Kandy is on a Plateau surrounded by mountains in central Sri Lanka, There are many places to see in Kandy as it is a large city. Some of the must-see places in Kandy during your visit to Sri Lanka are below.
Temple of the Tooth
Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of Tooth is on the lakeside at the eastern end of the Town center of Kandy. Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist temple is also home to the Tooth relic of the Buddha, One of the most sacred in Buddhism. Dalada Maligawa attracts devotees and pilgrims not only from this very island nation but from all over Asia. Bhikkhus(monks) conduct worship daily in the inner chamber of Dalada Maligawa. The relic also holds a historical past and important mostly among Sinhalese people. From ancient tradition, the person who possessed the relic had the right to rule the whole island. It is still a symbol of identity and pride to the Sinhalese people. So, the Temple of Tooth holds the heart of Sri Lanka’s History and Religion.
The Four Devales
Believed to be the protector of the Kandy city the Four Devales are the Temples of those four gods. Lying in the area immediately to the west of Dalada Maligawa is the three of these four temples(Devales). The fourth Devale of the protector god is in the city center at Kotugodelle Vidiya. The four gods worshipped here are worshipped with devotion by the people of Sri Lanka. Especially in the festival of Esala Perahera, people perform special rituals in honor of the gods of the four Devales. The temples here are namely Buddhist but the gods worshipped in the four Devales also have strong Hindu roots. These components are also reminders of the Tamil kings of Kandy from South India.
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Originating from a date far back as 1371 by King King Wickramabahu III, the renovated garden is courtesy of Alexandar Moon in 1821. Situated beside the Mahaweli River is a Nirvana of floral diversity, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Only a couple of miles west of the city center of Kandy, we can reach the garden in every season. Flowers from different islands of Sri Lanka and all over the world dwell in this 60-hectare Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. With a giant Javan fig tree in its center, the garden is a mixture of planted and wildflowers. The garden becomes more extensive on the northern sides with macaque monkeys and flying foxes dwelling in the bushes. You will experience a different world of Sri Lanka here at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in Kandy.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also popular as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The most well-preserved and extensive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with five main caves. It contains numerous statues of Lord Buddha, kings, and Lord Vishnu. The temple is part of the ‘Cultural Triangle,’ which includes Sigiriya and Kandy. To reach the temple, you must climb the Dambulla Rock. Get spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Each of the five caves has its significance and history that provides visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s evolving culture.
Major Attractions
The Four Devales
Dambulla Cave and Dambulla Rock
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Kandy Lake
Royal Palace of Kandy
Kandy Cultural Show
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Lankatilaka Temple and Gadaladeniya Temple
Kandy Market
