Places of Interest in Kandy (Sri Lanka)

Temple of the Tooth
"Sri Dalada Maligawa (Sinhalese: ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාව Tamil: ஸ்ரீ தலதா மாளிகை) or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is aBuddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site mainly due to the temple." - Wikipedia
Temple of the Tooth truly is a fascinating place. If you visit Sri Lanka, you should not miss this. It is a very sacred place and should be entered with a lot of respect. You will have to cover up if you are wearing shorts, short skirts etc. Many colourful and unique photos can be taken here and in the evenings there is a ritual where the Dalada Karaduwa will be shown through a door to the pilgrims. In the month of August every year, The Esala Perahara is celebrated which is a big tourist attraction and known as a holy festival. It is commonly blessed by rains. You can search more information on the Internet on booking tickets and hotels for this event. 

Apart from this, if you are around the Temple of the Tooth, there are few places that you can visit which are within a walking distance. 

-Kandy Lake-Royal Palace of Kandy-National Museum of Kandy-Kandy View Point (You have to go towards Wales Park to each this place. It is a place where you can get a holistic view of Kandy city including the temple of tooth relic. The true beauty can be seen around 630-8pm when its dark and the streets are busy)

Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
Situated about 5kms from the city, and is renowned for its variety of Orchids and for the number of species of plants of more than 4000. If you love nature, trees and flowers, this is the place for you. Tickets will be a bit higher for tourists but it is not a big amount. 

Commonwealth War Cemetery
"This Colonial War Cemetery is down by the Mahaweli riverside. During World War II there was a decisive moment for the British defending the empire against the Japanese after Singapore was occupied by the Japanese. The military headquarters were shifted from Burma to Ceylon and Lord Mountbatton gave his instructions from Peradeniya gardens to hold up the Japanese, undermining the dominance of the British Empire in this part of the world. Kandy played a special role during the colonial period under the British from the first to the last moment." - Virtual Library Sri Lanka
It is a calm and a quiet place, well maintained. You might want to see this as it has a historical value. Not far from kandy city and surrounded with restaurants and hotels where you can dine and stay. 

Udawattta Kele Sanctuary
Right in the middle of the city, behind the Temple of Tooth Relic. It has been preserved for centuries and consists of animals such as monkey, squirrel, porcupine, lizards and reptiles, wild boar etc. In the heart of the jungle there is a pond. 

Hanthana Mountain Range
Environmentally protected area, which is situated to the west of kandy city. The maximum height range is 3800ft. The forest consists of various types of birds, wildflowers, reptiles, and a serene beauty. Ideal for Hiking and camping. 

Lankathilaka Rajamaha Viharaya
Constructed in 14th Century by King Buwanekabahu the 4th. It is a temple situated on the top of a rock which is built using the Kandyan architectural style, in the era of Gampola kingdom. The art and culture of that era can be clearly understood by observing this temple. An ancient script (Sellipi) can be seen on the rock next to the temple. Worth visiting this place if you want to learn the tradition and architecture of Kandy and also you can visit 'Gadaladeniya and Ambekka' too which are situated close by.  

Embekka - Temple of Wood Carvings
Embekka is known as one of the key places to see unbelievable ancient wood carvings. Almost all of kandyan style art and designs are carved in the pillars and each and every pillar contains a different design from other. The devalaya is dedicated to worship Katharagama Deviyo. The area of drummers hall is the mostly known segment of this devalaya as a reason of unique and fascinating wood carvings on the pillars and the roof. This place clearly depicts the excellence of the art of the ancestors of Sri Lanka. 

Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya
This place is mostly known for the stone carvings and as a temple made of stones. Was built during the era of Gampola Kingdom and currently its paintings seem to be fading away. But still the remains show you how glorious and excellent Kandyan art and craft used to be. 


Degaldoruwa Cave Viharaya
This is built in a man made cave which is not big as Dambulla. Commonly known as a place to depict the drawing of kandyan era. This temple consists a huge number of wall paintings of jathaka stories and a 18 ft Buddha Statue. It is a must to visit this place if you love Art, and want to study Kandyan Art.