Holy city of Kandy

The ancient city of Kandy is the capital of the Central Province of the island of Sri Lanka and the second largest and most important city after Colombo

Historical information

The great city of Kandy since 1592, during the reign of Vikramabahu III, became the capital of the ancient Kandyan state and for 225 years confidently retained its sovereignty from foreign colonialists. The Indian rulers, fearing the Portuguese conquerors, took refuge in the mountains. For more than 200 years, the city developed, many temples, monasteries and palaces appeared. The British colonialists, having captured almost the entire indigenous population, forced the rulers to leave the promised land. Despite the abandonment and minor destruction, most of the architectural and religious values ​​have been preserved in their original form. The Royal Palace, which was originally a palace complex, a man-made lake with a luxurious parapet made of snow-white stone, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, revered by all Buddhists, still amaze with their splendor and pomp.

Architecture

The most significant architectural changes were carried out during the reign of Senasamata Vikramabahu, the second king of the Kadnian state. A man-made lake was created, which had two meanings: decoration of the palace complex and a strategic object for the defense of the city (during attacks, the floodgates were opened, and water from the lake descended on the conquerors, eroding the soil under their feet and significantly complicating the movement of troops). The famous Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on the shore of the lake. The exquisite decorations of the temple still delight connoisseurs of beauty: luxurious frescoes, paintings on walls and doors, intricate carvings on stone and wooden portals and elements, majestic vaults and excellent acoustics.

Visiting rules

All Kandy attractions are open to city guests every day, even on major Buddhist holidays. When visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, it is worth considering that the body should be as covered as possible (this applies to representatives of the fair half of society). Men just need to remove their hats. Photography and video shooting are allowed on the territory of all attractions; temple servants happily pose for tourists (for them, all visitors, and especially white-skinned ones, are the happiest people).

Excursions

Tourists will appreciate the most luxurious city in Sri Lanka. A visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the temples of Vishnu, Pattini and Nata, and the martial temple of Kataragama Devala will allow you to feel the greatness of Buddhism. And the Royal Palace and the Queen's Palace, the Queen's Bath, the audience hall, and the Royal Pavilion provide an opportunity to experience the multifaceted architecture and splendor of the royal estates. Many parks and reserves with tropical flora and fauna, a visit to Adam's Peak, waterfalls and caves, rice fields, tea and spice plantations - a visit to the sacred city of Kandy will be the most vivid impression of your vacation. The duration of excursions, as well as their cost, depends on the intensity of the program, but does not exceed $15-30.

Facts and legends

Why did Kandy become the capital? This is due to the legend according to which the capital is located where the most valuable relic of Buddha, his tooth, is kept. The most striking holiday of Esala Pereja is also associated with the Tooth Relic. Every year at the end of August, the day before the full moon, the Buddha Tooth is taken out of the Dalada Maligawa Temple and carried in front of all the pilgrims, through the entire ancient city. The procession is accompanied by decorated elephants, mass celebrations with torchlight dancing and the procession of mummers. It is therefore not surprising that August and September see the largest influx of locals and tourists to Kandy. After all, even seeing the Tooth is already a blessing from the Buddha himself!

Getting there

Transport links are very convenient for those wishing to visit the ancient shrine of Buddhism. Comfortable buses depart from the cities of the Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Pollonaruwa). You can also quickly get there from Colombo (just over 120 km) and Negombo (about 100 km). The trip can take from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the city and mode of transport (bus, high-speed train, taxi, private minivan). Ticket prices range from 140 to 6000 Sri Lankan rupees.

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