Kandy lies in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is a very evince grouping of the rich history and vibrant culture that fills this country. Famed for its breathless natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural heritage, it’s a city that genuinely speaks for the spirit of Sri Lanka.
Kandy Perahara
Historical Significance
Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era in Sri Lanka. The city dates back to the 14th century, when it was founded as the seat of government for the Kingdom of Kandy, which kept its autonomy long after most of the island had been lost to the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British during the colonial era. The Kandyan Kingdom fell finally to the British in 1815, but its legacy is alive and vibrant even today within the Culture and Architecture of Kandy City.
The larger historic sites in Kandy are the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa . It houses one of Buddha’s teeth, so it is among the most scared Buddhist places of worship worldwide. Inseparable from the history of the Kandyan Kingdom, this temple was believed to hold the relic of a tooth of the Buddha and that whoever held it had the divine right to rule the country.
Natural Beauty
andy attracts thousands of visitors from the world over due to its natural beauty. The peripheral part of the city is covered with lush green hills and forests, giving serenity and beauty to the place. Kandy Lake, otherwise known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, lies at the heart of the city. Constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it gives added beauty with a calm setting for leisurely strolls.
Another major city attraction is the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, located just a few kilometers outside town. Within this 147-acre garden, there are some 4,000 species of plants represented, which include orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. This botanical garden used to be reserved for Kandyan royalty but now opens its grounds to the general public for a calm retreat amidst nature.
Modern Kandy
While Kandy is bathed in history and tradition, it’s also a very modernized city that doesn’t lag behind the times. This is an important educational centre and hosts the University of Peradeniya, which is one of the largest and most reputed universities in the country. The campus is sprawling, containing buildings of colonial and modern architectural styles amidst very green surroundings.
The city also hosts ultra-modern facilities, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls serving locals and visitors. Kandy has somehow retained the old-world charm despite modernization, and that is what makes this city one of its kind—the beautiful confluence of past and present.
Is there any event excluding Esala Perahara? 🤔
Of Course, Excluding the Esala Perahera, many other festivals and events occur in this city during different times of the year. Some of these events include the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, held in April, which is a combination of games traditionally played, foods consumed, and rituals held at that time. Vesak is also a joyous celebration involving the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, so it comes with a lot of lanterns and lighting around the city.
The Kandy Literary Festival takes place every year and receives writers, poets, and other literary visitors from around the world. It is orchestrated with workshops, readings, and discussions that make this city richly vibrant.
Kandy is one of those towns that really embody the heart of Sri Lanka. Its long history, magnificent cultural heritage, and the surroundings of natural beauty justify it to be a must-visited place by every island explorer. From getting an experience of its ancient temple complex and the jubilation of vibrant festivals to the serene surroundings, Kandy offers a varied experience that is unforgettable. ❤
Thus, this city’s blending of tradition and modernity and the warm, friendly people assure that Sri Lanka does, right here in Kandy, retain one jewel in its crown. Here, past and present sit almost in perfect harmony, first releasing a lively tapestry of life that has been thrilling visitors worldwide.
