Kandy...............
Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka that is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural value. Spread over an area of around 1940 square kilometers, it is counted amongst the world heritage sites of UNESCO. The city promises a number of tourist attractions that include the Old Royal Palace and the famous Temple of Tooth. The latter consists of the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth because of which Kandy is regarded as one of the most sacred places by Buddhists. Other holy spots include the Gadaladeniya Temple and the Lankathilake Temple.
A residual remnant of the past dating as far back as the 14th century, the Royal Palace of the Kandyan Kingdom lies tucked away near the valleys of Kandy as reminiscence of the last Kandyan King, Wickrama Rajasinghe.
Very little of the structure remains today which consisted of the Royal Court (Magul Maduwa) and the Temple of Tooth among other displays of architectural brilliance. Seeped in ancient history that’s seen the palace burned down and rebuilt a number of times, it has also witnessed sacred beliefs.The Temple of Tooth is said to have a relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. Popular belief had it, that whoever possessed the tooth was divinely blessed with the right to rule the land. Many wars were fought domestically to gain the relic, while foreign invaders like the Portuguese also had some involvement in the sacred item changing hands. In fact the Royal Palace of Kandy itself was built to enshrine the Sacred Tooth.
On the other side of the Royal Palace, is the Victorian building built by the British during their sub continental rule. The building marks the British influence on the Sri Lankan legal system, with the Kandy High Court being situated there for years before recently changing base to Ampara in Eastern Sri Lanka.
The Royal Court presents another architectural beauty. Built in the 18th century by Wickrama Rajasinghe where he met his Royal Court, the structure also marks a significant British chapter in Kandy as it was here, that the Chieftains of Kandy (Radalas) signed the Kandyan Convention to end the Kandyan Kingdom. Incidentally, it is also the last know native rule in Sri Lanka.
Apart from the Temple of the Tooth, all the other structures within the palace are now run by the Department of Archaeology as part of the National Museum of Kandy.
This is a small Kandyan town located about ten kilometres from the main town of Kandy and over a hundred kilometres from the capital, Colombo.
The name bears its origins to the words Pilima, meaning statues and Thalawa, meaning flat area in Sinhalese. The explanation is still debatable but popular belief does weigh in a bit towards this theory.
The town has gained fame over the years for its traditional brassware and Buddhist temples, which are considered extremely important around the area. The Embekka temple is also greatly significant to Pilimathalawa.
Also called the Embekka Devalaya, this temple is dedicated to worshipping Mahasen and a local deity Devatha Bandara. This shrine has three parts which display extremely superior architecture using wooden carvings. A lot of the carvings at this temple are considered some of the best instances of Sinhalese art.
The spelling of Pilimathalawa has also seen a fair bit of confusion and controversy due to the shortcomings of translating the Sinhalese names to English. Many authors have spelled the name in different ways and some of them include ‘Pilimatalawa’, ‘Pilimatalawwe’, and ‘Pilimatalauwe’ among others.
As part of Kandy, this town has witnessed a great deal of history and has been part of some of the most significant incidents in Sri Lankan history. Visiting the town allows a big chance to delve further in to the rich Sri Lankan heritage over many centuries.
The more the interest in these artefacts and former cultural hubs, the deeper it has proved to dig in to the vast cultural face of Kandy as well as Sri Lanka
Orchids, medicinal plants and herbs as well as other decorative plants have been an integral part of this garden, adding on to its popularity among the travelers to Kandy. If natural beauty is what appeases you and if it’s their company that you desire then there can hardly be any competitor to the Peradeniya Garden, in this regard.
The garden includes 300 plus variants of the original species of plants and herbs, as mentioned above, spread across a sprawling landscape of 147 hectares. Adored by the residents and the vacationers alike, the garden makes for a perfect getaway for those who wish to spend some time away from the city. Not that it is any less crowded than the places of attraction located in Kandy, with a whopping 1.2 million visitors choosing the garden as their destination of choice, every year!
What’s more? You can also go for snack breaks or dig into a proper Sri Lankan meal at the restaurant located within the garden, offering quite a number of local specialties along with a choice of beverages.
Mountain Range Of Kandy
Kandy doesn’t just have a singular mountain standing out from the rest of the peaks, but a few beautiful set of mountain peaks which together form the lovely mountain ranges of Kandy.
The Hanthana Mountain range and Knuckles Mountain range are significant topographical characteristics found in Kandy. While the former has been declared an environmental protection zone, the other consists of a series of folds which give it a knuckle shaped appearance.
