Kandy
Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988
Ambuluwawa
Since there is a Buddhist Stupa, a Hindu Kovil, a Muslim Mosque, and a Christian chapel, many consider this the first multi-religious sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Thus, it is a symbol of unity and harmony for the country. Reaching the top of Ambuluwawa one can experience the most amazing views which could sometimes be covered by the ongoing mist. However, once the mist clears off the view can be scary and freak out climbers, especially those who have a fear of heights. Do note that hiking Ambuluwawa is not at all dangerous or risky, but it would not be the ideal kind of adventure for those with a fear of heights. Avoid leaning on the railing to capture photographs especially at the top as this is extremely risky and one could easily slip off from here. Ambuluwawa is a relatively easy hike to do which gives you 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, forests, rivers and towns.
Ranawana Purana Raja Maha Viharaya
Ranawana Purana Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in Yatinuwara, Pilimathalawa. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka and is tightly bound with nature. Apart from the usual characteristics of a temple, this temple has a trail in to the forest. It depicts many of the important incidents in the life of the Buddha. It is also the only other temple which has a similar structure of the north entrance of the Saanchi Sthupa in India.
Nelligala International Buddhist Center
Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a Buddhist temple situated in Muruthalawa village in the Kandy district. Situated on top of a mountain, it is a popular place for sightseeing visitors and tourists due to its sheer beauty and amazing view of the surrounding landscape. It is a modern temple with its construction being commenced in 2015.Nelligala International Buddhist Center: A religious place of peace and tranquilityThe Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a popular site visited by both Buddhists and people from various other religions. It is a place which brings along peace and tranquility to its visitors. The gold color Buddha statues of the temple creates a unique and picturesque sight to see in contrast with the blue sky above. The temple includes sacred relics of Lord Buddha. The Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a short drive from the Kandy city and consists of many facilities such as wheelchair access in order to help pilgrims to reach the top comfortably.
Lankathilake Temple
Lankathilake Temple is a Buddhist temple built by King Buvanekabahu IV back in the 14th century. It is situated in Udunuwara, Kandy on Dalugola road about 4 km away from Pilimathalawa junction. Another ancient Buddhist temple, Gadaladeniya Vihara is also located a few kilometers from here. The Lankathilake temple is believed to be the most magnificent architectural creation of the Gampola era. The temple is built in natural rock and features paintings and sculptures of the Kandyan era.
Kadadora Viharaya
Kadadora Viharaya is an abandoned Buddhist temple situated in Kadadora in the Nuwara Eliya district. The temple was submerged in water due to the construction of the Kotmale Dam in 1979 under the Mahaweli Development Project. The ruins of this abandoned Buddhist temple can still be seen when the water level of the Kotmale Reservoir goes down, although it is a very rare sight.
Millennium Elephant Foundation
Millennium Elephant Foundation is an elephant sanctuary which is situated in Kegalle. It is operated and maintained by an organization for charity purposes. It is situated on a 15 acre estate which belonged to the Samarasinghe family. The foundation was officially launched in 1999 in memory of Mr. Sam Samarasinghe with the assistance of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, now known as World Animal Protection, to take care of the captive elephants with proper facilities and medical care.
Gatambe Temple
Gatambe Temple is situated close to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. It is one of the commonly worshipped places in Peradeniya and lies one side bordered by the Mahaweli River. It is found along the Colombo – Kandy Road, in front of the Peradeniya Hospital. It is surrounded by a picturesque environment with the Gatambe grounds just close by. Locals believe that praying to the Bo tree at this temple will give them good fortune.
The Galmaduwa Temple
The Galmaduwa Temple is a temple with a strange architecture situated in Kalapura village, just a short turn of Kundasala Road. This 125 years old temple was built by King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha using piyo rocks. It is the use of stones and bricks which gives the name to this temple. The Kalapura village is also popular for brassware. The king has not completed the building of this temple and has shifted his attention towards Degaldoruwa. The building was not used as a temple and has a hint of Hindu influence although it is a Buddhist place of worship.
