Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, the Capital of the Central Province of Sri Lanka is also known as Nuwara, Maha Nuwara and many other names (In Sinhalese). The meaning of all of these names is “City”, Maha Nuwara means the Main City. This gives us the idea that Kandy was a very important city in Sri Lanka from the very beginning.  Considering about the historical value of Kandy, It is known as the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and a sacred city for all Sri Lankans. Kandy is the home for the Sacred Temple of Tooth, which is worshiped by all the Buddhists in the Country. The total area of the city is 27 Square Km and the elevation is about 500 meters from the sea level. In 1998, UNESCO declared Kandy as a World Heritage Site considering the Importance of this world famous location.

Kandy is one of the most beautiful and scenic cities in the Hill Country. There are many attractive places like tropical tea plantations across the area and many other valuable monuments in this lovely city. The Royal Palace, Gadaladeniya Temple, Embakke Devale, Lankatilaka Vihara and Nalanda Gedige are few of the examples for the valuable places to visit in Kandy. We will discuss about them later in this post. Considering about parks and gardens, the most famous place is the Royal Botanical Garden of Kandy. This beautiful park is situated in Peradeniya town. According to the records, more than one million of visitors visit to this awesome place yearly. Udawatta Forest, Bible Rock, Camel Hill and Balloon Rock,  Royal Palace Park, Kandy Lake, Victoria Golf Club, are other examples for beautiful and interesting places in Kandy.

The most popular event in the Kandy is the Annual Procession which is called the Esala Perahara or Nuwara Perahara. This great function is organized yearly in order to get the blessings of the Tooth Relic to the City and the Island. Although it is a Buddhist ceremony, people all over the island belonging to any religious belief do not hesitate to participate to the procession or to watch this. They come from all the places to Kandy specially to watch this colorful event. The Esala Perahara is held in the month of July / August. This is a very beautiful event which holds in Sri Lanka yearly. The Perahara consists of Elephants (Tuskers), Traditional Dancers, and Drummers who are dressed in colorful dresses. Among the traditional dances, we can see fire dances which are performed with a circle of fire while rotating them, Traditional Kandyan Dances, which is very popular among the locals and foreigners, Whip Dances and many other types of cultural dances. This is an important event which attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.

By now you have gained a lot of knowledge about Kandy by reading the above paragraphs. We will discuss some more beautiful facts about this amazing city. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka for a Holiday, especially to Kandy, you might be interested to know what you can do, where to visit and where to stay. So this post will be complete guide in the means of tourism related to Kandy. 

When discussing about the attractions in Kandy, we can divide them into two sections as Cultural and Nature attractions.Waterfalls like Huluganga Falls, Jodu Falls, Kothmale Mahakandura Falls, Kurunduoya Falls, Laxapana Falls are some of the nature attractions in Kandy, comes under waterfalls. 

THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH

The Temple of the Tooth is a temple built for the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. This sacred place is located within the premises of Royal Palace in Kandy. The reason for the importance of this place is that this is known to be the only relic of Lord Buddha, available at present. In the meantime, it is believed that anybody who holds this sacred relic would have the right to govern or rule the country. Hence all the Sinhalese Kings gave their prominent place to protect this Tooth Relic from being stolen or derived from them. It is also apparent that the Sinhalese Kings have chosen Kandy as the Capital City, since Kandy is naturally a secured place due to its location. This established the protection of the Kingdom, as well as the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. 

On every Wednesdays, a special event named Nanumura Mangallya is held in the Temple of Tooth Relic. The Relic is bathed with specially prepared herbal water, and it is believed that this water has the power of healing diseases.

PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Royal Botanical garden which is spread across an area of 147 acres, is situated in Peradeniya, which is about 05 Km away from Kandy. This is famous around the world because of the collection of Orchid varieties found in the Garden. There are many of the important Spices and Medicinal plants available in the garden. The According to the historic records, it is said that The Royal Botanical Garden was first started at the time of King Wickramabahu III (1357-1374 AD). You can visit the web page of the Royal Botanical Garden via this link. The Garden is managed by the Department of National Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka.

PINNAWALA (PINNAWELA) ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

Pinnawala (Pinnawela) elephant orphanage is the largest Orphanage available for elephants in Sri Lanka. And it is one of the the largest Elephant Orphanage in the World. In 1975, the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation established this orphanage with the idea of creating a place to care and protect orphaned elephants in Sri Lanka.

