The Sacred City of Kandy is richly cultural and spiritual. This great history and resilient Buddhist heritage of the island find its expression in it. This is a city termed the last capital of the Sinhalese kings with Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple housing the most sacred place in Sri Lanka. Kandy has the status of being a World Heritage Site and a home for many pilgrims and travelers around the globe.
Historical Importance
The history of Kandy is synonymous with political and religious changes of Sri Lanka. It was the last kingdom to be conquered by the colonial powers. It was the bastion of Sinhalese culture and Buddhism. It was located in a place surrounded by mountains which had the advantage of not allowing foreigners to invade it for hundreds of years, hence its rich culture and architectural wonders are well preserved.
Importance began gaining in the 14th century, especially after the king Wickramabahu III, and later this place became the royal capital in the 15th century. Kandy earned immense importance when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was enshrined in this place, symbolizing spiritual and political authority alike. Even after the annexation by the British in 1815, Kandy continued to stand tall for the cultural identity of Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Temple of the Tooth Relic is the crowning glory of Kandy and one of the most sacred places in the world for the Buddhists. Inside this temple, a tooth relic of the Buddha is kept in a golden casket, enshrined inside the inner sanctum. The rituals performed with the relic daily can be seen by monks inside the temple.
It sports temple architecture, which is as good as that of the old traditional Kandyan, Dravidian, and Thai style. Wood carvings in intricate frescoes and gold ornamentations exemplify the sacred sense of worship wherein the surroundings provide an audience with places like the Royal Palace complex, audience halls, and museums describing the Kandyan history and culture.
Among all the good cultural events witnessed in Sri Lanka, this one has been an annual event named as Esala Perahera with decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torchbearers participating in it. Reflective of the rich artistic and spiritual tradition of the island.
Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
The whole setting of Kandy is actually an absolute religious place but also culture-rich with vibrant culture, much of the traditional culture is here in the city, retaining many features of music, dance, and art. One would end up seeing Kandyan dances and drumming shows are basically parts of the city themselves.
Many Buddhist temples and monasteries have donated for that cause while beautifying the spiritual ambiance by the city, namely.
1.Gadaladeniya Temple- This is an ancient rock temple with a unique blend of Sinhalese and South Indian architectural styles.
2.Lankatilaka Temple- Located atop a rock outcrop, this temple has attracted tourists for its frescoes and panoramic views.
3. Embekke Devalaya- It is very popular due to the outstandingly carved wooden designs and scenes of folklore.
Natural Beauty
Kandy is really a heaven for nature lovers. The city lies in rolling hills and lush greenery. The city is built over the calm Kandy Lake, which was an artificial body of water built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807.
A stroll along the shore offers one a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and ample opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Outside the city, some quiet refuge from urbanization is offered by the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. The 147 acres feature an extensive assortment of tropical plants, orchids, and tall palms. Indeed, there are many historical reasons to like it: this was one time kept exclusive for the royal lineage of Kandyan monarchy.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Knuckles Mountain Range gives the visitor the opportunity to trek and experience the different types of ecosystems that this region has to offer. Misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and endemic wildlife make Knuckles a natural treasure complementing the cultural heritage of Kandy.
Festivals and Celebrations
Kandy, riot of colors that fills up its cultural schedule that defined by colorful festivals and frolics as it remembers and recognizes the religious and artistic heritages. Of its salient ones, include this very Esala Perahera annually held in either of these months July or August. It is ten day celebration which is a blend of religious tenacity and that gaudy culture pomp.
Other festivals include :
1. Duruthu Perahera: It is a procession in remembrance of the first visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka.
2. Vesak Festival: It is celebrated on colored decoration and lanterns in the whole city of Sri Lanka, remembering the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Travel Information
How to reach Kandy
Kandy can be easily reached from the cities of Sri Lanka by road, rail, and air
1. By Train: This is one of the most scenic train rides from Colombo to Kandy. Crossing through tea plantations, forests, and villages forms a view that is just breathtaking.
2. By Car or Taxi: Kandy is three hours from Colombo by road. Private taxis and car hires are easily available to travel to the city.
3. By Bus: Bus connectivity from Kandy to Colombo, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya are available at regular intervals for budget travel
Local Transport
Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transport in Kandy, however, tourists can hire a car or a bicycle if they want to ride around the city and its surroundings on their own.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season is the perfect time to visit Kandy, usually from December through April. In this period of time, the climate is generally ideal for tourist activities as well as site seeing. One can watch the Esala Perahera, one of the very unique cultural experience options though the town would be rather crowded during such periods.
Accommodation
Kandy offers many accommodation options varied by budgets
1. Luxury Hotels There are a number of high class resorts and heritage hotels. They have great facilities along with a great view.
2. Mid-Range Guesthouses Budget accommodations
3. Budget Lodges and Hostels For the backpacker and budget traveler
Local Tourist Attractions
While touring Kandy, one shouldn't miss visiting these which are in close proximity:
1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage One hour's distance from Kandy.
2. Tea Plantations: Take a tour of a tea estate and enjoy some of the best Ceylon teas Sri Lanka has to offer.
3. Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A Unesco World Heritage Site and an icon, this place is a couple of hours outside of Kandy.