Sri Lanka is an incredibly diverse and culturally-rich country. At the heart of Sri Lanka and its culture lies the royal city of Kandy. The “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” boasts no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. If you can spare a few days in Kandy, you can experience different aspects of Sri Lankan history and culture. I have listed the Top 6 things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Things to do in Kandy: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of 8 in Sri Lanka, alongside Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Galle, Polonnaruwa, the Cave Temple in Dambulla, the Sinharaja Forest and the Central Highlands.
Things to do in Kandy: The Geragama Tea Factory
Ceylon Tea is famous around the world. It’s readily available in any supermarket and cafe, and we think nothing of dropping a tea bag in hot water to start the day or for an afternoon comfort. Tea comes in many shapes and tastes and, in the coffee-obsessed society we live in, we tea drinkers have something special too… But how is it made? An hour away from Kandy, Geragama Tea Factory was built in 1903 and makes an interesting visit.
Things to do in Kandy: The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
The largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Peradeniya is a haven of peace. Located 110kms from Colombo, I recommend stopping there to stretch your legs and discovering the results of very hard work by British colonists to create a garden fit for kings. The gardens cover a surface of 147 acres and were originally conceived in 1371 by Sinhalese kings. In 1821, the British turned them into botanical gardens and began conserving the many plant species found in Sri Lanka. Imported crops were tested in the gardens: coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber, cinchona… Interestingly, the first plants of tea were regarded as a decoration, before becoming a huge industry for Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Kandy: The Spice Gardens
By some accounts, Sri Lanka is the cradle of the ancient spice trade. Indeed, its climate is especially suitable for growing spices. Sri Lanka has diverse
Things to do in Kandy: Shop for Handmade Crafts
Sri Lanka has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It’s easy to find souvenirs and handicrafts to take home and I promise you there is plenty of temptation! There is a wide range of crafts to explore: wood carving, masks, batik, jewellery, lace making, pottery, lacquer work… Kandy offers many opportunities to discover and shop for high-quality craftsmanship.
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This should keep you busy in Kandy for a few days. Do you know of other things to do in Kandy? Tell me more in the comments below!
It’s crazy that I live so close to Sri Lanka and have never visited this beautiful place with such a diverse background! Reading your post makes me want to go there right now 😛
Hi Shruti, Sri Lanka is indeed beautiful, I hope you get a chance to visit some day!
Your pictures are soooo pretty and make me want to go to Sri Lanka 🙂 Such an inspiration, thanks!
Thanks Ahlem, I’m pleased you like the photos… Sri Lanka is absolutely beautiful, I hope you get a chance to visit some day!
I visited Sri Lanka last summer and loving this list! Would love to go back one day, such a lovely country ^_^
Hi Nele, I haven’t seen all of Sri Lanka, I would love to go back to and spend more time there…
I love when people share about less popular places because there are so many amazing places
Sri Lanka is a relatively small island but there is so much to see, it’s slightly overlooked by travellers but it is certainly worth visiting.
Great post! I went to Sri Lanka last year and loved it. Especially the palm avenue in the Royal Botanical Gardens 🙂
Hi Charlotte, I agree with you, the palm avenue at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is such a lovely sight!
I would surely like to visit the spice garden if I travel to Sri Lanka…it surely is a culturally rich country
Nandita, Sri Lanka is well known for its spices, the spice garden is a great experience, I thoroughly recommend it!
I want to go to Sri Lanka so much!! I’ll have to remember some of these spots. The botanical gardens sound beautiful.
xx Jenelle
Hi Jenelle, thank you for dropping by! I’m so pleased you are inspired to go to Sri Lanka, I hope you get there!