Kandy Sri Lanka.
Kandy, nestled in the central hills of Sri Lanka, is a city of immense historical and cultural significance. Often referred to as the country's "cultural capital," it was the last bastion of the ancient Sinhalese kings and the final capital of the Kingdom of Kandy, which resisted foreign rule for centuries. The city's identity is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, as it is home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses what is believed to be a sacred tooth of the Buddha. The city is also famous for the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, a grand procession of dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants that celebrates the relic. Surrounded by lush hills and a serene artificial lake, Kandy offers a captivating blend of spiritual devotion, rich heritage, and natural beauty.
Temple of the tooth.
The Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a revered Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It holds immense religious and historical significance as it houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the world. History and Significance The history of the tooth relic is said to date back to the 4th century CE when it was brought to Sri Lanka from India, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamala to protect it from enemies. Since then, the relic has been a symbol of sovereignty, and it was believed that whoever held the relic had the right to rule the country. This led to ancient kings protecting it with great care, building temples for the relic close to their royal residences. The current temple in Kandy was built in the 18th century during the reign of King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, and later renovated and enhanced by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe. Architecture and Design The temple complex is a masterpiece of traditional Kandyan architecture, incorporating a blend of Kandyan, South Indian, and Indo-Aryan styles. Key features of the complex include: Paththirippuwa (Octagonal Pavilion): A distinctive octagonal building added by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it was originally a part of the royal palace. The Main Shrine: A two-story building that houses the sacred tooth relic. The relic itself is not visible to the public; it is kept in a series of seven golden caskets adorned with gemstones, which are housed in a special chamber. Mahawahalkada (Main Entrance): An impressive entrance arch guarded by carved elephants on either side, leading to a moonstone (Sandakada pahana) at the foot of the steps. The Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa): A stunning wooden-pillared hall where Kandyan kings held their court. Rituals and Festivals The Temple of the Tooth is a center for vibrant daily rituals and grand annual festivals. Daily Worship (Theva): Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship ceremonies three times a day—at dawn, at noon, and in the evening. During these services, devotees can catch a glimpse of the golden caskets. Esala Perahera: The temple is the focal point of the world-famous Esala Perahera, a grand annual procession held in July/August. The festival features ornately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and fire performers, who parade through the streets of Kandy carrying a replica of the sacred casket. This magnificent spectacle is a testament to the cultural and religious importance of the temple. The Temple of the Tooth is not just a place of worship but a living testament to Sri Lanka's rich history, culture, and deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
Kandian traditional Udarata dance.
Kandyan dancing, or Udarata Natum, is the classical dance form of Sri Lanka. It originated in the central hill country, and its history is deeply intertwined with religious rituals, royal courts, and the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. History and Significance The roots of Kandyan dance lie in an ancient purification ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya. This ritual was performed to appease the deity Kohomba and cure a king from a mysterious illness. Over time, the dance evolved, and under the patronage of the Kandyan kings, it became a highly refined and sophisticated art form. The dancers were part of a specific caste and played a vital role in temple ceremonies and royal processions, especially the annual Kandy Esala Perahera. Characteristics and Performance Kandyan dance is known for its energetic and masculine style, which is often described as tandava from the Indian classical dance tradition. Key characteristics include: Powerful Footwork: Dancers use dynamic and rhythmic footwork, with feet turned outward and a wide stance. Acrobatics and Leaps: The dances feature impressive leaps, spins, and acrobatic movements. Stylized Hand Gestures and Body Movements: While less detailed than Indian classical dance in terms of facial expressions (abhinaya), the movements of the hands and body are highly stylized and symbolic. Musical Accompaniment: The dance is traditionally performed to the rhythm of percussion instruments, primarily the Geta Beraya (a long drum unique to Kandyan dance) and the Thalampota (a small pair of cymbals). The horaneva (a type of oboe) is also sometimes used. Types of Kandyan Dance There are five main types of Kandyan dance, each with its own characteristics and purpose: Ves Dance: This is the most popular and iconic form. Originating from the Kohomba Kankariya ritual, it was traditionally performed exclusively by males. The ves costume, particularly the elaborate and sacred headdress, is the most recognizable feature of Kandyan dance. Naiyandi Dance: A more graceful dance form, traditionally performed during the preliminary rituals of the Kohomba Kankariya, such as the lighting of lamps. The costume is simpler, consisting of a white cloth and turban. Uddekki Dance: This dance gets its name from the small, hourglass-shaped hand drum (uddekki) that the dancer plays while singing. Legend holds that the drum was a gift from the gods. Pantheru Dance: This dance is associated with the goddess Pattini and is performed with a pantheruwa, a brass instrument similar to a tambourine without a drumhead. It was traditionally used by ancient kings to signify victory in battle. Vannam: The vannams are a group of poetic dances that were originally recitations. The word vannam comes from the Sinhala word varnana, meaning "descriptive praise." There are 18 classical vannams, each depicting the characteristics and movements of animals (like the elephant, peacock, or monkey), historical figures, or religious themes. Costumes The Kandyan dance costume, especially the ves costume, is a significant part of the tradition. The male dancer's attire, with its intricate ornamentation, is considered sacred. It includes: Ves Headdress: A large, semi-circular crown-like ornament with seven "flames" or "leaves" and a long red cloth strip that is whirled in the air. Body Ornaments: The dancer's bare chest is adorned with a decorative beaded net, silver chains, and brass plates on the shoulders. Anklets: Metallic anklets produce a rattling sound that adds to the rhythmic performance. Today, while some of the ritualistic and caste-based traditions have faded, Kandyan dance has been revived and adapted for the stage, becoming a powerful symbol of Sri Lankan culture and a primary cultural export. It is a stunning visual and rhythmic spectacle that tells stories of history, nature, and spirituality.