The Hanthana Mountain range and Knuckles Mountain range are significant topographical characteristics found in Kandy. While the former has been declared an environmental protection zone, the other consists of a series of folds which give it a knuckle shaped appearance.
Malwathu Maha Viharaya
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is among the oldest Buddhist Sangha of the Siam Nikaya monastic order.
Situated across the lake where the Temple of the tooth lies, the Malwathu Maha Viharaya is made of two complexes made for the residence of monks. The first complex, Uposatha Viharaya is also termed the Poyamalu Viharaya, while the second is the Pushparama Viharaya commonly called the Malwathu Viharaya, featuring today of a recently built octagon.
Situated across the lake where the Temple of the tooth lies, the Malwathu Maha Viharaya is made of two complexes made for the residence of monks. The first complex, Uposatha Viharaya is also termed the Poyamalu Viharaya, while the second is the Pushparama Viharaya commonly called the Malwathu Viharaya, featuring today of a recently built octagon.
Lankathilaka Viharaya
Murals, paintings, sculpture and architecture – the Lankathilaka Viharaya is definitely a sight to behold. And if you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to take in all of temple architecture within a day’s itinerary, then let the Lankathilaka take up a few good hours and schedule the remaining destinations for later. There’s a lot that differentiates this temple and gives it an edge over the other tourists attractions in Kandy.
Kingdom Of Kandy
Lying in the centre of Sri Lanka, the Kingdom of Kandy was the last Sri Lankan ruling dynasty to give in to British rule in 1815.
The name Kandy was given to the city of Kanda Uda Rata by the British. Its present day Sri Lankan name is Maha Nuwara while the historical name is Senkadagalapura. There are various theories to the origin of this name, ranging from the city being named after a Brahmin man residing there, called Senkadagalapura, to it being named after the queen Senkada or perhaps from the coloured stone Senkada gala.
The name Kandy was given to the city of Kanda Uda Rata by the British. Its present day Sri Lankan name is Maha Nuwara while the historical name is Senkadagalapura. There are various theories to the origin of this name, ranging from the city being named after a Brahmin man residing there, called Senkadagalapura, to it being named after the queen Senkada or perhaps from the coloured stone Senkada gala.
Kandyan Dance
One of the most potent cultural features of Kandy lies in its traditional Kandyan dance which has been revived after nearing extinction following the decline in popularity during British rule.
Now extremely popular across the country, the traditional dance of Kandy is said to have originated from an exorcist ritual required to cure the King Vijaya. His illness is believed to have been cursed on him by the black magic his first wife, Kuweni, practiced. The illness itself was the recurrence of a nightmare the king had where a leopard directed its tongue at him. Hill Capital or Cultural Capital or even Tea Capital – Kandy has earned quite a few nick names, so to say!
So what role does Kandy tea, play in the historic development of tea industry in Sri Lanka? The city had quite a significant part to play in catalyzing the entire process of production as well as commercialization of tea plantations across the island nation.
Back then in the end of the 19th century, when Sri Lanka was referred to as Ceylon, Kandy made quite an impact in the international tea market – having attained the position of the administrative capital for tea growers in the country - it has carried forward the tradition ever since. Coming back from a trip to Kandy without a pack of Kandy tea in the shopping bags is something that can’t be even imagined!
What made Kandy important in the world map of tea plantations are a suitable climate and the central location, which makes it quite easily reachable from neighboring tea growing areas. All this worked wonders for this city as a tea growing major and made it a popular destination among those with a sustainable interest in growing tea as well as tasting tea!
To add to this, the city even has a hotel offering exclusive tea trails to the travelers to Kandy. And, if this isn’t enough for a tea-full trip then do remember to drop in at the Ceylon Tea Museum, which not only offers a glimpse into the historic development of tea industry in Kandy but also gives a fair idea about the entire process that contributes in churning out that refreshing taste from a green tea leaf!
Now extremely popular across the country, the traditional dance of Kandy is said to have originated from an exorcist ritual required to cure the King Vijaya. His illness is believed to have been cursed on him by the black magic his first wife, Kuweni, practiced. The illness itself was the recurrence of a nightmare the king had where a leopard directed its tongue at him. Hill Capital or Cultural Capital or even Tea Capital – Kandy has earned quite a few nick names, so to say!
So what role does Kandy tea, play in the historic development of tea industry in Sri Lanka? The city had quite a significant part to play in catalyzing the entire process of production as well as commercialization of tea plantations across the island nation.
