tunnel
Kandy Lake
It is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. The total area of the garden is 147 acres. It includes more than 4.000 species of plants.
The Royal Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of orchids.
Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya
Bhairovakanda Buddha Statue
This is the introductory symbol of Kandy. This statue is 80 feet high and can be seen from anywhere in the city. This iconic massive Buddha overlooking Kandy is well worth a visit.
Embekke Devalaya
This temple was built by a king in the Gampola era(AD 1357 – 1374). The temple has won attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof.
Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana mountain range lies in the center of the island and it covers the whole city. The maximum height of the mountain range is 3800 ft and it is of 7 peaks.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
1.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
The sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna and adventurous bike rides. The reserve also contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs, and small trees.
2.
St.Paul’s Church in Kandy
The Church is located to the west of the Temple of Tooth. The church was begun in 1843 and used by British officials.
3.
Lankathilake Vihara
Lankathilake Vihara can be considered as the most amazing architectural edifice created during the Gampola era.
4.
Gadoladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya RajamahaViharaya with an ancient monastery located 16km from the city is found on the flat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy.
5.
Sri Dalada Museum
This is located in the Temple of Tooth itself. It shows almost all the past incidents regarding the ancient city of Kandy.
6.
Kandian Dancing
From the era of Kandy, this traditional dancing culture exists. Even today one can enjoy the beauty of Kandian dancing.
GALLERY
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