48 Hours in Kandy: Tour of Sri Lanka’s Hill Capital

48 Hours in Kandy: Tour of Sri Lanka’s Hill Capital

by | Mar 22, 2024 | Asia

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, beckoned with its promise of ancient temples, emerald hills, and a rich heritage. With just 48 hours to spare, I knew I had to pack in as much as possible. This whirlwind tour turned out to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with vibrant sights, spiritual encounters, and a touch of serenity amidst the bustling city.

Day 1: Unveiling the Heart of Kandy

My exploration began at the heart of Kandy Lake, a man-made marvel reflecting the majestic mountains that cradled the city. Lush greenery fringed the banks, dotted with locals enjoying a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the shade of ancient trees. Taking a boat ride across the lake offered a unique perspective of the city, with the golden roof of the Temple of the Tooth gleaming in the distance.

Speaking of the Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my first day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple, housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha himself. The atmosphere was electric with devotion. Devotees clad in white sarongs offered flowers and incense, their chants filling the air with a sense of serenity. Witnessing this age-old tradition was a truly humbling experience.

A Brush with History at the Royal Palace Museum

Next, I ventured to the Royal Palace Museum, a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s Kandyan kings. The architecture was a fusion of local and European styles, adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes that depicted scenes from the kingdom’s rich history. The museum’s artifacts – from ornately decorated furniture to royal weaponry – transported me back to a bygone era, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of Sri Lanka’s royalty.

Cultural Extravaganza at a Kandyan Dance Performance

As evening approached, I immersed myself in the vibrant cultural scene of Kandy. A captivating Kandyan dance performance unfolded before my eyes. The dancers, adorned in colorful attire, moved with remarkable grace and agility, their rhythmic steps accompanied by the melodious strains of traditional drums and flutes. The performance was a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture.

A Culinary Adventure for the Taste Buds

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful dance of flavors, and Kandy doesn’t disappoint. My days were filled with delicious discoveries. A staple is rice and curry – fluffy white rice served with a dazzling array of curries. From creamy coconut curries to fiery delights, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss out on dahl, a lentil soup packed with flavor, and freshly made roti, a flatbread perfect for scooping up all that goodness.

For a vegetarian option, I recommend trying pittu, a steamed rice cake with a soft center and a slightly crispy exterior. It’s often served with a coconut sambal, adding a touch of spice. And no Sri Lankan meal is complete without a cup of strong, milky Sri Lankan tea.

If you have a sweet tooth, Kandy won’t let you down. Almonds, cashews, and spices are common ingredients in Sri Lankan sweets. I indulged in a plate of wattalapam, a creamy egg custard flavored with cardamom, and kavum, a sweet made from rice flour and jaggery (palm sugar). Both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

What are the best Hotels to stay in Kandy?

Remember, the best hotel for you depends on your priorities. Consider factors like location (near the lake or central sights), amenities (pool, spa), and budget before making your choice. Reading online reviews from past guests can also be helpful.

Day 2: Nature’s Embrace and Scenic Wonders

The second day was dedicated to exploring Kandy’s natural beauty. The Royal Botanical Gardens, a sprawling haven of diverse flora, was my first stop. Rows upon rows of orchids in a kaleidoscope of colors greeted me, followed by towering trees draped in emerald creepers. The sight of the Spice Garden within the botanical gardens was a sensory delight. The air hung heavy with the invigorating aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, a reminder of Sri Lanka’s role as a historic spice producer.

Breathtaking Views from Bahiravokanda Vihara Temple

For a panoramic view of Kandy, I climbed the Bahiravokanda Vihara Temple. The climb itself was a mini-adventure, offering glimpses of the city unfolding below. Reaching the summit was truly rewarding. The breathtaking vista of Kandy bathed in the golden hues of the morning sun left me speechless. The serenity of the temple grounds, adorned with Buddhist statues and colorful prayer flags, provided a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.

Encountering Gentle Giants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

No trip to Kandy is complete without encountering the majestic elephants that Sri Lanka is famous for. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, a haven for rescued and abandoned elephants, offered a heartwarming experience. Witnessing these gentle giants being bottle-fed, frolicking in the river, and munching on their breakfast of leaves was a sight that melted my heart.

A Journey for the Senses: From Bustling Markets to Hillside Serenity

Kandy Lake, a shimmering expanse in the heart of the city, is the perfect place to relax. I spent an afternoon strolling along the lakeside path, watching locals fish and families enjoying picnics. The breeze carried the sweet scent of frangipani flowers, adding to the serenity.

For a dose of local life, I ventured into the Kandy Market. It’s a riot of sights, sounds, and smells! Stalls overflow with fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful spices, and an array of handcrafted souvenirs. Be prepared to bargain – it’s all part of the fun!