Raja Museum.
Raja, the revered tusker of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, is a central figure in Sri Lanka's cultural and religious history. His preserved body is housed in the Raja Tusker Museum, a small but significant site within the temple complex. The Life of Raja Raja was a magnificent Sri Lankan tusker elephant, born around 1913. He was acquired by the Temple of the Tooth in 1937 and went on to serve the temple for over 50 years. His most distinguished role was as the main casket bearer of the Esala Perahera, the annual festival that pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. For 37 consecutive years, Raja had the immense honor of carrying the sacred casket, making him an icon of devotion and tradition. Raja was not just any elephant; he possessed the rare Maha Gaja Lakshana, the aristocratic physical characteristics that signify a superior caste of elephants in Sri Lanka. He was known for his noble demeanor, calm nature, and immense loyalty to the temple and his mahouts. In recognition of his invaluable service to the country's religious and cultural heritage, then-President J. R. Jayewardene declared Raja a National Treasure in 1986. The Museum Following his death in 1988, Raja was honored with a state funeral. His body was preserved through taxidermy, a rare tribute for an animal in Sri Lanka. The Raja Tusker Museum was established to house his preserved remains, allowing visitors to appreciate his size and grandeur. The museum is a solemn place where pilgrims and tourists can learn about Raja's life and his significant role in the Esala Perahera. It contains: Raja's taxidermized body: The centerpiece of the museum, his preserved form stands as a testament to his noble service. Photographs: A collection of photos documenting his life, his participation in the Perahera, and his interactions with various dignitaries. Information boards: These boards provide details about his history, physical characteristics, and the rituals he was a part of. The Raja Tusker Museum is a unique tribute to a beloved elephant who became a symbol of national pride and religious devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder of the deep spiritual connection between elephants and Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka.
Peradeniya royal botanical graden.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, are a world-renowned botanical garden located about 5.5 kilometers west of the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Sprawling over 147 acres, the gardens are the largest on the island and are celebrated for their incredible collection of over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, palms, spices, and medicinal plants. The Mahaweli River, the longest in Sri Lanka, forms a horseshoe bend around the gardens, adding to their scenic beauty. History The history of the gardens dates back to the 14th century when the area was used as a royal pleasure garden. It was later formally established by the British in 1821 as an experimental garden for economic crops like coffee and cinnamon. Over the years, under the guidance of several notable superintendents like George Gardner and Henry Trimen, the gardens grew into a world-class scientific and recreational institution. During World War II, the gardens were even used as the headquarters for the South East Asia Command under Lord Louis Mountbatten. Notable Attractions The gardens are meticulously designed and divided into several sections, each with its own unique highlights: The Orchid House: This is one of the most popular attractions, housing an impressive collection of over 300 varieties of exquisite orchids, including both indigenous and exotic species. The Avenue of Palms: There are several stunning avenues of palms, including the iconic Royal Palm Avenue, which creates a majestic, stately pathway. The Double Coconut Palm from the Seychelles, which produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom, is also a key feature. The Great Lawn and Javan Fig Tree: A vast open space perfect for picnics, dominated by a gigantic Javan Fig Tree. Its sprawling branches and root system cover an area of approximately 2,500 square meters, creating a natural canopy. The Spice Garden: Visitors can explore and learn about Sri Lanka's famous spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves. The Cannonball Tree: This tree, with its large, cannonball-like fruits and beautiful pink blooms, was planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901. Memorial Trees: Scattered throughout the gardens are trees planted by various heads of state, royalty, and other notable figures, each with a plaque detailing its history. The gardens are not only a paradise for botany enthusiasts but also a peaceful retreat for families and tourists seeking a serene and beautiful environment.
View point Kandy
The Kandy Viewpoint, also known as Arthur's Seat, is a very popular spot for visitors to the city. It's a key attraction for its breathtaking panoramic views and a unique blend of history and natural beauty. History and Legend The name "Arthur's Seat" is believed to have originated during the British colonial era. Local folklore says that a British tea planter named Arthur had a bungalow on the hill and would sit on a large stone in front of his house to enjoy the magnificent view of Kandy. This spot eventually became known as Arthur's Seat. In 2016, a new concrete viewing platform was constructed to accommodate the growing number of visitors. While the original stone seat was reportedly destroyed in the process, a symbolic seat made from the original rock slab was put in its place, preserving a part of its history. What to See and Do The viewpoint, located on Rajapihilla Mawatha, is situated at an elevation of about 550 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level. From here, you can get a sweeping view that includes: The entire city of Kandy. The serene Kandy Lake (also known as Kiri Muhuda or "Sea of Milk"). The iconic golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The lush green hills that surround the city. The Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photography, especially during the "golden hours" of sunrise and sunset when the light casts a beautiful glow on the city and the lake. Tips for Visiting Best Time to Visit: The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat and crowds. The sunsets are particularly spectacular. Accessibility: The viewpoint is located about a 15-minute walk from the city center, though the climb is steep. A tuk-tuk or taxi is a convenient option. Other Viewpoints: While Arthur's Seat is the most famous, another prominent viewpoint is from the Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, which offers a different perspective of the city from its hilltop location.
