Kandy

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates

• Latitude: 7.3016
• Longitude: 80.6476

On Travellerspoint

• 8 Kandy Guesthouses
• 2 Kandy Hostels
• 5 Kandy Hotels

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Introduction

Kandy is a small city in the centre of Sri Lanka. It is a wonderful place to purchase great precious and semi-precious stones as well as stones already set in gold and silver.

The Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya Gardens)in Kandy are well worth a visit. Things do come in different sizes in different climates and corners of the world. However, the girth and height of the bamboo grove along the river bank is quite amazing, particularly staggering when you bear in mind it is actually a type of grass!! Things certainly grow well in this climate including the fruit bats. There is a resident colony of large bats that hang from the tall tree tops. They are quite a sight, but beware the bat droppings that fall from a great height as you pass underneath and you will notice a pungent odour as you do. Another impressive sight is a very large 'Umbrella tree' (or “Sooriyakenda” tree) that is just too big to photograph effectively, as it spread over a whole field, apparently an amazing 600 sq metres. It would collapse if it hadn't been lovingly propped up and supported at intervals over the years. It is interesting to see how the different spices grow and the Orchid house is truly exotic. Or just take a pleasant stroll down the avenues of coconut palms.

Kandy is also a centre for the Buddhist religion. Visit the Temple of the Tooth and the surrounding grounds. This temple was bombed recently and you will note the military bunkers on site. It should be noted that even though Buddhas tooth may be present, it is locked away within a casket so it is not to be seen by the eyes of tourists anyway! The famous Kandy Dancers perform at the cultural center in the evening. It is strictly for tourists and gives you a flavour of the culture. Get ready for a wave of "hucksters" trying to sell you t-shirts and postcards when you leave the evening performance. But for $3 it is worth it. They even have fire walkers.

When traveling throughout Sri Lanka you will see a lot of military, and depending on your luck, your car will be pulled over and passports will be checked, so don't leave your hotel without your passport! Kandy is in a safe part of Sri Lanka, as the conflict is much farther north in the country, so don't be concerned with the sight of military personnel.

Sights and Activities

• Temple of the Tooth.
• Kandy Dancers.
• Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya Gardens).
• Umbrella tree.

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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