Aluthnuwara Sri Dedimunda Dewalaya
Aluthnuwara Sri Dedimunda Dewalaya is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Aluthnuwara, Mawanella in the Kandy district. Dedimunda Deviyo is a deity worshiped by the Sinhalese Buddhist people who is considered to be a guardian deity of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The temple was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu II and displays many ancient wood carvings and paintings which were completed back in the day.
Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum is situated 3 km south of Kandy which was formerly the Hanthana Tea Factory. Hanthana was one of the first successful areas to cultivate tea. The museum was incorporated in January, 1998 and was formerly opened in December 2001. The museum has important exhibits on tea pioneers such as James Taylor and Thomas Lipton. The ground floor of the museum houses various equipment used in tea production which includes rollers, generators, dryers, sorting machines and fermentations tables etc. The second floor houses the library and museum and the third floor has a shop. The top floor contains tea room and restaurants for visitors to relax.
Aberdeen Waterfall
Aberdeen Waterfall is situated in Ginigathena in the Nuwara Eliya district. It stands at a height of 98 meters. The waterfall is the 18th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Folklore says that there is a tunnel between Aberdeen falls and the neighboring Laxapana waterfallAberdeen Waterfall is fed by the stream named Kehelgamu Oya which is a major tributary of the Kelani River. The waterfall is named after Aberdeen which is the third largest city in Scotland and the capital of Aberdeenshire. Bathing in and swimming towards the middle of the pool of Aberdeen Waterfall has caused many deaths in the past. Aberdeen Waterfall is covered with a big stone complex behind.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated in the Pinnawala village, about 41 km from Kandy. It is a breeding ground and nursery for orphaned Asian wild elephants. The orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. It is situated on a 25 acre coconut plantation next to the Maha Oya River.As of Statistics obtained in 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations, living in the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Initially the orphanage was located at Wilpattu National Park. Thereafter it was shifted to the tourist complex at Bentota and then to the Dehiwala Zoo. From the Dehiwala Zoo it was finally shifted to Pinnawala. Visitors to the orphanage are allowed to feed the elephants.
Mawela Walagamba Rajamaha Viharaya
Mawela Walagamba Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple which is situated in Kadugannawa in the Kandy district. The history of the temple dates back to 103 BC. It is believed that Kind Walagamba sought refuge at this location where he remained hidden from Indian invaders. There are 5 caves at this location out of which two have deteriorated. These caves and the temple are believed to have housed meditating monks.
Appallagoda Ambalama
The Appallagoda Ambalama is a traditional resting place, or ambalama, in a rural environment in the village of Appallagoda, 6 km from the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. Built in 1922, it is an example of traditional, indigenous architecture and is known as the largest stone ambalama in the Kandy region.
Highway Museum Complex
The Highway Museum Complex is situated in the 68th Milestone on the A1 Colombo – Kandy Trunk Road. It is an open air museum which displays machinery used to construct roads during the colonial era. It includes locomotives such as trains used back in the day. It is a museum which is free of charge and especially useful for children.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is situated on a hill named just 2 km from the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This beautifully sculptured white Buddha statue was built in 1972. Standing at 88 feet, it is considered as one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. There is a Buddhist temple located alongside the Buddha statue in the Bahirawa Kanda hill. The hill provides panoramic views of the Kandy city including the mountain range nearby and the Bogambara prison. Devotees can worship in the temple.
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue displays Lord Buddha seated in the Nirvana pose and can be viewed from the entire city of Kandy. The best time to climb up the hill for spectacular views of the Kandy city is at night when the entire city is lit up with lights.
Church of St. Paul
The Church of St. Paul is situated on the scared grounds west of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The church which was formally consecrated on St. Paul’s day which falls on 25th January, 1853. The Church was named “St. Paul’s” by Rt. Rev. James Chapman, the first Bishop of Colombo. The building is made of terracotta brick and is one of the only examples of this kind of British architecture in the country.
