Sri Lanka | Third Stop: Kandy, the Holy Land of Buddhism

Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural capital, one of the three ancient cities, and a sacred site of Buddhism.🦕 📍 1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Sri Lanka's Most Sacred Buddhist Site🍆🍆 ✨ It enshrines a tooth relic of Gautama Buddha. It is said that there are only two such relics in the world: one here and the other at Lingguang Temple in Beijing, China.🇨🇳 There are rituals for worshipping the tooth relic in the morning and evening. However, the relic is kept in a shrine covered by a curtain, so❗️❗️ 😊😊ordinary visitors cannot actually see it. If you visit here in July or August, you can witness the grandest festival - the Esala Perahera (Tooth Relic Festival), which lasts about 10 days. Many Buddhists from around the world come to pay homage.😻 🎟 Ticket price: 2000 LKR ⏰ Opening hours: 05:30-20:00. The best time to visit is during the morning or evening rituals (6:30 / 9:30 / 18:30), when you can observe the ceremonies.🌻🌻 📌 Notes: Proper attire is required to enter the temple (skirts/pants below the knees, shoulders covered); otherwise, entry is prohibited.🍢 Shoes must be removed before entering. The ground can be rough, so bringing a pair of socks is recommended.👍 🌊 2. Kandy Lake - The Most Beautiful Leisure Trail ✨ Highlights: Built by the King of Kandy in 1807, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for walking or cycling.❣️❣️ In the morning, you can see monks praying along the lake; in the evening, the lake reflects the city lights, creating a wonderful atmosphere!✨ 💰 Cost: Free ⏰ Recommended time: Morning (7:00-9:00) for fresh air, or sunset for the most photogenic views. 🛍 3. Kandy Municipal Central Market - The Largest and Most Comprehensive Local Market 📍 Search "Kandy Municipal Central Market" on Google Maps 🎉🎉. It’s a short walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic along Kandy Lake. 📌 This market is the most authentic local spot in Kandy, with sections for fruits and vegetables, spices, local clothing and daily necessities, and handcrafted souvenirs. Prices are low, and bargaining is possible.⛄ 💡 Shopping Tips: Bargaining: Prices are flexible, and most vendors overcharge, so bargaining is a must! Sri Lankans are generally friendly, and you can usually get a better price.🏛️ 🚒Cash payment: Most stalls don’t accept credit cards, so have cash (LKR) ready. Try local snacks: There are many food stalls around the market. Try Sri Lankan samosas and hoppers (coconut pancakes) - cheap and authentic! Anti-theft: The market is crowded, so keep your backpack close and wear it in front.🐼 ⚠️ General Notes: ☀️☀️Sun protection + mosquito repellent: Kandy is in a mountainous area with strong UV rays; bring sunscreen and insect repellent.🍃 Dress code: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic requires long pants/skirts below the knees and covered shoulders - no shorts or tank tops.🍆 Transportation: Attractions are generally close to each other. Walk in good weather, or use the PickMe app to book a tuk-tuk if you prefer not to walk.👣👣 #SriLanka #SriLankaTravel #SriLankaGuide #Kandy #TempleOfTheSacredToothRelic #LesserKnownCountriesToTravel