Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Royal City of Heritage and Sacred Legacy
Why You Should Visit Kandy? : The Best Things to Do and Tips
Nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy is more than a city, it is a living testament to the island’s royal past and spiritual heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, it was the last independent capital of Sri Lanka’s native kingdoms, blending ancient traditions with natural beauty. At its core lies the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a symbol of national identity, but Kandy’s story extends far beyond this sacred site, encompassing centuries of kingship, colonial upheaval, and an enduring role in global tourism.
The Kandyan Kingdom: Rise and Fall of a Royal Era
The Kandyan Kingdom emerged from chaos in 1592, following the fall of Sri Lanka’s previous capital, Kotte, to Portuguese invaders. Its founder, King Vimaladharmasuriya I, chose Kandy for its strategic location, surrounded by mountains, it was easily defensible against foreign attacks. For over two centuries, the kingdom thrived as a bastion of Sinhalese culture, resisting Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces.
The kingdom’s golden age saw advancements in art, architecture, and governance, with rulers like King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798–1815) patronizing temples and festivals. However, internal dissent and British imperial ambition spelled its end. In 1815, after the Kandyan Wars, the British forced local chiefs to sign the Kandyan Convention, annexing the kingdom to British Ceylon. This marked the end of Sri Lanka’s independent royal rule, and the start of a new chapter for Kandy.
The Tooth Relic: A Sacred Journey to Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth Relic owes its existence to one of Buddhism’s most venerated artifacts: the left canine tooth of the Buddha. The relic’s journey to Kandy is steeped in legend and history, spanning over 1,500 years.
Origins and Early Travels
According to Buddhist tradition, the tooth was retrieved from the Buddha’s funeral pyre in India (543 BCE) and became a symbol of legitimacy for rulers, whoever possessed it was seen as the rightful guardian of the faith. In the 4th century CE, Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha of India secretly carried the relic to Sri Lanka, hiding it in her hair to avoid detection by Hindu kings who sought to destroy it. Upon arrival, King Kithsirimevan (301–328 CE) enshrined it in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital.
For centuries, the relic moved with Sri Lanka’s shifting capitals, from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, then to Dambadeniya, Kurunegala, and Gampola, always protected by kings. When the Portuguese invaded Kotte (the 16th-century capital), they destroyed a replica of the relic, but the real tooth was smuggled to safety by Buddhist monks.
The Relic Finds a Home in Kandy
In 1592, King Vimaladharmasuriya I, the new ruler of the fledgling Kandyan Kingdom, secured the relic and built the first iteration of the Temple of the Tooth Relic to house it. This act solidified Kandy’s status as Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital, linking the kingdom’s political power to Buddhist faith. The temple was expanded over time, with later kings adding pavilions, courtyards, and decorative carvings, creating the complex visitors see today.
Inside the Temple of the Tooth Relic: Sacred Spaces and Treasures
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a masterpiece of Kandyan architecture, blending wood, stone, and intricate artistry. Its layout centers on the Relic Chamber (Dalada Maligawa), the holiest space, where the tooth is enshrined in a series of nested gold caskets (each adorned with gemstones) to protect it from harm. Visitors cannot see the relic itself but can pay respects in the chamber, which is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of prayers.
Key features of the temple include:
Octagonal Pavilion (Paththirippuwa)
An iconic 18th-century structure with tiered roofs, once used by kings to address the public and observe festivals. Its walls are decorated with paintings of Buddhist stories.
Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa)
A grand wooden hall where Kandyan kings held ceremonies and received diplomats. Its pillars are carved with lotus flowers and mythical creatures.
Museum
Housed in a former palace wing, it displays royal artifacts, including crowns, swords, and ivory carvings, and historical records of the relic.
Sacred Pond (Kiri Muhuda)
A serene pool where devotees sometimes bathe (symbolically purifying themselves) before entering the temple.
Daily rituals, such as the offering of flowers and chanting of prayers by monks, keep the temple’s spiritual energy alive. The most famous event is the Esala Perahera (July/August), a 10-day festival where the relic (in a golden casket) is paraded on the back of a sacred elephant, accompanied by traditional dancers, drummers, and fire performers.
Things to do
- Attend to one of a daily ceremony which will be held in the morning, noon or evening
- Old Palace of the tooth relic
- New Palace of the tooth relic
- Octagon (The library)
- Copper gold buddha shrine room
- New Shrine room (behind the old palace)
- Buddhist Museum (1,2 & 3 floor of the same building of new shrine room)
- World Buddhist Museum (A new building behind the temple)
- Tusker Raja's Museum
- Remaining palace of King Rajasinghe (Next to Tusker's museum)
Travel Tips to visit the Temple
- Please dress in a modest and respectful manner when visiting this sacred site. It is important to refrain from wearing revealing clothing or shorts. It is customary to dress modestly by wearing attire that covers your shoulders and knees as a gesture of respect. It is advisable to refrain from wearing clothes that are revealing or excessively tight-fitting.
- It is customary to remove your shoes prior to entering the temple premises. A shoe counter is available for you to store your shoes. Kindly consider leaving a tip at the counter upon your return. In case for your comfort, you can wear socks.
- It is important to uphold a calm and courteous attitude when inside the temple, as it is a sacred space for worship.
- Please adhere to any instructions provided by the temple staff or guides in order to ensure a seamless visit.
- Expect significant crowds, particularly during religious festivals and ceremonies.
- Allow yourself ample time to discover and marvel at the intricate architecture and design of the temple complex.