Temple of Gadaladeniya
Gadaladeniya Vihara (Temple) is a Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy. It is situated about 12.5 km to the west of Kandy and 3 km from the Lankathilake Temple. It is one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1344 by King Buvanekabahu IV. The temple was built by a South Indian architect, Ganesvarachchari and hence has a South Indian touch in its design. Gadaladeniya Vihara is also known by the names of Saddharmatilaka Vihara and Dharma Kirthi Vihara. The rock outcrop, upon which the temple stands, has a carved inscription with details of the construction of the temple. The temple consists of a main shrine and a second shrine. The latter is named as “Vijayothpaya” or “Vijayantha Prasada” which is named after the mythical palace of god Indra. This shrine was constructed by King Parakramabahu V, after the construction of the main shrine.
St. Benedict’s Church
St. Benedict’s Church is situated in Pussellawa in Kandy. It is a small church located in beautiful surroundings and is attached to a school run by nuns. This church consists of a unique cross made of empty plastic bottles.
St. Anthony’s Church
St. Anthony’s Church is situated in E.L. Senanayake Veediya in Kandy. It is one of the oldest churches of Kandy and has a colonial architecture. Surrounded by Buddhist temples, the church is visited not only by Christians but Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims
Sri Muthumariamman Kovil, Mahaiyawa
Sri Muthumariamman Kovil is situated in Sri Muthumariamman Kovil Street in Mahaiyawa. It was founded on the 1st of January 1854. Many Hindus and people of other religions drop by this temple to worship and also as a tourist attraction.
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic)
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is an important historic and religious site in Sri Lanka. This golden-roofed temple hosts the tooth of the Buddha, an important Buddhist relic. The tooth relic is kept inside a golden casket in the shape of a Stupa (Buddhist temple). The temple is located in the royal palace complex and is a reason for Kandy being a UNESCO world heritage site. The site lies in Sri Dalada Veediya in the heart of the Kandy town.The temple of the Tooth Relic also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa consists of many buildings and structures. These include the Royal Palace, Audience Hall or Magul Maduwa and the Mahamaluwa. The Tooth Relic was initially placed in the three-storied shrine built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I near his royal palace. The Temple of the Tooth Relic has since being renovated a few times.The golden canopy over the main shrine of the Temple of the Tooth Relic was built in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa. The holy temple sustained damage from bombings both by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in 1989 and by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 1998. However, it was fully restored each time.
Pinnawala Ape Gama
Pinnawala Ape Gama is a theme park which is situated in Rambukkana. It is also known as Pinnawala Iperanigama Theme Park. At Pinnawala Ape Gama, visitors get a chance to delve in to the ancient village setting of Sri Lanka. It was constructed on a four-acre land close to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Features of the theme park include Kammal Gedara, Govi Gedara, Wadu Gedara, Weda Gedara, Arachchige Gedara, Kopi Kade, replicas of rivers, paddy fields and dagoba etc. Visitors can also gain knowledge of the life styles of ancient farmers which were based on tanks and temples as well as observe various industries in villages such as pottery and steel.
Salgala Aranya Senasanaya
Salgala Aranya Senasanaya is a Buddhist temple which is situated close to Warakapola. It is a picturesque monastery which is located in a very calm environment surrounded by the forest. This natural forest reserve extends over 600 acres in total. There are many valuable herbal plants in this forest. The Salgala monastery consists of 18 rock caves and is linked to the life of King Walagamba.
Natha Devalaya
Natha Devalaya is one of the Hathara Devale situated in Kandy, near the Royal Palace. This is a place of worship for both Buddhists and Hindus. Natha was the highest ranking deity during the Kandyan era. This temple is situated facing the Temple of the Tooth Relic and is the oldest surviving architectural structure in the Kandyan kingdom. It was built in the 14th century by King Vikramabahu III.
