KANDY
Walking Tour of Kandy Town
This guided walking tour of Kandy’s city center can be tailored to your preferences depending on your interests and how long you would like the tour to last . You guide will take you through the streets, passing through the local market which sells vegetables, meat and fish , towards the historic queens Hotel where you will enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Optional visits include the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic.Kandy City Walking Tour
Kandy is the capital of End gateway to Sri Lanka’s majestic verdant hill country, a spiraling town surrounded by picturesque foothills which has a fascinating history and rich artifacts heritage that is best explored by seeing a spectacular show of Kandyan dance or investigating the beautiful old paintings which decorate the temples in and around the city center. Withstanding all attempts of colonial rule until the 19th century when the town fell into the hands of the British and the monarchy was disbanded, Kandy is littered with old Buddhist temples displaying iconic 15th and 16th century Kandyan art sitting side by-said with building bearing British architecture and their others projects such as the Royal Botanical Garden.
Go on this guide city walking tour of Kandy and see for yourself this towns intriguing combination of cultures. Begin by strolling around Kandy Lake and spot glimpse of the temple of the Tooth one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in south East Asia as you wend your way to the British Garrison cemetery where your guide will regale you with tales of its colonial residents. The town’s religious diversity is boldly apparent as you explore the exceptional temple grounds, from which you can view the nearby church, Kovil . After grabbing some refreshments at the historic Empire cafe head to a busier district which plays host a variety of interesting monuments before finishing at the intoxicating Kandy market.
This walk will last for two hours and can be scheduled for either 9am, 12pm or 3pm sarongs, socks and drinks are provided, as well as a host . Children above six years of age will enjoy this activity.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
A sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and has been enshrined within various temples on the island ever since, most recently the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth. This sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for the Sinhalese kings and always enshrined in great splendour. Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, golden roof and fine wood work and its 16th to 19th century ambiance still vividly alive. Religious services, poojas, are held daily at dawn , mid day and in the evening and can be viewed by visitors. The services are accompanied with traditional music and drumming. Although the Tooth relic cannot be seen within the temple as it is securely enshrined within, on the Esala full moon day of July to August each year, the sacred tooth relic, encased in a golden casket , is taken in procession or perahara on the back of the temple elephant through Kandy’s streets for all to see.
Kandy is a place steeped in history, culture and religion. Although the effects of moderation are visible, peek into the heart of this hill country capital and you will see that the core of this cool city remains traditional and friendly.Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Located just outside of Kandy, are Sri Lanka’s largest landscaped gardens, spanning over 60 hectares. The origin of the gardens dates back to the 14th century, but they were not formally established until 1843 when the British took control of the Kandyan kingdom. During the development of the gardens, a wide variety of plants were moved from several other parts of the island including slave island in Colombo and Kalutara on the west coast. Many species were also shipped from kew Gardens in London, which has the most diverse Botanical collection in the world. The Royal Botanical Gardens are now home to 4,000 different species of plants and over 10,000 trees, showcasing all of Sri Lanka’s flora and many other tropical plants not native to the island. Walk down avenue framed by towering coconut palms, shelter beneath the sprawling canopy of the old Javan fig tree, marvel at the extensive collection of orchids, and see giant fruit bats hanging in their hundreds from the tree tops.Kandyan Cultural Show
Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but had now spread to different regions of the island. Originated from a dance preformed by Indian shamans who came to the island, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in Sri Lankan culture and is a much anticipated event during prerahara processions. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the kohomba kapkariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performance where the men preform a series of leaping pirouette and stunts sush as plate spinning and the dramatic fire walk which ends the show.Train journey Kandy to the Ella