- It is imperative to refrain from touching or disrupting any religious artifacts or decorations present within the temple premises
- Prior to capturing any images, it is essential to verify if there are any restrictions on photography in specific locations.
- Please ensure to show reverence for the rituals and ceremonies held at the temple by respectfully observing from a suitable distance, if required.
- Please ensure that you maintain a respectful attitude towards fellow visitors and their beliefs during your visit to the Temple of the Tooth.
The British Invasion: Transformations in Kandyan Life
The British conquest of 1815 brought profound changes to Kandy, altering its politics, economy, and culture, though the Temple of the Tooth Relic remained a symbol of resistance and identity.
Political and Cultural Shifts
The British abolished the Kandyan monarchy but recognized the temple’s importance to local people. Initially, they appointed a British “Guardian of the Relic” to oversee the temple but later allowed Buddhist monks to resume administrative control (a move to reduce unrest). While the British suppressed some Kandyan traditions (e.g., limiting royal processions), they also preserved the temple as a historical site, unintentionally safeguarding its heritage for future generations.
Economic Changes
The British transformed Kandy’s agrarian economy by introducing cash crops like coffee and later tea. Plantations spread across the surrounding hills, bringing in Tamil laborers from southern India and altering the region’s demographic and environmental landscape. Kandy became a hub for the tea trade, with its cool climate making it a favored retreat for British officials, a legacy seen today in colonial-era bungalows and gardens.
Beyond the Temple: Kandy’s Iconic Attractions
While the Temple of the Tooth is Kandy’s crown jewel, the city and its surroundings offer diverse experiences, blending culture, nature, and history.
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)
Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, this man-made lake is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Surrounded by a promenade, it offers scenic walks and views of the temple and hills. The lake’s center features a small island (once a royal pavilion) connected by a causeway. Locals and tourists alike gather here at sunset to enjoy the calm atmosphere.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Located 5 km west of Kandy, these gardens are among Asia’s oldest and most beautiful. Established in 1371 as a royal garden, they were expanded by the British in the 19th century. Spanning 147 acres, the gardens boast a vast collection of tropical plants, including orchids, giant bamboos, and a 200-year-old fig tree. The Orchid House (with over 300 species) and Palm Avenue (lined with towering coconut palms) are highlights. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species like the Sri Lanka hanging parrot frequenting the grounds.
Royal Palace Complex
Adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, this complex was once the residence of Kandyan kings. Today, it houses several museums:
- Kandy National Museum: Displays Kandyan art, royal costumes, and artifacts (17th-century ivory throne).
- Temple Art Museum: Features traditional paintings, wood carvings, and religious sculptures.
The complex’s architecture, with its steep roofs and wooden verandas, showcases classic Kandyan design.
Udawattekele Sanctuary
A lush forest reserve on Kandy’s eastern edge, Udawattekele (meaning “Royal Forest”) was once a hunting ground for Kandyan kings. Today, it is a biodiversity hotspot, home to monkeys (purple-faced langurs), deer, and over 80 bird species. Hiking trails wind through the forest, leading to viewpoints with panoramic views of Kandy. The sanctuary also contains ancient cave temples and meditation sites, offering a quiet escape from the city.
Esala Perahera
Though not a permanent “attraction,” this annual festival is Kandy’s most famous event. Held in July or August (timed with the full moon), it celebrates the Tooth Relic with a grand procession. Each night, a sacred elephant carries the relic’s casket, followed by dancers (Kandyan, low-country, and Sabaragamuwa styles), drummers, fire-breathers, and flag-bearers. The final night’s procession (Randoli Perahera) is the most elaborate, drawing thousands of local and international visitors.
Kandy’s Indelible Mark on Sri Lanka’s Tourism
Kandy is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s cultural tourism industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and global reputation.
A Magnet for Cultural Travelers
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is Sri Lanka’s most visited cultural site, attracting millions of Buddhist pilgrims and heritage tourists annually. The Esala Perahera alone draws over 100,000 international visitors each year, making it one of Asia’s top cultural festivals. Tourists come not just to see the temple, but to immerse themselves in Kandyan traditions, from learning traditional dance to sampling local cuisine (like kottu roti and lamprais).
Economic Impact
Tourism in Kandy supports tens of thousands of jobs, from hotel staff and tour guides to handicraft sellers and restaurant workers. The city’s proximity to other attractions (e.g., Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations, Ella’s waterfalls) makes it a key stop on Sri Lanka’s “cultural triangle” (along with Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa), boosting regional tourism. In 2019 (pre-pandemic), Kandy contributed over 15% of Sri Lanka’s total tourism revenue, a figure that has rebounded as travel resumes.
Preserving Heritage Through Tourism
Tourism has incentivized the preservation of Kandy’s heritage. The temple undergoes regular restoration (funded in part by tourism revenue), and traditional arts, like Kandyan dance and drum-making, are kept alive by demand from tourists. Additionally, UNESCO’s recognition of Kandy as a World Heritage Site has raised global awareness, ensuring its legacy is protected for future generations.
Kandy is more than a city of historical sites, it is a living repository of Sri Lanka’s culture, faith, and resilience. From the sacred Tooth Relic that binds its past to the present, to the vibrant festivals that celebrate its traditions, Kandy tells the story of a nation that has preserved its identity despite colonial upheaval. As a tourism hub, it not only drives Sri Lanka’s economy but also shares its rich heritage with the world. For travelers, Kandy is not just a destination, it is an experience that lingers, a reminder of the power of history and faith to unite people across time.
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