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The Kandy Perahera in Sri Lanka

Ranked as the oldest spiritual event in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist calendar, the Kandy Perahera is an annual procession with a rich history and legacy that dates back centuries.

The Sacred Tooth Relic

Although most tourists head to Sri Lanka to witness the Kandy Perahera every July/August, most are unaware of the sacred tooth relic and its connection to this iconic procession. Once a year, the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha stored at the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) is encased in a jewelled container and travels the length of Kandy on the back of a tusker. While the actual tooth relic remains protected inside the temple, it is a replica that takes part in the festivities associated with the Kandy Perahera, symbolising the prized possession of the Buddhist faith in Sri Lanka.

A Grand Affair

No aspect of the Kandy Perahera can be deemed small-scale, and it is considered one of the largest and longest processions in the world. Although the tooth relic is the focal point of the parade, it is easy to lose sight of this holy object in a procession that includes fire breathers, whip crackers and countless drummers and dancers. Acrobats, swordsmen and performance artists of every imaginable variety take part in the procession.

The Hindu Shrines

The Temple of the Tooth is not the only Kandyan religious institution that is involved in the parade as the participation of the Vishnu, Katharagama, Natha and Pattini Hindu Temples in Kandy have been part of the celebrations for decades.

Witnessing the Perahera

Tourists and pilgrims often travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka, to witness the procession and navigate the streets of the city as documented by Kandy Escapes and other travel blogs. Locals, however, catch the parade live on national TV.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: An Experience Worth Relishing

Pinnawala, with its luxuriant plantation surroundings and generously flowing river, is a welcome sight for nature lovers. Its stunning population of Asian elephants, rescued from harsh realities, effortlessly captures the hearts of visitors regardless of their age or wildlife affinity.

Elephants being fed at an orphanage | Image by Taru Goyal on Unsplash

A Historic Wildlife Sanctuary

Now comprising 93 gracefully gigantic inhabitants, this true-to-nature refuge – the world’s largest sanctuary for Asian elephants – was established in 1975 to provide a safe space for young elephants left injured or abandoned in the wild.

Bonding with Gentle Giants

Spanning ten to thirteen feet in height and weighing up to twelve thousand kilograms, the size of these mammals may intimidate you at first, but their wise, gracious, and playful ways will soon put even a child at ease. Pinnawala gives you an intimate glimpse into a day in the life of a Sri Lankan elephant – from feeding a sweet baby elephant from a milk bottle to watching these massive creatures splash each other as they bathe in the river and gambol together in the nursery.

When to Visit?

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is found approximately an hour’s drive away from the UNESCO-listed heritage jewel of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Make sure to head to the iconic wildlife oasis in time for breakfast at 9:15 am or lunch at 1:15 pm and swim time at 10 am and 2 pm. Travel to Kandy for enriching experiences like this, and enlist the expert guidance of travel blogs such as Kandy Escapes.

Safe and Savvy Tips

While it’s easy to be swept away by the gentle approachability and charming antics of these gargantuan animals, it’s also important to treat them with respect and consideration, keeping to the guidelines instructed by the trained staff.

A Scenic Train Ride to the Hillside of Sri Lanka

There is no better way to explore the scenic hillside of Sri Lanka than hopping on board a train. As you pass by the verdant hills, lush tea terraces and stunning cascades, do not forget to stop by and take in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

The Train Ride

Journeying across the hillside of Sri Lanka on a train ride is an absolute pleasure. Some Kandy hotels like the cosy Amaya Hills are located within proximity to the train station, so hopping on board the train is hassle-free. As you embark on this spectacular train ride, do not forget to stop and explore the beautiful Haputale, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and many more.

Haputale

Surrounded by cloud forests and leafy tea terraces, the quaint town of Haputale gives a glimpse of the local village life. Here you can escape the hubbub of the city and relish the tranquillity of the hillside. Some of the most delightful things to do as you while away in this serene locality include hiking up to the Lipton’s seat, exploring the Adisham Bungalow and trekking through the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary.

Ella

An hour-long train ride away from Haputale, Ella is a hidden gem for the modern-day adventurer. Teeming with stunning tea terraces and misty mountain trails, no trip to this small town is complete without stopping by the famous Nine Arches Bridge and taking a hike to the panoramic little Adam’s peak.

Traversing the Train Tracks

As dangerous as it may sound, walking along the train tracks surrounded by sweeping mountains and lush greenery is a dream come true. Start your walk from the Ella railway station and pass through the long tunnels and bridges until you come across the towering Nine Arches bridge. It will surely be a 30-minute-long scenic walk that you will never forget.

