What are the must-see attractions in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

Hello there! Speaking of Kandy, it truly is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. The entire city has a very elegant and comfortable feel, with a slow pace that's perfect for leisurely exploration. After my visit, these are the places that left the deepest impression and that I believe you absolutely shouldn't miss:

1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

This place is absolutely the soul of Kandy, without a doubt! Why is it called the Temple of the Tooth? Because it enshrines Sri Lanka's national treasure – a tooth relic of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. For the locals, this is an incredibly sacred place.

What to see? The temple architecture itself is stunning and resplendent. Although you won't see the tooth relic itself (it's housed in a glittering golden casket), you can feel the incredibly strong religious atmosphere. There are fixed ceremonial rituals (called "Puja") every morning, noon, and evening. During these times, the inner chamber doors where the tooth relic is kept are opened, drums beat loudly, creating an amazing atmosphere. You'll see many devout worshippers bringing lotus flowers to pay homage, which is truly moving.
Tips: Be sure to pay attention to your attire before visiting! You cannot wear shorts, short skirts (they must be knee-length), or sleeveless tops. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple. I recommend visiting during the evening Puja ceremony for the best experience.

2. Kandy Lake

Right next to the Temple of the Tooth is Kandy Lake, an iconic landmark of the city. This artificial lake was commissioned by a former king and is incredibly beautiful, adding a lot of charm to the entire city.

How to enjoy it? In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the lake, enjoying the breeze – it's incredibly relaxing. There's a small island in the middle of the lake, rumored to have once been the king's harem. You'll see local couples and families enjoying themselves by the lake, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. Walking around the lake, you can view the Temple of the Tooth from different angles; the scenery is beautiful and perfect for photos.

3. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

I highly recommend this place! Even if you're not particularly interested in plants, you'll absolutely love it here. It's one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia, and it feels like stepping into a giant tropical paradise, with so much to see.

Must-see highlights:
- Avenue of Palms and Giant Trees: Rows of towering trees and majestic palms are spectacular and make for fantastic photos.
- Orchid House: Inside, you'll find a diverse collection of exquisite and vibrant orchids.
- A large colony of Flying Foxes: There's a section of the garden with trees covered in thousands of huge bats, hanging upside down and sleeping during the day. It's a rather peculiar and unique sight.

4. Kandyan Dance Performance

This is considered a must-do cultural experience in Kandy. Performances are held nightly at several theaters near Kandy Lake.

What is it like? Performers wear elaborate traditional costumes and exaggerated masks, performing various traditional Sri Lankan dances to the rhythm of energetic drums. The dance movements are powerful and tell a story. The show usually concludes with a "fire-walking" finale, where performers walk barefoot over glowing hot coals, which is quite thrilling to watch. The entire performance lasts about an hour and makes for a great evening activity.

5. Kandy View Point

If you want to see a panoramic view of Kandy, this is the place to go. Located on a small hill south of the city, it offers expansive views of the entire city, Kandy Lake, and the distant Temple of the Tooth. The scenery is stunning both during the day and at sunset, making it an excellent spot for "postcard-perfect" photos. It's easy to get there by taking a tuk-tuk.

Additional Tips:

Transportation: For getting around Kandy city, a tuk-tuk is the most convenient option. Remember to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in.
Time Planning: The Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and a Kandyan Dance performance can be done in one day. The Royal Botanical Gardens are quite large, so you'll need at least half a day to explore them thoroughly. Therefore, spending 2 days in Kandy is a more relaxed choice.
Regarding the Elephant Orphanage: Many people visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Kandy, but this place is now somewhat controversial. Some feel it's overly commercialized and not entirely welfare-friendly for the elephants. If you're truly interested in elephants, you might want to research other "Elephant Sanctuaries" that prioritize animal welfare; the experience might be better.

Hope these tips help you, and wish you a wonderful time in Kandy!