The Orphanage is very popular among the Sri Lankans and the Foreign Tourists. Visitors love to see the bathing and playing of elephants in the river. The fees charged upon the admission to the orphanage by the visitors are used for the well-being of the elephants. Visitors have the ability to witness the daily routine of the elephants in the orphanage including feeding, bathing and bottle feeding. The Elephant orphanage is open the public daily. (08.30 am to 05.30 pm).

Feeding Times : 09.15 am, 01.15 pm and 05.00 pm in the evening.

HOTELS IN KANDY

With the development of the Tourism in Sri Lanka over the last few years, the number of Hotels was also increased rapidly in order to provide accommodation for the increased number of tourists. So, similarly in Kandy also, we can see a considerable number of new hotels were launched. But still there are only two 05 star rated hotels in Kandy. Namely Earls Regency and Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

Earls Regency Hotel Kandy *****

Earls regency hotel is an ideal place in Kandy if you are looking for a wonderful stay. It is located about 05 Km away from the city and located very close to the Mahaweli River. All the rooms are very well equipped and spacious enough. The hotel has a restaurant which serves a verity of cuisines. Price Range is comparatively high with compared to the other hotels in Kandy.

Hotel Facilities

·         Baby Sitting Service
·         Business Center
·         Children's Swimming Pool
·         Internet Access - High Speed
·         Library
·         Reception
·         Sauna
·         Swimming Pool - Outdoor
·         Bar / Lounge
·         Cafe
·         Conference Facilities
·         Laundry Facilities
·         Lobby
·         Restaurant
·         Shopping Arcade
·         Tennis Court
·         Beauty Salon / Hairdresser
·         Children's Playground
·         Gym / Fitness Facilities
·         Laundry Services
·         Parking Facilities
·         Room Service
·         Spa / Wellness Center
·         Tour Desk
 

Room Facilities

·         Air Conditioning
·         Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
·         Hairdryer
·         Telephone
·         Microwave Oven
·         Wireless Internet Access

Contact Numbers: 081 - 2 422 122 (Hotel)

Reservations: 011  -  2 308 408 (Aitken Spence Hotels)

Mahaweli Reach Hotel Kandy *****

If you wish to stay in a 05 star rated heritage hotel while you are in Kandy, Mahaweli Reach is the best option. The hotel has a very good service and hospitality. Hotel is located very close to the Mahaweli River (on the banks of river) and the Kandy City. Also if you stay at Mahaweli Reach Hotel, you will find that it is very short distances to the sightseeing areas from the hotel. All the rooms are spacious and in good condition.

Hotel Facilities

·         Bar / Lounge
·         Restaurant
·         Business Centre
·         Spa / Wellness Centre
·         Gym / Fitness Facilities
·         Swimming Pool – Outdoor

Room Facilities

·         Air Conditioning
·         Disabled Facilities
·         Mini Bar
·         Refrigerator
·         CD Player
·         Hairdryer
·         Modem / Data Port Connection
·         Spa Bath
·         TV
·         Iron / Ironing Board
·         Radio

Contact Numbers: 081 – 4472727 (Hotel)

Reservations: 081 – 4471883 / 081 – 4471885  

Amaya Hills Resort Kandy ****

Amaya Hills is a four star hotel located 7 km away from the Kandy city center. If you wish a relaxing holiday in Kandy, this is also a good option.

 

Hotel Facilities

·         Airport Transfer
·         Banquet Facilities
·         Business Center
·         Conference Facilities
·         Doctor On Call
·         Garden
·         Gym / Fitness Facilities
·         Parking Facilities
·         Room Service
·         Spa / Wellness Center
·         Tennis Court
·         Baby Sitting Service
·         Bar / Lounge
·         Cafe
·         Currency Exchange Services
·         Faxing Facilities
·         Gift Shop
·         Internet Access - High Speed
·         Reception
·         Safe Deposit Box
·         Squash Court
·         Ballroom
·         Billiards
·         Children's Swimming Pool
·         Dining Room
·         Games Room
·         Golf Course
·         Laundry Facilities
·         Restaurant
·         Shopping Arcade
·         Swimming Pool – Outdoor 

Room Facilities

·         Air Conditioning
·         Disabled Facilities
·         Iron / Ironing Board
·         Radio
·         Valet Service
·         CD Player
·         Private Bathroom
·         Mini Bar
·         Refrigerator
·         Wireless Internet Access
·         TV
·         Hairdryer
·         Modem / Data Port Connection
·         Telephone
 

Contact Numbers: 081 – 4474022/8 (Hotel)

Reservations: 011 2 4767888 (Ext: 842) – Direct: 011 2 4767842

Swiss Residence ***

Swiss Residence is another good hotel situated in the Kandy City Center (about 01 Km).  Hotel provides you with all the comfort and facilities to make your holiday an unforgettable one. With the location of the hotel, it makes the guests to easily access many sights in Kandy including the Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth Relic etc.

