Kandy is located at the center of Sri Lanka and is generally recognized as the island nation's cultural capital. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the British only around 1815 you can still see the living traditions. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage. Since the western elements has played a comparatively little role in the city most Kandyans are upholding Buddhist values. Since it is in the cultural triangle the authorities try to retain this values as much as possible. Situation had changed recently because of many immigrants coming from other parts of the country. So don't expect to find the honest Kandyans they describe in the colonial literature now. Be careful with your belongings and the people whom you associate with. But this is a peaceful city compared to most other parts of the country with a lesser crime rate.
PLACE TO VISIT
Temple of the Tooth houses a tooth that came from the mouth of Lord Buddha, and is consequently considered one of Sri Lanka's most holy shrines. The temple is open from dawn to dusk.
The Pinawela Elephant Orphanage has about seventy semi-tame elephants roaming freely around this wonderful sanctuary. Feeding and bathing times are especially enjoyable. You can either hire a taxi to take you there or, if travelling on a budget, get a bus to Kagalle (about an hour away) for about R40/-, asking the driver to drop you off at the turn for Pinnewala which is 3 miles or so before you reach the town, and catch another local bus for the last 6 km or so.
The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is the best botanical garden in Sri Lanka and one of the best ones in the region. Dates back to the ancient kings of the country. British colonials have changed the looks of it. You will be able to see many of the species in the region. Has a nice orchid house and a forest garden. Drive there through the University of Peradeniya the most scenic and the largest university in the country.
Bahirawakanda temple. The ominipresent Buddha statue seen from everywhere in Kandy city. Take a tuk tuk ride to the Temple, just 1 km away from the Kandy city.
The Tea Museum, Hantane, Kandy. The ancient Tea Factory of Hantana Estate is converted in to a Museum dedicated to the history of Sri Lanka Tea. Run by the Sri lanka Tea Board.
Udawatta Kele Royal Forest Sanctuary, the forest located "in the Kandy city", was planned and maintained as the part of the Royal palace complex of the Sinhala Kings. Tropical forest, wild life and some interesting ponds can be seen here. Wear long trousers after rain, as there are lots of leeches about.
Temples around Kandy city are popular tourist attraction. Most famous temples are: Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka Viharaya, Embekke Devalaya, Dodanwala Devalaya, Degaldoruwa, Hindagala Viharaya, Madawala Viharaya and Galmaduwa Viharaya.
Visit Athur's seat for a panoramic view of the Kandy city.
Imperial War Cemetery is located at Deveni Rajasinghe mawatha.
WHAT TO DO
Perahera is the most famous festival in Kandy usually in August. It's a pageant where many elephants participate. You can buy expensive seats or can see it with the crowd. Buy a seat from the Queens hotel. This will be around $40. Buy the tickets from the officials or otherwise through middlemen you will be paying exorbitant prizes.
Kandyan dancing you can see this traditional form of dancing in the "Kandyan Cultural Center" near the Kandy lake.
Buddhis Publication society this is located near the lake. You can participate in discussions about Buddhism, meditation or you can buy some introductory materials about Buddhism.
Nilambe meditation center, Have to take a "Galaha" bus passing Peradeniya (Get down from Nilambe "office junction". Is a Buddhist retreat which offers experiences of a monastic lifestyle. You can engage in daily activities which involves yoga classes, meditation and discussions.
If there's a cricket match on, spend a day at the Asgiriya Stadium, possibly the world's prettiest test match venue, and certainly the only one that for most of the year is simply a school sports ground (Trinity College).
HOW TO REACH
Train (from Colombo) - hassle free and scenic. But make sure you book the intercity express train in advance (at least one week ahead). Other trains are overly crowded and late. There is a great observation saloon (first class) in this particular train.
Taxi. If you're just arriving in Sri Lanka, heading for Kandy, you can hire a taxi from one of the stalls in the arrivals hall at Colombo airport for about R3500/-. The journey takes about 3 hours. This saves the hassle of going into Colombo, and is a lot quicker.
Hired mini-vans with a driver are available from Colombo through travel agencies and hotel concierges. The road to Kandy is astonishingly chaotic and frightening even for seasoned travelers. Be prepared for a long slow slog in traffic, or, if your driver decides to make the journey at a more practical speed, a hair-raising adventure replete with passing around blind corners and games of chicken with the ubiquitous intercity buses.
Intercity air-conditioned bus (from Colombo) is the next best option to the train. But if you are a single girl make sure that you sit away from men to avoid unnecessary surprises. The best is to sit with a lady.
