How to Spend Two Days in Kandy - Traditional City of Historic Splendour

 Kandy is the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and proudly retains its traditions and culture. The capital of the island’s pretty central highlands, this city is ideal for relaxing, sightseeing, and learning about local culture. In this article on how to spend two days in Kandy, you will find the best things to do in Kandy.

Amal Balasooriya, Kandy Lake - Central Province, CC BY-SA 4.0

 1. Explore the Kandy Lake

 Once you arrive in Kandy, you will notice the city proper is centred around the man-made Kandy Lake. Built by a former king of Sri Lanka, the lake is deemed sacred and sits in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic or Dalada Maligawa. Being sacred, no fishing is allowed at the lake, but you can buy cones of popcorn from sellers around the lake to feed the multitude of fish, enjoying the protected status in the lake. There is a footpath winding around the lake, which is ideal for an amble, admiring nature while all around you traffic rushes by. The perimeter of the lake is charming and exudes a serene nature. You can then return to your hotel to freshen up before exploring more. Choose one of the villas in Kandy for a holistic experience of this relaxing city. Some properties such as Hanthana Boutique Villa by Amaya are perfect for enjoying the best of the hill country.

 2. Hop Aboard a Tuk and Start Exploring

 Tuk-tuks are little three-wheeled vehicles that manage to zip in and out of traffic. And since Kandy is a rather traffic dense city, you will find the tuks a convenience. Besides, it is fun to ride in them and feel like one of the locals. Once refreshed, head over to the city centre to go see the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Located within the former royal palace, this shrine is home to a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is a world-famous pilgrimage site for followers of the Buddhist faith. Inside, you will come across ancient relics and get to see how old rituals are performed. Mind you, dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees. Do not disturb the worshipers at prayer and pay respect to the artefacts.

 3. Enjoy a Show at the Kandy Cultural Centre

 The Kandy cultural centre hosts various local acts and dances showcasing traditional dances and routines. Ask your hotel in Kandy about getting to the centre and booking a show you are interested in seeing. On offer are the traditional Kandyan Dancing routines, impressive drummers, and even fire walkers that are all a part of a bygone era.

 4. Visit a Tea Factory

 Ceylon tea is famous the world over. And when exploring the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, one cannot miss a visit to a tea factory. The Embilmeegama Tea Factory in Kandy is a good choice. Take the tour and you can witness the entire process of how tea is made. Guided tours conducted there will show you how the plucked tea is sorted and dried before being chopped for packaging within a 24-hour period. The entire place smells warm and cosy with the bonus of stopping for tea and cake at the in-house cafeteria.

 5. Visit the Bahirawakanda Temple

 This ancient temple located at a higher elevation overlooking the entire city offers the perfect vantage point for bird's-eye views of the landscape. The temple is home to an 88-feet statue of the Buddha, one of the largest in the country. Try to visit the temple towards evening and you can enjoy the magical vibes created by the light of lamps and mist surrounding the area. Don’t forget to bring your cameras!