Kandy - Sri Lanka

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Kandy - Sri Lanka

No visit to Kandy would be complete without a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth or “Dalada Maligawa”, the unmistakable moated pink palatial building with a golden roof standing in its own grounds close to the shores of Kandy Lake. The “Dalada Maligawa” known simply as the temple of the tooth is famous as being the final resting place for the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and one of the most sacred sites for followers of Buddhism throughout the world, many of whom make a pilgrimage to the site daily. The relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century and has remained the symbol of sovereignty for its rulers ever since, being enshrined in great splendour wherever it has rested. The Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, moat, turrets, golden roof and fine wood work and its 16th - 19th century ambience vividly alive. Three religious services (pooja) with traditional music (drumming) take place daily and may be witnessed by visitors as the cask that contains the relic is exposed during the ceremony – a truly moving spectacle with a great sense of anticipation and mystery.

Natha Devale (temple) – A UNESCO world heritage site. With an elaborate entrance archway, it is built on a walled stone platform surmounted by a domical stupa and is Kandy’s oldest monument built in the 14th century.

Royal Palace Complex – The buildings of the Royal Palace Complex consist of the King’s Palace, Queen’s Palace, the Audience Hall, the Royal Bathhouse and the Royal Summer House, depicts the Sinhalese architecture and craftsmanship. The Queen’s Palace has now been converted into the “National Museum”. The “Archaeological Museum” and the Four Hindu Devalas (shrines) are in the surviving portion of the King’s Palace.

Kandy Lake – The shady paths provides magnificent views of the hills and of the town. The lake was created in 1807 by the last Sinhalese king. The island in the lake was the “Royal Summer House” which the salacious and unhistorical refer to as the harem.

Please note it is necessary to telephone and speak with a member of the team to reserve accommodation in Kandy