Train travel in Sri Lanka can be an adventurous experience and the morning railway journey form Kandy to the highlands is one of the greatest train rides in the world. The Sri Lanka Railway the government railway network, which was first started in 1864 during the colonial period, covers a wide network of routes that spreads across the island. Travel by rail to Hatton , Dickoy, Nuwara Eliya Or Ella, climbing up to 6,000 ft above sea level, and enjoy the spectacular scenery unfolding around you. The dramatic landscape of the highlands stirs the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. Your chauffeur guided will drop you at the station and help you with your tickets, transport your luggage for you and meet you at the station at the other end.Traditional Sri Lankan cooking class
Learn how to make rice and curry , Sri Lanka’s delicious and underrated traditional cuisine, which is overshadowed on the international culinary stage by the food of its neighbors , such as India . Although it sounds simple, rice and curry is actually a complex dish comprised of seven different elements, including curries , spiced vegetables in a variety of textures, sambols , chutneys and rice.Kandy Food
Kandyan cuisine has a distinct flavor. Ambul Thiyal, for example, is a popular sour fish curry . Traditionally in the villages, lunch is taken to the fields , or for a special occasion, in a kuruni basket with rice and curries wrapped in banana leaf. Kandyan sweet meats including kavum, Lokis. Pani walalu prepared mainly for festival occasions are delicious treats not to be missed. There are several wayside cafes right in the center of Kandy town such as the bake House , paiva’s and the pub that are popular for their snacks and savoury short eats (pastries). The History Restaurant show cases kandyan history with its myriad of old black and white photos and serves Sri Lankan and western cuisine. The Empire cafe is housed in the old Empire Building right next door to the temple of the Tooth. Owned by The Kandy House , The Empire cafe serves up freshly ground coffee , premium teas, snacks, cakes and home made ice cream. Most citadel and Mahaweli Reach welcome non resident guests at their restaurants that serve a mix of Sri Lankan and western buffets . For a more novel dining experience.Tour of a spice Farm
Sri Lanka has long been known for its spices,coveted throughout history by people from all over the world, from early Arab traders to the European clonisers. The island is still known for producing the purest cinnamon in the world, and Sri Lankan’s have been using spices in traditional Ayurvedic treatments since 2nd century BC.Victoria Golf And Country Resort
There are golf course that are scenic. There are many that are beautiful. But the Victoria Golf And Country Resort is simply spectacular even non golfers will love staying here. As it is truly one of the most beautiful course in South Asia.victoria Golf And Country Resort is a 500 acre estate on the edge of the vast Vitoria Reservoir and overlooked by the Knuckles Mountain Range. The Victoria Resort has a host of activities on offer such as swimming, tennis, horse riding, relaxing Ayurvedic massages and nature trails, but it is the Donald steel designed golf course that is Victoria’s star attraction.Sri Lanka canoe expedition
Canoe down the Mahaweli River and spend two nights camping under the stars in this magical four day and three night expedition.
This exhilarating and awe inspiring activity enables you to soak up parts of Sri Lanka little visited and gets you away from the tourist trail.
Full training and safety briefing are given and beginners with a sense of adventure are welcomed. The trip is normally limited to anage of 12 although younger are considered if they have above average strength and fitness for their age.
Your firs day begins at base cape in kitulgala, on the kelani River , where you are taught how to read the river and educated in safety and paddling techniques.
Stay here for one night, before rising early to head to the nahaweli River to begin your trip . One Day 3 you will meander gently through wasgamuwa National Park, paddling through a natural wilderness to the chirrup of bird life and exited chatter of monkeys. When dusk falls , sit by a camp fire and savour dinner under the stars.
The final day of an activity which can be the centerpiece of your Sri Lanka holiday ends in the heart of the cultural Triangle near the ruined city of Polonnaruwa.
Millennium Elephants Foundation
The millennium Elephants Foundation looks after elephants for their owners, and are an organization that have been working continually since their inception to improve the care , protection and treatment of captive elephants in Sri Lanka. The island has a historical cultural connection with elephants which dates back many years, and the ownership of these magnificent creatures and their use in religious ceremonies and procession is common practice across Sri Lanka. There are many organizations in the country which rescue elephants which are privately owned and give them a home when they are old, sick or badly injured, including the Millennium Elephants Foundation, who provide
Not only a place of sanctuary but also medical services and the necessary facilities to look after the elephants properly.
