Sightseeing in Kandy - what to see. Complete travel guide

This city appeared soon after the arrival of the Portuguese explorers in the 14th century. Having reached the southern side of Ceylon, the Portuguese started colonizing the island. Local people were not skilled warriors and their weapons were more primitive than the equipment of Europeans, so they had no chance resisting the invaders. After that, King Vikramabahu took all historical and religious artifacts he had and headed deeper into the island. When he reached impenetrable jungles, the king ordered to build a new town. He strategically chose an area where nature itself could protect the settlement from invaders.
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the main attraction in Kandy. This is not only an interesting place to visit but also a sacred temple that is very important to all local people. When Buddha died and his body was burned, some fragments remained after cremation. These fragments were divided into 8 parts. All of these parts were sent to different countries where Buddhism was the main religion. A Singhalese princess brought the tooth to Kandy in 311. Nowadays, the precious relic is stored in a chest that is put in several other sacred boxes. Only carefully selected people have the honor to see the tooth.

Do you want to see the largest botanical garden in Asia? This garden is located not far from Kandy. Known as the Royal Botanical Garden, this beautiful place occupies an area of sixty hectares. Needless to say, the garden is home to a great number of various plants. There are typical species of the island such as the orchid and the memorial fig tree planted by Edward VII, the Ceylon ironwood brought by Nikolai II and the Yuri Gagarin’s pine tree.

An elegant fountain meets all visitors to this wonderful garden. This gorgeous British construction is a true pride of the city. As the fountain is made in Rococo style, it has somewhat pompous details. However, this fact only adds charm to the fountain, and so it enchants visitors with its golden cupids placed at the foundation. When you feel tired after a long walk on a hot day, it is so pleasant to sit near the fountain and enjoy its refreshing coolness.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Kandy and surroundings
Sights around Kandy from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Ratnapura
From the series “The Scariest Mines in the World”
Check on the map:
Distance from Kandy center - 68.1 km.
Some of the areas have been deprived of any fortifications, so any wrong move or loud noise may provoke the collapse. Locals believe tunnels of Ratnapura to be a sacred place, that’s why they always bring generous gifts to the gods. Employed workers also take into account advice of astrologers and follow a lot of important rituals, as locals believe that such a respect to the place makes source of gems literally inexhaustible. …
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Heritance Tea Factory Hotel
From the series “Best industrial-style loft hotels”
Check on the map:
Distance from Kandy center - 41.3 km.
It offers scenic walks, tea tastings, and sports activities to guests as entertainment. A golf center is located next to the hotel. Guests can also indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments every day. The famous Galway's Land National Park and other natural attractions are close to the hotel. Its restaurant is considered one of the main features of the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel. It was opened in the carriage of an old train. It is more like a historical museum dedicated to colonial times. Unique historical exhibits are presented in the restaurant hall. …
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Search touristic sites on the map of Kandy