Back then in the end of the 19th century, when Sri Lanka was referred to as Ceylon, Kandy made quite an impact in the international tea market – having attained the position of the administrative capital for tea growers in the country - it has carried forward the tradition ever since. Coming back from a trip to Kandy without a pack of Kandy tea in the shopping bags is something that can’t be even imagined!
What made Kandy important in the world map of tea plantations are a suitable climate and the central location, which makes it quite easily reachable from neighboring tea growing areas. All this worked wonders for this city as a tea growing major and made it a popular destination among those with a sustainable interest in growing tea as well as tasting tea!
To add to this, the city even has a hotel offering exclusive tea trails to the travelers to Kandy. And, if this isn’t enough for a tea-full trip then do remember to drop in at the Ceylon Tea Museum, which not only offers a glimpse into the historic development of tea industry in Kandy but also gives a fair idea about the entire process that contributes in churning out that refreshing taste from a green tea leaf!
Kandy Shopping
Taking a trip to the second largest city ofSri Lanka would be incomplete without dedicating a day completely to shopping. It can be either the traditional handicrafts or antiques or Batiks that fill up the shopping bags as you walk out of the colorful shops lining up the streets, but one thing is for sure, the bags sure won’t return empty!
The heart of the city is definitely where you’d love to start your shopping expeditions from. And vying your attention and those hard earned pennies are several fashion studios with the latest collection of the local specialties. You can either get a souvenir for your loved ones back home or choose an exclusive piece of Batik to please your spouse – the choice is entirely yours! Jewelries and accessories with a special touch of Sri Lankan tou
The heart of the city is definitely where you’d love to start your shopping expeditions from. And vying your attention and those hard earned pennies are several fashion studios with the latest collection of the local specialties. You can either get a souvenir for your loved ones back home or choose an exclusive piece of Batik to please your spouse – the choice is entirely yours! Jewelries and accessories with a special touch of Sri Lankan tou
Kandy Lake
Built by the last king of Sri Lanka andKandy, Wikrama Rajasinhe, in order to add beauty to the Temple of Tooth,Kandy lake is an artificial construction marking a remnant of the last ever Sri Lankan kingdom.
Originally called Kiri Muhuda or the Milky Ocean, the lake has an unfinished wall called the Valakulu Bamma or clouds wall. Its incompletion is due to the arrest and imprisonment of King Wikrama Rajasinhe in 1815 when the British invaded and took Kandy. At 2060 feet, the cloud wall remains standing today in its unfinished state; the triangular holes in it are used to light oil lamps.
Originally called Kiri Muhuda or the Milky Ocean, the lake has an unfinished wall called the Valakulu Bamma or clouds wall. Its incompletion is due to the arrest and imprisonment of King Wikrama Rajasinhe in 1815 when the British invaded and took Kandy. At 2060 feet, the cloud wall remains standing today in its unfinished state; the triangular holes in it are used to light oil lamps.
Kandy Hotels And Restaurants
Having a fair idea about the accommodation options and expenses of your next holiday destination may be a good idea to enjoy a smooth trip. And, ifKandy is where you’re planning your next vacation then there’s a good chance that you’ll be spoilt for choices! Starting from budget hotels that are friendly to the pocket to bungalows and guest houses,Kandy has a myriad of accommodation options to suit your tastes and requirements.
Take your pick from the Nature Walk Resort, Spica Holiday Home, Forest Glen or the Swiss Residence if you wish to enjoy a long stay in Kandy without worrying about exhausting your finances. If, however, you’re planning to splurge yourself in a luxurious vacation then few of the best available options are Ceylon Tea Trails, Villa Rose and Ellerton.
Take your pick from the Nature Walk Resort, Spica Holiday Home, Forest Glen or the Swiss Residence if you wish to enjoy a long stay in Kandy without worrying about exhausting your finances. If, however, you’re planning to splurge yourself in a luxurious vacation then few of the best available options are Ceylon Tea Trails, Villa Rose and Ellerton.
Kandy Festival
This festival celebrates the Relic Tooth of Lord Buddha which is carried out in a procession for the people to worship and rejoice in its holy vibe.
It is widely well known for the grand show it puts up, with beautiful costumes, well choreographed dances, and decorated elephants. Considered a symbol of Sri Lanka, the Kandy Festival is said to be a culmination to rituals dating back centuries.