Eight elephants are currently in residence at the Millennium Elephants Foundation, which is located in kagalle near Kandy . Join an Elephant expert who volunteers here and learn all about the Foundation and the elephants that they care for. You can walk with the elephants, bathe them and visit the on- site elephants dung factory. However, visitors should be aware that many of the elephants kept here are chained, on the request of their owners, and the organization also offers elephants riding, to which we at Royal Road To Sri Lanka are strongly opposed. The elephants do no manual laborur , however, and are only guided by a trained mahout , a caretaker who uses a hook to tap certain pressure points on the animals’s body this does not hurt them when done correctly. Get up close and personal with some of Sri Lanka’s most majestic and iconic creatures and discover the complex issues which affect their conservation in Sri Lanka.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Located within the district of Kandy and matale in central Sri Lanka , the Knuckles Mountain Range. So called because of its appearance resembles a set of knuckles of a clenched fist, consists of five Mountain peaks and several other smaller peaks. With the highest point about 6,000ft above sea level the knuckles span an extensive region covering 155 sq. Km of the island. A wide variety of rere and endemic flora and fauna makes this wilderness area a storehouse Of rich biodiversity. Trek through dense forests, along rivers and waterfalls, past tea plantations and terraced paddy fields and visit some of the small rural village communities. Panoramic views of misty mountains, stunning valleys, ancient rock formations, lush forests, crystal clear streams, beautiful animal and plant life, paddy fields, traditional villages and hospitable people make the Knuckles an unmissable and unique blend of nature, cultural and adventure.
Mammals
31 species of mammals have been recorded in the Knuckles wilderness, four of which endemic and 9 of
Which are nationally endangered. Some of the common species include wild Buffalo, wild boar, black Naped Hare, jackal , Toque Macaque And Purple faced Leaf Monkey (both these primates are endemic to Sri Lanka). Other mammals recorded include Leopard, fishing cat , sambar, mouse Deer, Elephants.
Birds
The Knuckles forest region has a rich composition of bird life and has recorded over 130 species of birds, over 10 migrant species are also found here. Of the total recorded species 20 are nationally endangered. Some of the endemics seen here include the Yellow eared Bulbul, the elusive Sri Lankan whistling Thrush, Sri Lankan spot wing Thrush , Yellow- fronted Barbet , jungle fowl, Sri Lankan super fowl, Sri Lankan woodpecker pigeon, Sri Lankan Green pigeon ,Sri Lankan Hanging parrot, Layard’s parakeets, Brown capped Babbler, crimson-backed woodpecker, Sri Lankan woodshrike, Sri Lankan Dull blue Flycatcher, Sri Lankan Myna , Bush warbler and the Sri Lankan white- eye, some of the migrants include Indian pitta, common sandipiper , Gray and Forest wagtails, Brown shrike , Indian Blue chat , Greenish warbler , Large billed Leaf warbler , Brown breasted Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatchers , the endangered Kashmir Flycatchers.
Amphibians and Reptiles
20 Amphibians have been recorded here 12 are endemic and considered nationally endangered, and among them is the kirithisinhe’s Rock Frog which is found only in the Knuckles Mountain Range (inhabiting small streams which slide along rocky surfaces. Knuckles is believed to be home to several as yet undiscovered amphibians species, and there are some which have not yet been scientifically described. The small- Eared Tree Frog could be commonly heard in the lower and upper montane forests, while the Corrugated water Frog can be near the steams flowing through the above forests.
The Reptiles in Knuckles Range from small geckos and skinks to large monitor lizards and pythons . Of the 53 species recorded in the area, 23 are endemic whilst 24 are nationally threatened. Interestingly half of the Agamid lizard species in Sri Lanka are found in the Knuckles. Among them , the endemic Leaf nosed Lizard is found only in the Knuckles region. Accommodation of both venomous and non – venomous snacks can be found in the forest, but their scarcity means that an encounter will only occur with a deal of luck involved!. The network of streams in Knuckles harbours at least 25 species of freshwater fish with 8 endemics and 7 Nationally threatened fish species recorded.
