Colombo Trip Overview
Kandy is the second most populated city in Sri Lanka. It is a heartland city surrounded by misty mountains and a winding river. Lush green forests, spice lands and tea plantations dominate the Kandyan landscape. Historically, the ancient city served as the last Sinhalese capital until 1815. Today, it continues to be a bastion of Sri Lankan culture and way of life.The city is designed around the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple houses the venerated left canine Tooth of the Buddha. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Thousands of pilgrims regularly visit Kandy in memory of Buddha, which gives the city a religious atmosphere.
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• Hassle free two way hotel transfers
• Indulge in the beauty of Kandy
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Kandy is the second most populated city in Sri Lanka. It is a heartland city surrounded by misty mountains and a winding river. Lush green forests, spice lands and tea plantations dominate the Kandyan landscape. Historically, the ancient city served as the last Sinhalese capital until 1815. Today, it continues to be a bastion of Sri Lankan culture and way of life.The city is designed around the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple houses the venerated left canine Tooth of the Buddha. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Thousands of pilgrims regularly visit Kandy in memory of Buddha, which gives the city a religious atmosphere.
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• Hassle free two way hotel transfers
• Indulge in the beauty of Kandy
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic is the highlight attraction in Kandy. It houses the left canine Tooth of Buddha, which is the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. It was brought from India in fourth-century CE and had played a major role in the accession of Sri Lankan kings. In the face of continuing South Indian invasions, the possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic became a symbol of the Sinhalese royalty. As a Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy has had a Sacred Tooth relic temple since the sixteenth-century. Some parts of the present complex date back to the seventeenth century. Sadly, European raids had destroyed earlier constructions.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha constructed the Kandy Lake in 1807. It is said that he was inspired by the idea of a heavenly palace in the skies. Accordingly, the lake reflects the palace complex situated on its bank, which creates an effect that still works (more or less, as the palace is no longer in its original form). However, this artistic effect costed the lives of courtiers who opposed the expensive construction. They were staked on the lakebed. Besides the unnerving histories, the lake offers a pleasant walk with a lot of shade trees and a light breeze. Feeding the fish and birdlife around the lake is a popular way to pass the time.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Udawattekele Sanctuary, Lovers Walk, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Udawatta Kele forest is located on the hill just behind the sacred temple. It was used as a private pleasure reserve by the Kandyan kings. However, it was not a game reserve. Until very recently, it was known as the “Thahanchi Kele” (The forbidden forest). Initially, the British used it as a garrison post but later converted the forest into a pleasant nature walk. The many paths running across the wood bear witness to its colonial heritage. Some of them are Lady McCarthy’s drive, Lady Torrington’s road, Lady Gordon’s road, Lady Anderson’s road, Gregory path, Russell path, and Byrde lane. Today, it is a good place to spot rare birdlife (especially the endemic brown-capped babblers) and highland toque macaque monkeys.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kandy Lake Club – Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The traditional Kandyan dance show is one of the most popular events in Kandy. It is held daily at 5 p.m. It is better to arrive early as the show gets sold out very quickly. The show is full of intense dance routines, traditional costumes and energetic performances. There are about five different shows but the best one is the Kandy Lake Club dance show, which starts at 5.30 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour
