The Sacred City of Kandy is Perfect for Photography
The sacred city of Kandy, with a history of over 3,000 years, was the capital of Ceylon’s last dynasty and one of Sri Lanka’s eight World Heritage Sites. Having endured colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, its indigenous culture has gradually merged with European-style architecture over time. The streets and alleys beside the Temple of the Tooth Relic and along Kandy Lake seem to narrate tales of past glory and legends, making it incredibly charming and perfect for photography 📸. We stayed in Kandy for 3 nights (for hotel reviews, see part ❷ of this series). Having witnessed its morning mist at sunrise and the glow of sunset, we still felt there was more to see. 📍👫 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic 👉 Impression: As the repository of Buddha Shakyamuni’s tooth relic, the temple holds the highest status in Theravada Buddhism. Its exterior may not appear grand, but the interior is a masterpiece of intricate maximalism—every beam, pillar, and wall is adorned with elaborate carvings, gold leaf, and vibrant murals that tell stories of faith and history. ✌️ Interesting incident: We happened to catch the daily evening worship ceremony. The ubiquitous lotus flowers and the chanting of monks created an immersive atmosphere that was truly captivating, as if time itself slowed down to join the reverence. Photography tips: The worship ceremony takes place around 6:00 p.m. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the temple, so wearing slightly thicker socks is advisable to protect your feet from the warm stone floors. The soft light of the ceremony, with flickering oil lamps and the glow of golden stupas, makes for stunning shots—just remember to respect the sacredness of the moment and avoid using flash.💕 📍👫 (The remaining photos were taken around the lake from different angles at different times) Kandy Lake 👉 Impression: Kandy Lake is to Kandy what West Lake is to Hangzhou. This artificial lake, dug centuries ago, has soothed the restless hearts of countless later generations. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains, the temple’s spires, and the changing sky, creating a picture-perfect scene in every season. ✌️ Interesting incident: After watching the worship ceremony at the temple, we strolled along the lake like locals. Our driver and tour guide, in no hurry to leave work, shared stories about his two daughters for the first time—simple, heartfelt moments that made the city feel even more alive. Photography tips: Make sure to wander the streets radiating out from Kandy Lake. At dawn, the lake shimmers with mist, and the temple’s silhouette emerges softly in the distance. At dusk, the sky turns a fiery orange, painting the water and the colonial-era buildings along the shore in warm hues. Capture the locals too—children playing by the water, elders sitting on benches, vendors selling lotus flowers—they add life and soul to every shot.❤️ #Travel #HoneymoonTravel #SriLanka #Kandy #TempleOfTheSacredToothRelic #KandyLake #WorldHeritage #KandyMoments #KandyTourism