Why Kandy is Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital

A popular day-trip destination for all, Kandy is not only home to the Temple of the Tooth but some of Sri Lanka’s top cultural highlights. Here’s why this hill station is deemed the cultural heart of the island.

Ceylon_tea — Charles R. Benedict, Ceylon tea, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Temple of the Tooth

The main reason why Kandy is dubbed the cultural epicentre of Sri Lanka is that it is where the Temple of the Tooth is located. The sacred dental remains of Lord Buddha are contained within this iconic shrine, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site decades ago.

Historic Kandy Lake

Although most visitors know that enjoying a boat ride on Kandy Lake is one of the top things to do in Kandy, few are aware of the legacy of this manmade body of water. Having been the execution site for many Sri Lankan nobles during British colonial rule, Kandy Lake is most infamously connected with the beheading of local hero Madduma Bandara and his family.

Tea Country

Whether you are based at the Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy or any other rest, a tour of the tea estates and factories surrounding the city will illustrate how it is a prime tea-producing region in Sri Lanka. World-famous Ceylon Tea is linked with the plantations and colonial-era tea factories that still function today and form a part of the hillside’s tea country.

Kandyan Dance and Drumming Heritage

As a dance tradition that differs significantly from the island’s southern dance school, Kandyan dance and drumming techniques date back centuries and have been preserved by local artists.

The Underrated Safari Experiences in Sri Lanka

Famed for its tropical beaches and alluring sunsets, Sri Lanka may not appear to be the bearer of forests and jungles of untamed wildlife. However, the country’s reputation as a tropical vacation hub overshadows its ability to provide some of the best-known safaris.

1024px-Minneriya_National_Park,_elephants_gathering — Walter Gehr, Minneriya National Park, elephants gathering, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Road to a Minneriya Safari

A 17-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Minneriya National Park from hotels like Aliya Resort and Spa. The park is known to be one of the best places on the island to witness the largest elephant gatherings that occur during the months of June to September. Most accommodations in the area offer safari packages to tourists which are inclusive of well-trained drivers to educate them along the way, and it is also about a 20-30 minutes distance from most other Sigiriya hotels in the area.

A Jungle Exploit

While visitors can witness herds of elephants freely roaming out and about, they are not the only wildlife that can be spotted at the Minneriya National Park. The sanctuary is home to a wide array of species ranging from eagles, monkeys and peacocks that can be seen in numbers. The park shelters 24 species of mammals, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies and 26 species of fish.

Travelling with Young Ones

A safari at the Minneriya National Park is not one that is catered only for adults but is considered a safe experience for children as well. While older children are likely to appreciate wildlife and the knowledge of their lifestyles, younger ones are more drawn to the thrill of the jeep ride and climbing up the rocks in the park

The Overall Experience

Many travellers have shared positive testimonies of their fabulous experiences at the Minneriya National Park, commenting on the expertise of the drivers and guides that accompany them throughout the journey. This family-friendly safari is certain to be one of education as well as a real-life adventure for adults and children alike.

Kingdom of Kandy

Located amidst the green swathes of Sri Lanka’s upcountry, Kandy was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Its proud history dictates that it was the only region in Sri Lanka that remained independent for the longest time period possible, under the foreign powers. All over the city are historical, cultural, religious, and natural attractions.

1024px-Kandy_War_Cemetery — AntanO, Kandy War Cemetery, CC BY-SA 4.0

Temple of the Tooth Relic

This has to be the single most important religious site to Sri Lankan Buddhists. The temple houses Buddha’s tooth relic inside a pagoda-shaped casing, made of gold and adorned with jewellery. Sri Lankans believe that this tooth relic has the power to bring about rains to nourish the Sri Lankan soil. The temple is part of a palace complex.

Kandy Lake

Looking for a respite from the mid-day sun? Take a stroll around Kandy Lake. Located right in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake is part of the temple complex. The lake offers several hiking trails.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The gardens are called the Royal Botanical Gardens as it was once reserved for royals, but now it’s open to everyone! This is one of the must-visit attractions in Kandy. Located one hour and eighteen minutes from Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the garden nurtures a wide variety of plant species. The main attraction, however, is the palm-fringed walkway that often seems to grace Instagram.

Commonwealth War Cemetery

There are several commonwealth war cemeteries, but the one found in Kandy is one of the most important historical sites. The cemetery is the resting place of soldiers who fought during the Second World War. Despite having a gloomy historical element, the cemetery features a calm and beautiful atmosphere. You can get here from almost any hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka in around an hour.

Conclusion

The list of Kandy attractions is endless. The city offers plenty of things to do and see, to keep you sufficiently occupied for more than a week. To make the most of your time here, take your time and plan your itinerary, and don’t forget to book your accommodation well in advance!

