From there, travel in a small van amongst a small group of tourists can lead to Rambukkana, followed by Mawanella, before reaching Kandy, one of the significant destinations in Sri Lanka.
There are countless must-do things in Sri Lanka, but it is about opting for the
best. These world-renowned spots draw thousands of travelers. Time allocation
is vital. Some destinations may require several hours, while others may be like
a pit stop of about an hour.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Rambukkana remains one of the most visited sites in Sri Lanka, drawing crowds throughout the year. It attracts not only international travellers but also locals from across the country.
Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the
orphanage is among the largest in the world for captive elephants. It was
created with the purpose of caring for abandoned, injured, and orphaned
elephants.
The road leading to the riverbank is lined with street stalls on both sides and
is dusty during the hot season. Sunglasses, a hat, and light cotton clothing
are advisable for comfort.
At the riverbank, the sight opens to elephants bathing in the Maha Oya River.
Some enter the water freely, while others are guided by caretakers. From
massive adults to playful calves, the area is wet and slippery when moving
closer. Photographing with the elephants requires payment, and patience is
needed as others wait for their turn.
Once the bathing session ends, the elephants walk back towards the orphanage,
crossing the road in groups, a scene often watched along the way.
Inside the orphanage, elephants are fed and attended to, with bottle-feeding
sessions for the calves scheduled at specific times.
Over the years, much has been discussed about whether Pinnawala
functions as a rehabilitation centre or operates mainly as a tourist
attraction. The presence of heavy chains on the elephants can be unsettling,
raising questions about whether these animals are truly being cared for or
primarily displayed. Still, Rambukkana remains a stop included on many Sri
Lanka travel itineraries.
Sri Lankan spices are renowned worldwide. Over time, they have been cultivated organically, with natural fertilizers supporting eco-friendly and sustainable farming in Sri Lanka. A visit to Mawanella, located between Kandy and Colombo, must include a stop at a spice garden. Here, it is possible to see how Sri Lankan spices are grown, harvested, and processed for everyday use in cooking.
There are both small and larger spice gardens. The bigger ones feel like
walking through wide, green grounds filled with spice plants and trees. From
the entrance into the spice paths, the aroma of spices fills the air. Cinnamon,
pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves are commonly seen. In addition, some spice
gardens in Mawanella also grow vanilla.
Guided spice tours are available, but walking at your own pace is also
possible. Moreover, demonstrations are usually part of the visit. These show
how Sri Lankan spices are prepared for Ayurvedic remedies, or how they are
produced into perfumes, oils, and balms.
Sri Lankan-grown spices are also available for purchase, along with products
such as herbal oils and balms.
However, it is advisable to check the prices by converting them into
local currency. This provides a clearer sense of whether the purchase is
affordable or expensive. Overall, Sri Lankan spice gardens in Mawanella are
consistently regarded as among the best in the world. Still, the value often
depends on whether prices are set with international travelers in mind.
When Sri Lanka is mentioned, gemstones often come to mind. The island is world-famous as a haven for precious stones, known as the “Gem Island” or Ratna-Dweepa in Sanskrit.
On the way from Mawanella to Kandy, a drive of around one hour, it is hard to
miss the gemstone showrooms, which include gemstone workshops and gem museums.
Not surprisingly, most Sri Lankan tours include a visit to these outlets and
factories.
The most popular Sri Lankan gemstones include:
• Blue sapphire - the national gemstone of Sri Lanka, admired worldwide
• Ruby
• Topaz
• Alexandrite
• Moonstone
• Garnet
• Amethyst
• Tourmaline
Kandy gemstones feature these varieties. During the visit, staff can be
seen cutting, polishing, and setting the stones in action. Some tours include a
more detailed demonstration, showing the traditional gem mining methods in Sri
Lanka. Refreshments are also served to keep guests comfortable.
Prices are clearly listed, whether the stones are sold loose or mounted on
rings, necklaces, or earrings. Discounts may come along the way. Overall, Sri
Lankan gemstones are expensive, but they remain highly sought after. They are
worth buying for collectors or anyone drawn to fine gemstones.
Wood Carving in Kandy
Between the large and small wood carving stores, the range of finished products
is extensive. There are wood items in various sizes and shapes. Visiting a wood
carving store is often part of a Kandy, Sri Lanka itinerary. Here, you can find
carved temple decorations, Buddha statues, furniture, masks, and other
decorative items made from local timber.
When purchasing, requests for shipping bulk orders or larger pieces to a
specific address may be accommodated. For those carrying items themselves,
proper packaging is required for flights. Items must fit in luggage and not
exceed airline weight limits.
While walking around and viewing the wood products, artisans continue their
carvings on-site. Some stores include demonstrations of wood carving
techniques. Wood carving has firmly put Kandy on the map as a hub for Sri
Lankan arts and crafts.
Located about 5-6 km from Kandy city center, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is one of the largest and most famous botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Established in 1821 during the British colonial period, the gardens span around 147 acres (60 hectares) and are renowned for their collection of plants and trees.
Among the collection are over 4,000 varieties of orchids, towering palms, giant
Javan fig trees, and medicinal plants used in traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic
remedies. The gardens also feature flower beds, wide walking paths, and
historical monuments. It is a notable natural attraction in Sri Lanka.
A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a key stop in any Kandy itinerary and
one of the top things to do in Kandy. Walking through the gardens can easily
take at least two hours. Walking from the entrance through the entire garden,
following the directions and stopping to see the plants, can be tiring.
After
the first hour, continuous walking can make it unclear which direction to go
next. At times, it can feel like circling within the same area. While parts of
the garden are shaded, other sections are open to the sun. On hot days,
carrying water is necessary.
Although the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Kandy is a must-visit, it is best to consider whether it is suitable for those who prefer shorter walks. Including it in your Kandy itinerary ensures a chance to visit a major Kandy attraction and see a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s flora.
One of the top things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Built in the 16th century by King Vimaladharmasuriya I to house and protect the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century, the temple has been expanded and renovated by successive kings. It remains part of the Kandy royal palace complex and is closely linked to Sri Lanka’s history and Buddhist faith.
The tooth itself cannot be seen directly, but daily rituals include offerings
of flowers, lamps, and incense. The best time to visit is in the late evening
when the sun is setting, adding a sense of calm as people walk into the temple.
Ceremonies are mostly attended by locals and conducted by monks from the
Malwathu and Asgiri chapters of the Buddhist clergy.
On Wednesdays, the special
Nanumura Mangallaya ritual is performed, symbolically bathing the relic with
scented water and flowers. This holy water is believed to have healing
properties. It is advisable to check the prayer schedule to avoid long waiting
times.
Inside the temple, there are outer halls, carved wooden pillars, gilded
decorations, and traditional Kandyan architecture throughout the complex. The
upper floors display a collection of historical artifacts, relic caskets, and
ceremonial items. A balcony on the upper level overlooks the temple courtyard
and parts of Kandy city, providing a wider view of the temple and surroundings.
Just before the main entrance, there is a prayer area with lit lamps and
candles, enhancing the temple’s spiritual atmosphere, especially in the
evening.