Mahaweli Maha Seya – Kothmale
Mahaweli Maha Seya is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Kothmale. It is the idea of former Prime Minister and Mahaweli Development Minister of Sri Lanka, Gamini Dissanayake. This temple was built in commemoration of more than 50 submerged temples and the persons who lost their homes and properties due to the Mahaweli Development Program, was the largest development project in Sri Lanka after it obtained independence. The foundation was laid by the then President of Sri Lanka, J. R. Jayewardene on 20th March 1983. However, the stupa was completed and declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on 20th June 2016. Mahaweli Maha Seya is 88 meters in height and is the second largest stupa in Sri Lanka, only being second to the great Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura.
Mahamevnawa Ama Dahara Buddhist Monastery
Mahamevnawa Ama Dahara Buddhist Monastery is situated in Pinnawala, Rambukkana. It is a relatively small rural monastery which allows its visitors to experience the spiritual aspects of Buddhist life and calmness of the surrounding environment. Visitors can also visit the nearby Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Ape Gama, take part in meditation, get blessings from spiritual Buddhist monks, join in the evening chanting, make offerings at the shrine and visit a bookshop located in the area.
Maha Vishnu Devalaya
Maha Vishnu Devalaya is situated to the North – West of the Royal Palace. It is also known as “Maha Devale” and is one of the Hathara Devale (Four Temples) in Kandy. Both Hindu and Buddhist devotees come to worship here as well as tourists from all over the world. It is a long temple which consists of a long hall called “Dig-ge” which was used by dancers and to for those who carry out the puja for the gods. At present it is used as a prayer hall by the devotees.
Esala Maha Perahera
Esala Maha Perahera also known as the “Dalada Perahera” or “The Festival of the Tooth” usually takes place in the months of July or August. It is a festival celebrated in grand style to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The “perahera” or processions consists of traditional local fire dances, Kandyan dances, whip dances, cultural dances and elephants adorned in traditional and lavish garments. This procession is believed to have started when the sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka during the 4th century. The procession includes “The Kumbal Perahera”, The Randoli Perahera” on the Esala Poya Day and “The Day Perahera”.
National Museum Kandy
The National Museum Kandy is situated next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It is a part of the Royal Palace of the King, the “Palle Vahala”or “Lower Palace”. The museum has many artifacts displayed mainly from the Kandyan era and post British colonial era. The museum exhibits metal work, pottery, clothing, finely carved ivory, carved sword-hilts and various jewelry worn by the royal family.
The Embekka Devalaya
The Embekka Devalaya is a temple dedicated for the worship of Lord Kataragama. It is situated in Udunuwara, Kandy on the Dalugala road where the Gadaladeniya Temple is situated. The Embekka Devalaya can be visited along with the Gadaladeniya and Lankathilake temples as they are all located close by. It is a temple famed for its carvings and wood work. The temple was built by King Vikramabahu of the Gampola era back in the 14th century. It has three sections namely the “Sanctum of Garagha”, “Digge” or “Dancing Hall” and the “Hevisi Mandapaya” or “Drummer’s Hall”.
Kandy war cemetery
Kandy war cemetery consists of graves of soldiers of the British Empire who died during World War II and of one soldier who died during World War I. There are 203 graves of many nationalities including British, East African, Sri Lankan, Indian, Canadian, Italian and French. It is located in Deveni Rajasinghe Mawatha, about 1.5 km from the main road.
The Magul Maduwa
The Magul Maduwa is the Royal Audience Hall where the king met his ministers and carries out daily administrative tasks of the kingdom. It was also known as the Royal Court and was utilized for religious and national festivities. This finely carved wooden building was constructed by King Sri Vikrama Rajasingha. The Kandyan Convention between the British and the Kandyan Chieftans was signed here in 1815 which ended the Kandyan era.
World Buddhist Museum
The World Buddhist Museum is the world’s first International Buddhist Museum. It is situated next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the National Museum of Kandy. At one time, it was the palace of King Wimaladharmasuriya. The British constructed a Victorian era building where the Kandy Kachcheri was located.
Kandy Art Association
Kandy Art Association is situated in Sri Sangaraja Mawatha. It is traditionally performed to percussion. It used the Kandyan Geta Beraya and a small pair of cymbals known as Thalampota, to assist the dancer to keep the rhythm.
