There’s no doubt about it: the tiny, teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, just off the south coast of India, is enjoying a “moment”. It only emerged from a civil war nine years ago, but Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
For a small island (it’s about the size of Ireland) it packs a big punch, offering incredible diversity, endless natural beauty and some of the best opportunities to go on a safari outside of Africa.
One of the places on every “must-visit” list is Kandy, the second-largest city in Sri Lanka after the capital, Colombo (which is about a three-hour drive away).
Kandy is the last capital of the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka, and is known as the country’s cultural capital. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and tea plantations, and boasts a delightful temperature that generally hovers somewhere between 19°C and 30°C all year around. The perfect conditions for sightseeing, then – here are five things to see and do:
A highlight of any trip to Kandy – indeed, it’s a highlight of a trip to Sri Lanka – is the train ride from Kandy to Ella (or the reverse journey).
This is the most-famous stretch of train travel in Sri Lanka, and rightly so. It’s also one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, taking you through green tea plantations dotted with tea-pickers dressed in colourful saris.
It’s a beautiful and affordable way to see the country, but you might want to pack a cushion – the train journey from Kandy to Ella takes seven hours. Alternatively you can stop off at Nuwara Eliya, en route to Ella, and be on the train for only four hours.
Also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, Kandy Lake is an artificial lake in the heart of the city.
Created in 1807 by the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy, the lake features a small island in its centre which, according to folklore, was once connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.
A leisurely stroll around the lake is a must for all visitors to Kandy.
On the shores of the lake is also where you’ll find the number-one attraction in Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, this temple (also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa) is one of the most important places of worship and pilgrimage anywhere in the Buddhist world.
The golden-roofed temple is home to the country’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha himself (although you don’t get to see the actual tooth – just the golden casket in which it resides).
Visit the temple in the evening for atmospheric lighting and, um, atmosphere. But be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and your shoulders, and remove your shoes.
The largest botanic gardens (60 hectares) in Sri Lanka were once the reserve of royalty only. These days, everyone can enjoy the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, which are located just outside Kandy, about six kilometres away.
In the lovely gardens you’ll find everything from a giant Javan fig tree and a 40m-high Burma bamboo, a cannonball fruit tree (yep, it looks exactly how you’d imagine) and a seriously impressive collection of orchids.
It’s an elephant orphanage near Kandy. Do we really need to give another reason to visit?
Opened in 1975, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is located about 40km from Kandy, and has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world – right now, it’s home to 93 of the majestic, endangered animals.