To escape the city bustle, I took a tuk-tuk ride up to the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue. Perched on a hilltop, this giant white Buddha statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy. Sitting in the quiet, gazing at the landscape below, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

A Fitting Farewell: Sunset by the Lake

As my 48 hours in Kandy drew to a close, I returned to the shores of the lake. The setting sun cast a warm glow on the water, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sight was a fitting farewell to this enchanting city. As I bid adieu to Kandy, I carried with me a treasure trove of memories – the grandeur of its temples, the vibrant culture, the breathtaking scenery, and the warmth of its people.

Kandy, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, had truly captured my heart. This whirlwind tour may have been short, but it left me yearning to return and explore more of this captivating city.

What to see in Pallekele, Kandy Sri Lanka

What to see in Pallekele, Kandy Sri Lanka

by | Jan 12, 2022 | Asia

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and are unsure whether or not Pallekele should be included in your itinerary, continue reading this article. We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Pallekele and the surrounding area. In our opinion, including this city in your vacation plans will prove to be a wise decision on your part.

If you have ever traveled to a new location and thought to yourself, “Wow!” Pallekele is the location where this occurs for many guests.

Kandy lake
Before the construction of the Temple of the Tooth, a stretch of paddy fields known as Tigolwela stretched out in front of the temple. In 1807, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha ordered the construction of a lake on the site. Because there had previously been a pond known as Kiri-muhuda (a “sea of milk”) in the center of the Tigolwela, the lake that was afterwards formed was also known as Kiri-muhuda. The creator of the Kandy Lake, Deveda Moolacharya, is often regarded as a living legend.

Located in Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka, Pallekele is a suburban community of the city of Kandy. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Trinity College Rugby Stadium, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy, and the PALK Seismic Station may all be found in this area, as well as other attractions.

However, don’t allow the fact that Pallekele is less well-known than other cities in Sri Lanka to mislead you. It is well worth the trip to Pallekele, a tiny but attractive emerging tourist attraction that is well worth the trip. Some of the unusual activities to do and locations to see in this secret getaway will take your breath away. Read on to find out more.

Location: Pallekele’s River View Tourist Attraction. It is one of Sri Lanka’s 1198 tourist sites, making it one of the most visited.

Located in the city of Kandy, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), also known as Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium, is one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricket venues and the most recent in the country.

Kandy Railway Station
Initially built in phases, the Colombo to Kandy railway line (today known as the Main line) was finished in December 1864 with the first stage to Ambepussa completed in December 1864 and the following stage to Polgahawela completed in November 1866. Following the building of bridges across the Mahaweli Ganga and the Maha Oya, the last train lines were laid on April 15, 1867, following the completion of the bridges. The next day, the first steam locomotive arrived at the Kandy Railway Station.

The Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium has been christened in honor of the Sri Lankan cricketer. After much debate, the Central Provincial Council in Kandy officially approved the name of the city in honor of the great Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, who was born and raised in the city.

Pallekele is a military installation in the Central Province that houses the Sri Lanka Rifle Regiment. The Sri Lanka Rifle Regiment Pallekele is located next to the 11th Division Army Camp and the Trinity College Rugby Stadium, making it a convenient location.

Traveling in Kandy is always exciting for any traveler, who looks for beauty, history, and wildlife.

Dalada Maligawa
An Overview of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’s Historical Development With its temple dedicated to the Sacred Tooth Relic, it is a world-renowned destination of devotion where the left Canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is kept in veneration. According to UNESCO, the temple, which is visited daily by hundreds of local and international worshippers and visitors, has been designated as a world-historic site since 1988. The temple, which has a great deal of significance for Buddhists all around the globe, is also of great cultural significance.

Other places to see in Kandy

The National Museum

Formerly housing Kandyan royal concubines, this museum currently displays royal regalia and artifacts from Sinhalese life before to the arrival of Europeans. The golden crown of Rajasinha II is one of the most spectacular displays, but for visitors, the museum is let down by inadequate lighting, labeling, and overall layout. The convention of Kandyan leaders that signed the treaty of ceding the kingdom to Britain in 1815 was held in the audience hall with its lofty pillars.

Kandy Lake is a popular tourist destination

Kandy Lake dominates the landscape of the town. A leisurely walk around it, with a few pauses on the lakeside benches, is a delightful way to spend a few hours, but the diesel-spurting buses careening around the southern border of the lake may detract from the tranquility a little bit.

There is no better place to stroll about than the area around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Because of a history of harassment, single women should avoid walking alone in this area after midnight.

The Ceylon Tea Museum is located in Sri Lanka

The Hantane Tea Factory, built-in 1925 and located 4 kilometers south of Kandy on the Hantane road, houses this museum. After being abandoned for more than a decade, it has just been renovated and now contains interesting displays on tea pioneers James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, as well as a large collection of historic tea-processing equipment.

A fast tour (all guides are knowledgeable, although you get the impression that some are merely going through the motions) is provided, as is a complimentary cup of tea in the top-floor tearoom afterward.