Kandy's Sacred Sites, Museum, Gardens, and Lake
Begin your tour by visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, central to Kandy city. The temple has daily rituals that can be observed. You can also see some intricately crafted chambers, including the inner chamber where the sacred tooth relic is kept.
Proceed to the Kandy Museum, which has interesting artefacts dating from the Kandyan Kingdom. Sceptres, weapons, spears and bows, jewellery, coins, masks, and traditional costumes are just some of the things on display. An impressive highlight is King Rajasinha II's golden crown.
Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya at Bahirawakanda. Many tourists are attracted by the giant Buddha statue, which was built with people's generous donations. The big Buddha statue has become one of the major attractions in Kandy.
Head to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a 60-hectare garden with an impressive orchid collection, majestic palm trees, and the iconic giant Javan fig tree, which stands on the great lawn with an astounding spread of branches. There's also a suspension bridge at one end that crosses the Mahaweli River - for those who dare.
Marvel at Kandy Lake. With mountains in its background, it is lovely to walk around the lake or sit and take in the view - especially at sunset, when birds make their way to the island in the middle of the lake and the street lights bejewel it all around.