What You Need to Know About the Sacred City of Kandy

Popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura, the sacred city of Kandy was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Drawing tourists, pilgrims and other visitors in numbers, this city radiates a celestial atmosphere which makes it stand out among other cities in Sri Lanka.

The Positioning

1024px-Knuckles_Forest,_Sri_lanka — Abishek Palraj, Knuckles Forest, Sri lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kandy is located in the central part of the country, with an elevation of 500 metres from sea level. Hidden in the thick forests and majestic mountain ranges, the city stands in pride in all its glory. These mountain ranges include two of Sri Lanka’s most beloved hiking hot spots, Knuckles and Hanthana. Kandy’s location and historical significance have been core reasons for opening up many hotels and resorts like Hunas Falls Hotel, Kandy. Most tourists and pilgrims who visit this sacred city often seek accommodation in a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka for a comfortable stay as a day’s trip will not do justice to the beauty of the city.

The History

Kandy was the last capital of the country in the era of the ancient kings. It is also home to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth which shelters the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha. Although the locals rebelled massively to save the kingdom of Kandy from British rule, the efforts were finally beaten as the British Ceylon period rose from 1815 to 1948, until the country was freed of colonial rule and gained independence.

Climate

While Sri Lanka is widely known for its tropical weather conditions, Kandy’s geographical positioning deviates the city climate to a wetter and cooler temperature as a result of its 500-metre elevation from sea level. However, the city is still a part of the country’s tropical climate and faces the monsoon seasons from May to July and October to December.

The Kandy City

The cityscape of Kandy includes a quadrangular manmade lake at its centre, with two open spaces in which one corner is occupied by the administration buildings of the old capital. Although not as commercialised as Colombo, Kandy still welcomes tourists and hosts several hotels, shopping complexes and local eateries to taste the traditional flavours of Sri Lanka.

Set Off on a Hike to Knuckles

Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Knuckles Mountain range has been famed for its human fist like appearance from certain angles. This magnificent gift of nature is located in the Kandy and Matale districts of Sri Lanka and is highly popular among hikers from all over the world.

Knuckles_mountain_range_-_Sri_Lanka — Thusitha Jayasundara, Knuckles mountain range – Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Get to Knuckles

While several access points allow you to reach Knuckles, the most popular entrance is in Matale. However, this solely depends on where you are residing at. If you plan to travel to Kandy on a vacation, the access point will not be over a journey of an hour or two to Hunnasgiriya, once again, based on the route that you choose to take. However, do visit the Kandy Escapes website for a deeper insight on how to adapt and prepare for the weather conditions in Kandy, if you wish to enter Knuckles from a Kandy access point.

How to Climb Knuckles

While Knuckles’ popularity attracts many hikers, it is only advisable that you climb the mountain range if you carry a considerable level of experience in the art. However, a guide must accompany you, regardless of your level of hiking experience, in order to avoid getting lost. Therefore, a qualified guide will direct you through the paths that should be taken.

Grab a Bite on The Way

As you climb up one of Sri Lanka’s most difficult mountain trails, hunger will not be too far away. Being a protected reserve prevents hotels and resorts from opening up in the Knuckles and therefore, food is likely to become a luxury during the course of your hike. Stock up what you need in a backpack and grab a bite whenever hunger takes you over.

Other Attractions

While setting off on an adventurous hike is what Knuckles is known for, the areas surrounding this mountain range host plenty of other attractions for hikers and tourists. Deep into the forest lies Meemure, a rural village of picturesque views, Kandy, the sacred city of the Temple of the Tooth and the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple in Matale.

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.

Dambulla in One Day

Located close to many Sigiriya hotels the likes of Aliya Resort& Spa, Dambulla is a significant city of the Central Province in Sri Lanka. Due to its central location, Dambulla is also used as a major vegetable distribution point in the country.

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – Morning

Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. It is one of the mostextensive and best-preserved cave complexes of the country.

Explore Ibbankatuwa Prehistoric Burial Site – Afternoon

Within a three-kilometre radius of the Dambulla Cave Temple lies an ancient burial site of the country called the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. Many ancient tools and goods along with cremated remains have been found during excavations.

Hike the Rose Quartz Mountain Range – Evening

Not many know that there is a Rose Quartz Mountain Range in Sri Lanka, which is the largest of its kind in Asia. At the very top of this mountain, one may come across a gleaming white statue of Lord Buddha. The legends say that Emperor Shah Jahan used rose quartz from this place to build his masterpiece, the iconic Taj Mahal.

Relax in NamalUyana – Late Evening

Spread over 260 acres of land is a forest of Ironwood trees in Dambulla. It also houses the Rose Quartz Mountain Range and contributes to an ecosystem of various birds and mammals.