Kandy, located in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, was the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom before it was conquered by the British around 1815.
Are the views to die for?
The train route from Ella to Kandy is supposed to be one of the most scenic in the world. Would I say it’s that spectacular? Probably not so much when it’s cold and pouring down with rain, and you hadn’t pre-booked your tickets for what turns out to be a public holiday, which means you’re standing next to an open door (bus and train doors are always open in Sri Lanka), being splashed with freezing water. The whole experience was unpleasant enough for me and my companion to give up the train in favour of a bus somewhere midway, and from the bus the views were indeed amazing. They successfully distracted from the fact that the rickety old vehicle was speeding on the narrow, winding and wet mountain roads.
The lake
When we finally arrived in Kandy it was early evening, and what got my attention first was the peculiar noise made by the bats sitting in the trees by the lake (during the day birds take their place and continue with their own ‘music’). That lake itself is quite picturesque and adds to the charm of the city, which otherwise does not have all that much to offer (in my opinion at least).
Kandy lake
Temple of the Tooth
What Kandy is most known for is the Temple of the Tooth, housed in the royal palace complex of what used to be the Kingdom of Kandy. The relic of the tooth of the Buddha makes the place sacred for Buddhists and an important destination for worshippers and visitors alike.
Temple of the Tooth
Temple of the Tooth
For those of us who aren’t religious, attending one of the rituals makes for an interesting cultural and visual experience.
evening worship
evening worship
evening worship
Kandy
Don’t love it, don’t hate it
Aside from visiting the temple, the touristy options in Kandy include seeing the Royal Botanical Garden, the Pinnewala Elephant Orpanage or a Kandyan dance performance, among other things. Personally I went for simply roaming the streets, and of course sampling the local food (no highlights here if I’m honest).
Kandy
Kandy
Kandy