Kandy is known for its main attraction, the temple of tooth relic. Then there’s the cultural shows, and the botanical garden. Many visitors to Kandy aim to tick off those items and then walk away, mostly to Ella on the blue train. But those 3 items are just a fraction of what you can do and see in Kandy, and to see Kandy this way is to miss its soul.
If you’re the type to trade a frantic itinerary for a deep, immersive experience, Kandy is exactly where you belong.
I will add a few places that no other itinerary has ever revealed. That’s what you get when you hear it from a Kandyan.
But I will start from the common
Temple of the Tooth Relic
This is the crown jewel of Kandy. You can visit the palace, and at right timing you can watch the daily offerings that include traditional performances, and then see the museums especially the Raja Elephant, historical conference hall, and the octagon.
Cultural Shows
Yes, shows because you have a few of them to choose from. While they are staged for tourists, they include authentic Sri Lankan dance styles and other works of traditional arts.
YMBA, Avanhala, and Kandy Lake Club are well known places to watch the dances. If you want a more relaxed experience then Kandy Lake Club has that atmosphere although you have to walk up the hill or take a taxi there. Avanhala and YMBA are just outside the back gate of the temple.
Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya
This is a 147 acre royal garden turned into a botanical garden. To visit the whole garden you might need a half day but all depends on how much you want to see, and how long you can keep walking. There are also electric shuttles you can hire, for a quicker visit of highlights.
The 3 temple loop
This is a less travelled route compared to the other attractions. The Gampola era temples of Embekke, Lankathilake, and Gadaladeniya offers you a calm, set back feeling of Kandyan era village life and temple atmosphere. It’s an approximately 7 kilometer route that can be easily done from Kandy.
Here’s the less seen things in the city
Asgiriya Temple and Museum
Asgiriya is one of the two chapters of Buddhism that safeguards the Tooth Relic, and is one of the most revered temples in the country. They have built a museum on the hills, which can be reached after a short walk, in Kandy. The views from there is beautiful, and the exhibits are charming. It’s ideal for a quiet evening in the city.
Bahirawakanda
This is a huge statue of the Buddha visible from the city centre. Perched on a hill, this temple has a souvenir shop run by monks too. You are required to buy a ticket to enter the premises.
Hanthana view point
You can go up one peak of the Hantana mountain range and enjoy the far reaching views of the city and the mountains. You can take a tuk, or walk up there.
Udawatte Kele
This was the royal hunting grounds during the kings, and today it is a preserved urban forest. This too is ideal for a quiet evening in the city, or a fresh morning walk.
Here’s the rarely seen things around Kandy
Gannoruwa agricultural institute
This is a state owned training and research centre of agriculture in Sri Lanka, and the main office of the agricultural department. You can see various plants grown in the premises, and it also has a food court run under the state owned Hela Bojun (Sinhalese Delicacies) franchise. If you are into agriculture or home gardening, this could be an interesting place to visit.
Wales’ Park
This is a small park located right next to the lake. It doesn’t have many plants and trees as you would find in the Royal Botanical Garden but this is an ideal spot for a quiet time away from the busy streets.
Ambuluwawa
This is not in the Kandy city; you have to travel around one hour to reach this, but it’s a hill with a 7 storey tower you can climb. The views are magnificent, and has a giant swing run by a private company. Needs to buy a ticket separately for the swing though.
And here’s where no tourists go
Are you tired of going to the same “village feel” areas that are teeming with tourists? Then turn to the Dolosbage Road from Gampola. You will find beautiful mountains and authentic villages which have never been visited by tourists. Every smile will be genuine, and every cup of tea will be what locals consume.
So here’s a few attractions
Kanda village road via Galpaya
This is a small road which turns left from the Galpaya bend, and goes winding around mountains, and joins again with the main road a few miles away from where it diverted. You can see beautiful pine forests, tea gardens, villages, temples, and views as far as eyes can see. It will be a completely different area from the well known tourist attractions, and it will be a much better experience.
Kabaragala and Raxava
Take the Dolosbage road from Gampola, and go on until you get to the Raxawa village. There you will be able to get a local to accompany you up the Kabaragala or Raxava rock – you cannot do both in same day – and enjoy the magnificent views and nature, and the sprawling tea estates.
Craighead tea estate
This is on the same road, and you will be going through it. But if you need a closer view and observe tea picking and other estate work, feel free to approach the workers and observe. They are not used to tourists as in Haputale or Nuwara Eliya etc, but they are very shy yet friendly people.
This article is not complete but you can come back to see what else is added. It’s going to be a long article, that much I can assure.