Contact Numbers: 081 – 2204646 / 7 (Hotel)

Here we have discussed only about very few details about the city and the hotels in Kandy. I will bring you another article with all the hotels in Kandy very soon. 

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Beautiful Sri Lanka - Photos - 02

Beautiful Sri Lanka Photos - 02

Beautiful Sri Lanka colombo wallpaper

photo credit : http://srilanka.for91days.com

Beautiful Sri Lanka Peradeniya University 

Sri Lanka's Beautiful and prestigious Temple of Tooth, Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Sri Lanka Elephants, Pinnawala and Dehiwala Zoo photos

Beautiful photos Sri Lanka night view

Disclaimer : Credit goes to the real owners of the photographs

beautiful photos of Sri Lanka, sri lanka nature photographs, sri lanka wallpapers,

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Beautiful Sri Lanka - Photos - 01

I received these images in an email messages. So I thought I would share them with you all so that anybody who is visiting this site may see the beauty of our Mother Land, Sri lanka.

Disclaimer : Credit goes to the real owners of the photographs

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GOOGLE DOODLE FOR SRI LANKA INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Today, 04th Feb 2013 is the 65th Independence celebration of Sri Lanka. All the people in this small island commemorate this special day with a great respect to their motherland Sri Lanka.

The newest news is that, the Giant of the internet search (or simply the Giant of the internet) has supported all Sri Lankans to celebrate this marvelous day by including a Google Doodle in their homepage.

the special Google Doodle which was designed to celebrate the Sri Lanka's Independence day.

This is the first time in history, where an online presence was like this was given to the Independence day of Sri Lanka. We all remember the days which we used to look at the list of Google Doodles to find something relevant to Sri Lanka. This is a great news for all Sri Lankan internet users.

This new doodle represents the colors present in the National Flag of Sri Lanka, along with the symbol of the Lion holding a sword in its right hand.

This doodle is visible only on the Google's Sri Lankan homepage, google.lk,  or to visitors to Google.com, the world wide homepage from Sri Lanka.

Learn more about the Independence of Sri Lanka. Follow this link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankan_independence_movement

Wish all Sri Lankans a Happy Independence Day!!! 

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WHAT EFFECTED TO THE CULTURE OF SRI LANKA

MUSIC AND DANCE

Sri Lankan music has been influenced over time by Buddhism, colonization and Indian culture. The Portuguese brought ukuleles, guitars and cantiga ballads with them as well as a style of music called baila. Kandyan dance is one of the most popularly seen dances. This Sacred form incorporate elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, elaborate costumes, rhythm and mime. The dancers are a highlight of the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival (July / August), but can also be seen in cultural performances in the city all year round.

RELIGIONS

All around Sri Lanka you will see Buddhist temples, brightly painted Hindu Kovils, mosques and churches that give a glimpse into the spiritual vibrancy of Sri Lankan life. The island is particularly fascinating during religious festivals where everyone seems to join in. Buddhism is the major religion in Sri Lanka and some believe that Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka three times during his lifetime. The most important Buddhist sanctuaries to be explored are at the top of Sri padha Mountain (Adam’s Peak) in Hill country, the temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Dambulla Rock Temples in the Cultural Triangle. 

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WATERFALLS IN SRI LANKA

01. Asupini Ella – Kegalle, Sri Lanka.

Also known as `Asupini Falls`.

This is a beautiful Waterfall which can be found in Aranayake, Kegalle District and has a height of 30m. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka for a Holiday, I suggest that you should definitely visit this historic place. As in the folklores, 33 queens and a King of Sri Lanka have committed suicide in this place. That is a story which can be written in a separate post. So I am not going to post it here. :)

02. Bambarakanda Falls – Kalupahana – Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.

This waterfall located about 18 km from Belihuloya. One has to reach Kalupahana on Belihuloya-Haputale road and then travel about another 4 km away by a small motor able road off Kalupahana. This is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, which is 790 ft in height. It will be a pleasant experience to have a dip in the pool at the base of the fall. This base pool can be reached by walking about a kilometer through the forest. It would take 1-1/2 – 2 hours to travel the 18km from Belihuloya to get to the waterfall.

