Sri Lanka Travel Diary - Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy

Matale Spice Garden This spice garden is a treasure trove of tropical aromas—think aloe vera, sandalwood, and endless rows of spices that define Sri Lankan cuisine. There’s even a tiny pineapple variety here, rumored to aid weight loss? (I’m skeptical 🤨) The guide plucked fresh cinnamon sticks and crushed them in his palm, releasing a warm, sweet scent that lingered on my clothes for hours. It’s a sensory delight, even if the “weight-loss pineapple” remains a mystery.🙌 Kandy Lake Kandy Lake is a gem. Thanks to its slightly higher elevation, Kandy stays cooler than Colombo, making it a favorite among Sri Lanka’s wealthy—their luxurious mansions cling to the hills opposite the lake, each with a price tag as stunning as the views. More than just a pretty spot, Kandy is the country’s spiritual heart and former capital, its identity shaped by centuries of religious and royal history. Strolling the lake at dusk, with the temple’s spires glowing in the distance, you can feel why it’s cherished above all.👍 Temple of the Tooth Relic Right beside the lake, this temple pulses with devotion—it’s home to Buddha Shakyamuni’s tooth relic, and the crowds swell on weekends, with pilgrims jostling to offer lotus flowers. Entering requires removing shoes: you can store them for 25-30 rupees, or tuck them into your bag to save a little cash. Pro tip: Pack thick socks—the stone floors bake in the sun and can burn your feet! Inside, the air hums with chants, and the golden shrine holding the relic feels like the beating heart of the city.😍 Kandy National Museum Just steps from the temple, the national museum is a quiet chronicle of Sri Lanka’s past. No photos allowed, but the exhibits speak volumes: ancient royal artifacts, faded manuscripts, and tools from bygone eras that trace the island’s journey through time. It’s a compact but rich dive into history, perfect for connecting the dots between Kandy’s present and its regal past.👍 Kandyan Dance Performance A short walk from the museum lies the venue for Kandyan dance—a vibrant showcase of Sri Lanka’s folk traditions. Dancers in feathered headdresses and beaded costumes twirled to drumbeats, their movements telling stories of gods, warriors, and daily life. From fiery war dances to graceful ritual movements, it’s a lively crash course in local culture—definitely worth the detour.😍 Back to the hotel After a day steeped in history and rhythm, returning to the hotel felt like sinking into a well-earned rest. Kandy has a way of wrapping you in its energy, then softening into calm when the sun sets—tomorrow, I’ll wake ready to explore more.😊 #Kandy #InternationalTravel #MyTravelDiary #DailyLifeInKandy #StudentTravel #RomanticLifeRecorder