Colombo Trip Overview
Explore the best of Kandy in one day! Kandy is one of the most picturesque cities in Sri Lanka, the same time it has secured a prominent place in the island’s history and culture. It is the cultural hub of the island and the home to the most sacred Buddhist temple on the island. Kandy sits 500m above sea level. It has a romantic man-made lake and a beautiful rainforest known as Udawattakele forest reserve within its borders. Just behind the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the tooth) is the Udawattakele forest reserve. This green cover was used by the Kandyan kings in the past. The history of Udawattakele forest reserve goes back to 2nd Century BC (Period of King Gajaba). It was the official pleasure garden of the royal family during the heyday of the Kandyan kingdom. Finally witness a breathtaking Kandy Cultural Dance show.
• Hassle free hotel transportation
• Informative commentary from your English-speaking licensed guide
• Self-guided tour offers greater flexibility
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 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
Explore the best of Kandy in one day! Kandy is one of the most picturesque cities in Sri Lanka, the same time it has secured a prominent place in the island’s history and culture. It is the cultural hub of the island and the home to the most sacred Buddhist temple on the island. Kandy sits 500m above sea level. It has a romantic man-made lake and a beautiful rainforest known as Udawattakele forest reserve within its borders. Just behind the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the tooth) is the Udawattakele forest reserve. This green cover was used by the Kandyan kings in the past. The history of Udawattakele forest reserve goes back to 2nd Century BC (Period of King Gajaba). It was the official pleasure garden of the royal family during the heyday of the Kandyan kingdom. Finally witness a breathtaking Kandy Cultural Dance show.
• Hassle free hotel transportation
• Informative commentary from your English-speaking licensed guide
• Self-guided tour offers greater flexibility
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Sri Dalada Maligawa is the Sinhalese name for this holy shrine. Famously called Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it is touted to be the most sacred Buddhist temple in the whole world. It houses the tooth of Buddha nestled in a golden chamber and is within the premises of the royal palace complex (formerly a princely state). Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is said that whichever state holds the tooth relic, maintains an essential place in the governance of the country. The ambience inside is exceptionally cosy and welcoming; it enthrals with the smells of fresh flowers, and coconut oil lit candles and lamps. Within the temple, the daily pujas are carried out in the ground floor consisting of the Pallemaluwa.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The sea of Milk or Kiri Muhuda as it is dearly called by the people is an artificial lake bordering the Royal Palace and Royal Gardens. The lake corresponds to the monastery, royalty and overall culture and beliefs of the people; it has elements of historical importance associated with it. The lake surrounds itself with rich fauna and flora bestowed with age-old Nuga trees, palm trees, fruit trees, Sal trees and Mara trees. The Kandy lake also provides a bird’s eye view of the entire province. Despite modernisation, the uniqueness and antiquity of the city remain; it gives you the chills as it takes you on a trip down the old memory lane.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Udawattekele Sanctuary, Lovers Walk, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Udawattakele forest reserve is one of the best places to see the rich biodiversity in Kandy, Udawattekele is very popular as a place, where it is possible to witness many species of birds. The sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna. The reserve also contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs and small trees. The sanctuary adds much value to Kandy, making it the only city with a rain-forest within its borders. Even though the Udawattakele lies just behind the Temple of the tooth, it is inhabited by many animal species. All main primate species in the island can be seen here: toque monkey, Purple Faced langur and Grey langur can often observe here with Indian Muntjac, Porcupine, wild boar, black napped hare, deer, palm squirrels and some other species of coveting.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kandy Lake Club – Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Kandy cultural show is a great way to spend the evening in Kandy. It is generally regarded as the national dance form. Kandyan dances evolved in the Kandy Kingdom. This was the kingdom in the interior of Sri Lanka that proved most resilient against the Europeans. Many of the dances depict stories associated with the Kandy kings, queens, princes and heroes. The dance style probably is a good representation of dances in Kandy. Kandy costumes are very impressive. Male dance costumes can include spectacular head wear. Bare chests are decorated with intricate silver regalia. There are also silver bangles on arms and anklets. The dances are set to drum rhythms. The dance itself is highly ritualistic.
Duration: 1 hour