The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show
The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show is a showcase of Sri Lankan arts, dance and cultural heritage which is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Started at 1982, it is the first cultural dance show of its type to be showcased in Sri Lanka. The show is held at the Kandy Lake Club located in Sangamitta Mawatha.
National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum is situated in Kadugannawa in the Kandy district. It is owned by Sri Lanka Railways. The railway museum was opened on the 27th of December, 2014 in order to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the railway service in Sri Lanka. This museum was previously located in Colombo. It consists of a number of artifacts related to the locomotive industry including rail cars, trolleys, carriages locomotives, machines and various equipment which were used since the beginning of Sri Lanka Railway.
Kandy Brassware Village
Kandy Brassware Village is situated in Kalapura road, about 13 km from the Kandy town. It is a village full of craft men skilled in brassware. There are shops selling many types of brassware items including candle stands, trays, jewelry boxes, oil lamps, bells etc. It is also a good place to buy souvenirs and various personalized items made of brass.
Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel
Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel is a tunnel rock piercing which is situated along the Colombo – Kandy Road in Kadugannawa in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The tunnel is a stunning creation built by the British in 1880. It is preserved to this day through a bypass road that was built around it when the Colombo – Kandy Road was expanded in the latter part of the 1980s.
Meemure Village
Meemure Village is situated between the districts of Kandy and Matale in the Knuckles Mountain Range. With a population of merely 400, Meemure is one of the most remote villages of Sri Lanka. It can be accessed only via a 14 km trail which begins from Loolwatte making it a unique and interesting trip. Surprisingly, there is no cellular coverage in the village and no direct mail delivery too. A few of the attractions found in Meemure include the Diyakerella Ella Falls and the Lakegala Mountain.
Kandy City View Point
Kandy City View Point is a place to capture the picturesque view of the Kandy city. It stands overlooking the Kandy Lake with the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the background. It is a good place to visit during sunrise or sunset for an amazing panoramic view of this city surrounded by mountains. It is a popular place to take photographs. This view point is situated in Rajapihilla Mawatha. It is also called Arthur’s Seat and is supposedly the highest point in Kandy standing 550 meters above sea level.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles Mountain Range in the central province of Sri Lanka, lies in the districts of Matale and Kandy. It gets its name since its peaks resemble the knuckles of clenched fists when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy district. This name is given to the mountain range by British surveyors. The Sinhalese residents call it “Dumbara Kanduvetiya” which translates to mist-laden mountain range. The area is popular for a wide variety of flora and fauna out of which some are endemic. The higher mountain peaks are often laid over by thick layers of cloud.
The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO heritage site and is one of the most popular hiking spots in Sri Lanka. It consists of 34 mystical mountains which range from 900 meters to 2000 meters. The Knuckles Mountain Range is known to be the hardest and toughest hiking spots in Sri Lanka and should only be attempted by those who are experienced at hiking.
The most popular hiking trails of the Knuckles Mountain Range are the Dothalugala nature trail, the nature trail that leads to Nitro Caves, a large cave inhabited by hundreds of bats, the trail to Mini World’s End and the Duwili Ella trail.
Uthuwankanda
Uthuwankanda is a village situated in the Kegalle district with a rock famous for being the hideout of a local bandit named Saradiel. The mini hike to Uthuwankanda gives visitors a chance to experience an authentic village walk which is famous as Robin Hood’s village in Sri Lanka. This village experience consists of four parts which are Saradiel rock, Saradiel cave, Saradiel theme park and Bo Ella out of which the hike to Saradiel rock is the main adventure activity of the tour. Saradiel was born at the time the British ruled Sri Lanka and is known as the Sri Lankan Robin Hood. He stole money from the rich and generously distributed it among the poor.
Halgolla Forest Reserve
Halgolla Forest Reserve is a forest reserve situated in Hatharaliyadda in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is a place rich in bio diversity and spreads across approximately 4.35 hectares. It consists of a wide variety of flora and fauna out of which some are rare and ecologically important species.
