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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
2h
The Temple of Tooth at the final location of the Sacred Kandy is Tooth (Left Canine) of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kirtisri Megahavanna (301-328) by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala from the kingdom of Kalinga, India. It became the paladium of the Sri Lankan Kings and was preciously guarded in a special Shrine built within the precincts of the royal palace, wherever the capital was located. The ruins of such edifices remain in ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambabeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Kotte and Gampola, while at Kandy, the last capital, the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple continues to be the greatest Shrine that receives the utmost veneration of the Buddhist world.
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Peradeniya
4h
PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN
As Sri Lanka’s largest garden an elegant and spacious 147-acres (60-hectares) plenty of time is needed to stroll Peradeniya’s imposing Avenue of Royal Palms.
There are some 4,000 different species of plants at Peradeniya Gardens. The 10,000 or so trees, which are the stars, are mature, lofty giants, many of them tropical timber trees. Highlights of the collection include the Giant Bamboo of Burma, capable of growing to 40 meters height (130 feet) with a 25-centimetre (10-inch) stem diameter. And it can grow by a rapid 30 centimeters a day (12 inches).
Absolutely sensational is the century old giant Javan fig tree, its tentacle like roots spread across the enormous area of about 1,800 square meters (19,375 square feet) a massive central trunk beneath the tree’s vast canopy ‘umbrella’.
The Cannonball tree is also intriguing, with its cannonball-like fruit hanging off the trunk and large open, waxy pink-white flowers.
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Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
2h · Admission ticket not included
Tourists are most familiar with the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple, located on the hill of Bahirawakanda. It is known for its gigantic Buddha statue that can be seen from any location in Kandy. The statue depicts Lord Buddha in Nirvana, which is the position that corresponds to his first Enlightenment. It was built in 1972. It is Sri Lanka's tallest Buddha statue, standing at more than 25 metres high.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is only 2 km from the temple. The temple asks guests to take off their hats and shoes. Flowers or oil lamps can be offered to the temple as an offering. A flight of stairs leads to the Buddha statue. From there, visitors can climb up higher and see the surrounding landscape. At night, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate Kandy, making it look like the night sky.
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Kadugannawa
1h
The Kadugannawa Tea Factory is a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts and anyone interested in Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage. Nestled in the lush hills of Kadugannawa, this factory offers a fascinating insight into the tea production process that has made Ceylon tea world-renowned. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with the aromatic scent of fresh tea leaves as you embark on a guided tour through the factory. Here, you’ll witness each step of the tea-making process, from the withering and rolling of the leaves to fermentation and drying. The knowledgeable guides will explain the intricate methods that go into producing different grades of tea, offering a deeper appreciation for this cherished beverage. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tasting session of the factory's finest teas, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors and aromas. Don’t forget to pick up some freshly packed tea to take home as a souvenir!
