Spending Christmas in Kandy is one of the most perfect ways to get away these holidays. Visitors to Sri Lanka tend to go up to Nuwara Eliya or down south to the beach during December so Kandy will not only be less crowded, it will be decorated in festive colours and the weather will be deliciously windy and cold.
There are plenty of things to do in Kandy and the best way to explore is on foot as it is a small city and the pleasant climate makes the whole thing a fabulous experience. Here is where you should go.
- The Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the reason why Kandy has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most important places in Buddhism and garners thousands of pilgrims and visitors. It is a great work of architecture that is admired even today by all who visit.
- The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was the home of the last royal family to rule Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 14th century, it is made up of the temple, the Royal Court called Magul Maduwa, the Queen’s bathing pavilion and the royal gardens. It makes for a walk back in time through history.
- Udawattekele Sanctuary
Once restricted to the royal family, the Udawattekale sanctuary is 257 acres of forest crowning the mountain behind the royal palace. It was made into a forest reserve in 1938 and is made up of a network of walkways that will serve well for a short hike.
- Bahirawakanda Statue
The mountain at the centre of the city is just an hour’s drive from Hunas Falls and provides you with a view of the entire city. It is also well lit at night and can be seen from anywhere in the city. Climb up early morning or in the evening to capture the city in all its beauty.
- International Buddhist Museum, Kandy
Located within the royal complex, the International Buddhist Museum is a great place to go in order to learn about the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and how it spread. There is a free audio guide available at the museum.
- A Walk Around Kandy Lake
The Kandy lake is great for a promenade early morning or later in the evening. Thanks to the giant trees that shroud the banks you can even walk at noon and not be burned by the tropical sun.