One of the rituals was the Esala Perahera, performed to ask the Gods for rain and the other ritual was the Dalada Perahera which celebrates the Relic Tooth of Buddha coming to Sri Lanka. The entire festival originates back to the time of King Rajasinghe in the 18th century who decided to give the public a chance to worship the otherwise secretly kept Relic Tooth.
It is widely well known for the grand show it puts up, with beautiful costumes, well choreographed dances, and decorated elephants. Considered a symbol of Sri Lanka, the Kandy Festival is said to be a culmination to rituals dating back centuries.
One of the rituals was the Esala Perahera, performed to ask the Gods for rain and the other ritual was the Dalada Perahera which celebrates the Relic Tooth of Buddha coming to Sri Lanka. The entire festival originates back to the time of King Rajasinghe in the 18th century who decided to give the public a chance to worship the otherwise secretly kept Relic Tooth.
Dalada Maligawa
The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple or Dalada Maligawa is a monumental architectural heritage of not just Kandybut the whole of Sri Lanka. This edifice was constructed to house the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha which was brought in to the country in a princess’s hair.
It is considered the holiest place for many Buddhists not just in Sri Lanka but by believers across the globe. The Relic Tooth was brought to Kandy by King Wimaladharmasuriya I who took it out of Delgamuwa in Sabaragamuwa, remains of which do not exist anymore.
It is considered the holiest place for many Buddhists not just in Sri Lanka but by believers across the globe. The Relic Tooth was brought to Kandy by King Wimaladharmasuriya I who took it out of Delgamuwa in Sabaragamuwa, remains of which do not exist anymore.
Ambuluwawa
Located in the middle of the Gampola Kingdom, Ambuluwawa is a rock mountain discovered in the 14th century by the Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV.
However it wasn’t put in to any use. Ambuluwawa is about 365 feet above sea level and 1965 feet from the level of Gampola town. It is famous for its bio diverse composition with about 200 different kinds of plants from 80 plant families. The soil is red and of the latezoic type, while a number of medicinal plants are also grown here, namely Iramusu, Muva Kiriya, and Nawa Handi.
The entire place is richly diverse and variegated, comprising of ever green forests, blossomed flower plants as well creepers. They are said to be a principal reason behind the cool mountain air. Ambuluwawa is surrounded by other mountains such as Pidurutalagala on the Eastern side, Bathalagela (Bible Rock) on the West, Sri Pada (Adams Peak) to the South, and the Knackles range in the North. Ambuluwala is the only Sri Lankan mountain peak surrounded by other mountains adding exquisite beauty to the scenery.
Recent development by Sri Lankan minister D.M. Jayaratne, has turned Ambuluwawa in to a reserve for folk museum. There are three tanks on top which have been built to supply water till the bottom of the hill. The Stone Park here also displays various kinds of stones available in this mountain, in order to show the significance of stone as an environmental element.
The Ambuluwawa summit has lovely scenic qualities, with beautiful entrances, water and stone parks, as well twin ponds. Plantations and orchards also promote the furthering of agricultural economy. Deer are also seen on the top of the mountain, while the precipice filled roads are often considered an important element in providing the tourists with a travel thrill.
However it wasn’t put in to any use. Ambuluwawa is about 365 feet above sea level and 1965 feet from the level of Gampola town. It is famous for its bio diverse composition with about 200 different kinds of plants from 80 plant families. The soil is red and of the latezoic type, while a number of medicinal plants are also grown here, namely Iramusu, Muva Kiriya, and Nawa Handi.
The entire place is richly diverse and variegated, comprising of ever green forests, blossomed flower plants as well creepers. They are said to be a principal reason behind the cool mountain air. Ambuluwawa is surrounded by other mountains such as Pidurutalagala on the Eastern side, Bathalagela (Bible Rock) on the West, Sri Pada (Adams Peak) to the South, and the Knackles range in the North. Ambuluwala is the only Sri Lankan mountain peak surrounded by other mountains adding exquisite beauty to the scenery.
Recent development by Sri Lankan minister D.M. Jayaratne, has turned Ambuluwawa in to a reserve for folk museum. There are three tanks on top which have been built to supply water till the bottom of the hill. The Stone Park here also displays various kinds of stones available in this mountain, in order to show the significance of stone as an environmental element.
The Ambuluwawa summit has lovely scenic qualities, with beautiful entrances, water and stone parks, as well twin ponds. Plantations and orchards also promote the furthering of agricultural economy. Deer are also seen on the top of the mountain, while the precipice filled roads are often considered an important element in providing the tourists with a travel thrill.
FROM http://www.kandycity.org
No comments:
Post a Comment