Kandy Tourism Packages

The ancient city of Kandy is a treasure trove of myriad attractions and keeper of its rich cultural heritage. Located approximately 115-km away from the capital city of Colombo, this sought-after tourist destination is popularly known as Mahanuwara, implying the great city. The picturesque township holds significant prominence in the history of Sri Lanka as it was the last capital of the Sinhala rulers before the British government colonised the country. Kandy tourism is also famed as pilgrimage tours to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha in a temple. Located in the foothills of central highlands, surrounded by rivers, valleys, lakes and waterfalls, Kandy is one of the most frequented spot by tourists and has also earned the badge of being a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you want to explore the unique culture and history of Sri Lanka, Kandy is the ideal place to visit. Kandy was born in the 14th century and in the 16th century it became the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom. However, in 1815 the royal city fell to the British after it had already defied the Dutch and the Portuguese for over three centuries. Even though the city experienced a change in rule and culture, Kandy is still home to music, dance, art and craft that flourished under the patronage of the Kandyan Kings. Kandy is sacred to Buddhists and other pilgrims as well as it has sacred temples and shrines that are based on Buddhist architecture. The Dalada Maligawa, which is also known as the temple of the tooth, is the focal point because this is where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Not only is it all about Buddhist culture, but you can also come across some magnificent architecture displaying Indian and Sinhalese designs. Travelling will never be an issue in the picturesque country of Sri Lanka. Within the city you can choose the best mode of travel, which is the tuk-tuk (three wheeler). Some of the main tourist attractions in Kandy are the Temple of sacred tooth relic i.e., the Dalada Maligawa, then other famous tourist spots like the Embekke Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Gardens and the tea museum. Dalada Maligawa The temple of tooth is a gold roofed and most famous tourist attraction in Kandy. The simple wooden structure of the temple in contrast with its golden statues will leave you spell-bound. There are many exuberant Buddhist statues that you will see in the temple while one major thing is the tooth of the Buddha (after which the temple is named). Also, there is a lively and a huge ceremony at night which is attended by many pilgrims. Kandy Lake This lake in the heart of the city was built by the King Sri Rajasinha in 1807 just next to the temple of the tooth. The lake has reduced in size over the years, but remains a protected water body, where fishing is banned. There are many myths and legends attached to it, one being that it was the king’s helm for bathing and is connected to the palace through a secret tunnel. The lake serves as a spectacular centerpiece of the town. Embekke Temple The temple has intricate wooden carvings from the 14th century which is dedicated to Lord Katargama. The carvings are of musicians, dancers, wrestlers, birds and legendary beasts. You will also find an ancient house near the Embekke Temple, which has similar pillars carved in stone. Peradeniya Gardens The Peradeniya Gardens are the botanical gardens built by King Vikrama Bahu III in the 14th century. It has numerous trees and many attractions like the orchid house that has more than 300 varieties of orchids, other huge variety of plant ornaments, and creepers that produce the special Sri Lankan spices. In the spice garden you can get first-hand information about the plants that are used for making Ayurvedic medicines. Knuckle Mountains To experience a unique, rich and wide variety of flora and fauna, head out to the Knucles Range that extends to about 90 square miles and has about 35 peaks that rise above 3000 feet. Lankatilaka Temple Built in the 14th century, the Lankatilaka Temple lies on the summit of a rock called Panhalgala. It is a Buddhist and a Hindu Temple and from here you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The images of Buddha, elephant figures, rock-face inscriptions, and the Kandy-period paintings are the major attractions. Gadaladeniya Temple The temple is located on a hilltop and was built in 1344. The temple’s structure is inspired by the Dravidian architecture and is built of exclusively one stone. From here as well you can get a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage Setup to protect the island’s orphaned wild elephants, it is the only orphanage in the world and one of the major tourist attractions. You will be fascinated to see a number of elephants and their bathing sessions here. The Kandy Esala Perahera is a festival held in August each year and dazzles the entire city. It is held for over 10 days, celebrated through the streets of Kandy and is the time when all religion, tradition and arts come together in honour of Lord Buddha. Shopping here is another exclusivity as you can get gems and jewellery at a good value; buy souvenirs of silver, brass, copper, wood and bronze; get first-hand knowledge of the famous Sri Lankan tea at the tea Museum; and the traditional art, craft and handicrafts. Kandy tourism packages will not let you miss out on any of the famous attractions of the Hill Country.