03. Doovili Ella – Kalthota – Balangoda, Sri Lanka.

This water fall situated in Kaltota

The name of this 40m waterfall is derived from the Sinhala word for dust – duvili, as it appears to raise a cloud of dust at the base.

To reach this waterfall one has to turn off Kaltota (28 km from Balangoda) and walk about 2km through very difficult terrain where sometimes even wild elephants prowl. The distance from Belihuloya to this waterfall is about 45km and would take about 3hours to reach it.
also known as Duvili Ella, Duwili Ella.

04. Doovili Ella – Knuckles, Sri Lanka.

This is an 80 meters height waterfall situated in the Knuckles Mountain Range.

also known as Duvili Ella, Duwili Ella.

04. Galaboda Falls – Galaboda – Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka.

The only access for this fall is by train. You have to get down at Galaboda Railway station and then trek to water fall.

05. Galagama Falls – Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.

This 500ft waterfall is in a deep gorge in Belihuloya covered with large slippery rocks. To reach this, one has to travel up to Ihalagalagama along a small motor able road for about 5km and walk about 6 km through paddy fields and scrub jungle. It will take about 2 hours to reach this waterfall.

06. Gerandi Ella – Knuckles, Sri Lanka.

Gerandi Ella is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, which originates from the Knuckles mountain range. I will add more fascinating facts about this place when I get them. Don’t forget to add your ideas in the comments so that everybody would get something to know about the place.

08. Huluganga Falls – Panwila – Kandy, Sri Lanka.

This is another nice waterfall, in the Kandy district and originated from the Knuckles mountain range and flows to the Victoria Reservoir. Elliyadda and Aratthana are two villages which make use the water from this waterfall. The measured height of the waterfall is about 75 meters. 

If anybody is interested to visit this place, the location of the waterfall is below the town of the Hulu River, near Panwilla, (Kandy District).

09. Kirindi Ella – Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.

Kirindi Ella is a 116 meters height waterfall in Rathnapura District which originates from the Kuttapitiya Mountain (Actually the source of this fall, the Kirindi Ella River originates here, about 940 meters above). The fall flows to the Kaluganga River located within a jungle in Bambarakotuwa. The approximate length of the waterfall is 13 KM approximately.

10. Kurunduoya Ella – Kandapola, Sri Lanka.

Kurundu Oya falls is situated at the High Forest Estate, Kandapola. You have go walk along the footpath in order to reach the foot of this mighty and beautiful waterfall. First part of the trek goes through the tea plantation. From the half way it will move through the jungle.

11. Pahanthuda Ella – Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.

This water fall is situated close to Belihuloya. To get to this beautiful fall, one has to travel along the Ihalagalagama road for a kilometer and walk down the mountain for half a kilometer.

This waterfall, about 15ft in height is situated one and a half a kilometers from Belihuloya.

The base of this waterfall, carved out of the rock bed is shaped like an oil lamp. Hence it has earned the name Pahanthuda Ella from the Sinhala word “pahana” for lamp.

The time taken would be about one hour from Belihuloya.

12. Ratna Ella – Mahiyangana, Sri Lanka.

Ratna Ella is a scenic waterfall located 10 km away from the Mahiyanganaya (A historic city in Sri Lanka). Height is 111 meters. If you wish to have a bath in the bottom of a waterfall, this is the best place :)

13. Surathalee Falls – Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.

Eight kilometers from Belihuloya, one can see this waterfall, from the Colombo-Badulla main road at Halpe. In true sense of the word, this is not a waterfall but a water-slip. The water, slides down along a rock wall on the eastern slope of Mountain Ellamana for about 65 ft, forms this water-slip and joins the Weli Oya later. This waterfall can be reached in about 20 minutes.

14. Dunsinane Falls – Pundaluoya (Elpitiya Plantations), Sri Lanka.

Duncinane falls are located in Duncinane estate off Pundaluoya about 16 km from Nuwara Eliya town.           

There are 3 nice water falls located at Duncinane estate.

15. Dunhinda Falls – Badulla, Sri Lanka.

This gigantic yet beautiful, waterfall is situated close to Badulla, an ancient hill capital.

It is about 63m (208ft), fed by Baduluoya, a tributary of Mahawelli Ganga. To reach the waterfall one has to walk about 2km from the Badulla - Mahiyanganaya road.

Please leave a comment if you appreciate this post. It will be a great support to continue this blog. 

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