Sri Lanka is a country of tea plantations. Nestled amid mountains, Kandy offers breath-taking views of tea plantations and lush green mountains. Kandy is centrally located and is about 4 hours from Colombo. Kandy is world famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines. The city is known for the Kandy Esala Perahara festival which takes place in July/August every year. Kandy is also known for the most serene train journeys starting from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. While you are in Kandy, you should enjoy a day with elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
We stayed in Madukelle Eco Lodge, a resort amidst the hills.
Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, Kandy
The resort is located in the middle of mountains. The rooms are like tents and each tent has spectacular views of mountains. The restaurant is beautifully placed with gorgeous views. The best part of this resort is the infinity pool where you can enjoy the swim watching the mountains. It was raining when we went, and the swim was even more fascinating. Every morning, we woke up to a spectacular sunrise while the birds sang their songs. It was a mesmerizing experience to stand in the balcony watching the misty clouds that turn into rains in no time! The reception area is lovely with a gorgeous dining and fire in the evening. The food is out of the world!
# 1 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
While in Kandy, the most important place is to visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth has been preserved and kept here from many years. You won’t be able to see the relic as it is kept in golden casket which again has six caskets in it. The temple complex is huge and contains many shrines and museums. Get here before the sunset so that you can see the change of color reflected in the pools outside the temple.
The temple is lit when it is dark and the view is beautiful. The tooth relic is encased in golden caskets and gets taken out four times a day. Every evening at 6 pm, you can watch the performance of Hewisi drummers in this temple.
You will have to pass through extensive security to enter the temple. And interestingly you need to wear full pant and shirt and cannot expose your hands and legs if you want to enter the temple.
The temple is huge with many rooms and grounds. It is quite a walk to explore the entire complex. The carvings and relics of Budha are beautiful, and in most spaces, you can take photos.
I recommend having a guide along who can explain the intricate details of the temple and its history.
#2 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
While we stayed in Kandy, we visited the popular Pinnawala Elephant orphanage. I was awestruck to see for the first time, herd of elephants up so close! Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage boasts of a mission to provide shelter to orphaned elephants. There are reports that condemn the ill treatment of elephants. However, in my visit, it was a spectacular sight to watch elephants bathe and see them walk through the pathway with people around to touch them and take pictures. Ideal time to visit is either in the morning at 10am or afternoon 2pm when the elephants are taken out for bathing to the river in batches.
We had our breakfast in a restaurant where you get to view bathing of elephants. Such a sight will surely remain in your memory!
Other places you can visit in Kandy are the serene Kandy lake, Dambulla Cave Temple, Udawattakele sanctuary, and botanical garden, where you get to buy ayurvedic oils and medicinal plants and spices.
Kandy is located centrally which makes it an ideal stop to experience the hill country. It is worth staying here for two days and catch the train for Nuwara Eliya the third morning. This train ride is considered to be one of the world’s beautiful rides with amazing views.
Kandy and is a place you can explore hiking.
I have written about my experience of Colombo, the land of contrasts in my other blog.
