Kandy was a pitstop on our way to the hillstation of Nuwara Eliya. In Kandy we visited the most sacred temple in the country which is the Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.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 whosoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple.
The temple also houses a museum showcasing artefacts from Srilankan history and culture. We missed the daily ritual which takes place at set times in the temple and is one of the highlights for those visiting. Entry tickets to the temple can be bought from outside the complex. They also have a counter to keep one's shoes outside. The entrance for foreigners is separate from that of Srilankan nationals.
The other site visited in Kandy was the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya which has a 88 ft high statue of Buddha. The views from the top are amazing. The entry fee was LKR 250 per person. One can also go upto the chest hight of the statue through stairs. Inside the Buddha statue there is a temple.
Kandy is a beautiful town with lovely buildings and streets. The drive through the University of Peradeniya was quite picturesque.
