Kandy & The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Lanka Travels, Dec 2023)

Greetings Subscribers & Viewers:

The Sacred City of Kandy, nestled within the modern municipality of Kandy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the city has so much more to offer! Interesting food! And I got a haircut!

While the video starts with a few Sri Lanka tips and the Central Market (it’s always about the food!), right nearby at the most populus area at the bottom of the many valleys that comprise the municipality, the Sacred City of Kandy is a vibrant tapestry of history and culture. At its core lies the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a serene sanctuary that houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics. According to legend, the Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD, concealed in the hair of Princess Hemamali from the kingdom of Kalinga in India. It was enshrined in various temples close to the royal residences throughout the centuries, symbolizing the divine right to rule the land. Following the story of the Tooth Relic is like an Indiana Jones story, but from many different “owners” role and perspective, and the fact that it remained in Sri Lanka is quite a story onto itself. This story is well documented in the museum above the new temple.

The Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, stands as a testament to the devotion and reverence the people have for the Buddha. Its history is marked by periods of turmoil, having sustained damage from attacks but restored each time, preserving its spiritual and architectural grandeur. And not to be missed is the International Buddhist Museum – it traces the progression of the religion around the world, each regions’ influence on another and specific difference in practice.

Beyond the temple, Kandy offers a plethora of sites and activities that capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage city:

1. Royal Botanical Gardens: A horticultural haven, these gardens are a lush expanse of flora, including a renowned orchid collection. I am not a gardens person, but it was well worth the visit.

2. Ceylon Tea Museum: Delve into the history of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and sample some of the finest brews.

3. Bahirawakanda Temple: This hilltop Buddha statue provides panoramic views of the city and a peaceful setting for reflection.

Each of these destinations contributes to the unique charm of Kandy, making it a must-visit for those seeking to experience the soul of Sri Lanka. Whether you’re wandering through the botanical gardens or sipping on Ceylon tea, Kandy is a city that resonates with the harmony of its past capital status and the vibrancy of its present focal point of the highland region. Well worth a visit.

Have you ever been to Sri Lanka? If so, where was your favourite place? Let us know in the comments below. #tastetheworld. ✌🏽🥂

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Helpful references:

UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Sacred City of Kandy: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/450/

International Buddhist Museum: https://ibm.sridaladamaligawa.lk/

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