Sri Lanka Rajawella

Royal Botanical Gardens - Just outside of Kandy in Peradiniya are the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens. First conceived as a Queen’s pleasure garden in the 14th century, the gardens were formally opened under their current guise in 1821. Over 60 hectares of tranquil, immaculately designed lawns, borders, pavilions and plant houses. Walking around you could easily think you are in Kew or Stourhead such is the English feel, but the heat and extraordinary diversity of the tropical plants give the game away.

Temple of the Tooth - A sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th Century A.D. and was enshrined within the Dalanda Maligawa (or the Temple of the Tooth). This sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for the Sinhalese kings and always enshrined in great splendour. The temple is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services (pooja) are held daily at dawn, mid-day, and in the evening.

Esala Perehera - On the Esala full moon day of July/August each year, the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, encased in a golden casket, is taken in procession (a Perehera) on the back of the temple elephant along the streets of Kandy for all to see. This ritual, which has been taking place for hundreds of years, is an experience of a lifetime. Scores of elephants all dressed in their finery, Kandyan chiefs in their traditional royal attire, thousands of dancers, drummers, flag bearers and Buddhist monks all walk in procession in honour of Lord Buddha.

Udawattakele Sanctuary - To the north lies Udawattakele Sanctuary. Unique because it is effectively a rainforest within a city, Udawattakele is ideal for those who enjoy exploration at an easy pace. Alongside the forest’s paths is a plethora of exotic flora and fauna. By no means developed as an attraction, the most common sight with in are amorous young couples out for romantic strolls or hidden liaisons. Aside from this the sanctuary the area is packed with interesting sights for the keen observer.

Victoria Golf and Country Resort - No write up of this course could do it justice. The course’s accolades speak for themselves: ‘Best Course in Asian Sub-continent 2005’ Asian Golf monthly, ranked in ‘Top 100 Most Beautiful courses in the World,’ by Golfers Digest. Set in the spectacular Kandyan hill country, a short distance from Kandy, this Donald Steel designed course is a true test of all your golfing ability. Good caddies and cunning ball-finders are always at hand and there is also the opportunity to receive coaching from the club pro.

Trekking in Knuckles Mountain Range - The Knuckles (so called because of its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist) consists of five mountain peaks with the highest point about 6,000 ft above sea level spanning over an extensive region covering 155 sq.km of the island. A wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna makes this wilderness a storehouse of rich biodiversity. Treks through dense forests, along rivers and waterfalls, past tea plantation and terraced paddy fields, are most rewarding.

Meemure - Nestled amidst the magnificent Knuckles Range in the central highlands, Meemure is a remote rural village where life is wholesome and rich in traditional values with the greatest respect for nature and cultural heritage. Here, untouched by modern technological development, life goes on at an unhurried pace, with children guided by the village elders and nurtured on stories of Meemure’s great ancient history. The 125 or so families that live in this remote village take pride in their self-sustaining lifestyles. Surrounded by misty mountain peaks, Meemure’s beautiful rural landscape is one of endless paddy fields, patches of arecanut trees and reed bushes, streams and waterfalls, and lush home gardens. The surrounding wilderness areas of the Knuckles mountain range is a storehouse of rich biodiversity with a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna including numerous species of birds and butterflies.

National Museum - Situated behind the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy’s National Museum provides a glimpse into the Kandyan period in the 17th-18th Century. Various items donated to the Sri Dalada Maligawa by kings, noblemen, and other devotees have been put on display in this well laid out museum. The upper levels of the building houses rare Ola manuscripts, Royal apparel, life size models of the lost King and Queen of Kandy, and a variety of antiquities.

Nilambe Meditation Center - Located in Galaha, approximately 20 kms south of Kandy, the Nilambe Meditation center offers guided meditation retreats for extended periods. There is a daily set schedule of meditation classes and visitors not intending to learn meditation are not encouraged. Beautifully positioned with great views, Nilambe Meditation Center is ideal for those who are serious about meditation.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - Pinnawela was set-up to protect the island’s abandoned or orphaned working elephants. From small, modest origins it has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions. Pinnawela will enthrall kids and adults alike. Roaming free within the Sanctuary, except when occasionally shepherded by their Mahouts (keepers), the elephants and the tourist’s highlight of the day is the regular bathing sessions in the river.

Rafting the Seethawaka - An afternoon spent on the grade 4/5 water that flows down the Seethawaka Valley will be a highlight to any Sri Lankan holiday. The valley carves its way from the peak wilderness in the north towards Avissawella, making it an easy day’s trip from Colombo or Kandy. The journey takes you deep into the rubber and tea plantations of the Kandyan foothills. The river is fast with long stretches of violent white water, several daunting drops, and even some grade 5 rapids.