10 things to do in Kandy Cultural Centre Kandy Sri Lanka
Kandy Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka is a great destination for tourists looking to explore the local culture and history. Located in the city of Kandy, the Cultural Centre is home to numerous attractions, activities, and events that provide visitors with an insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Here are 10 things to do at the Kandy Cultural Centre:
1. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic: The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a sacred shrine dedicated to the tooth relic of the Buddha. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world and is the most important Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The temple is open daily from 5am to 8pm and visitors can explore the various shrines and courtyards.
2. Attend a Cultural Performance: The Kandy Cultural Centre hosts a variety of cultural performances throughout the year. These include traditional Sri Lankan dance and music performances, as well as puppet shows and theatrical performances. The performances are usually held in the evening and tickets can be purchased from the Centre.
3. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery: The Kandy Cultural Centre houses an impressive museum and art gallery. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts and objects from the country’s history, while the art gallery features paintings and sculptures from local and international artists.
4. Go Shopping at the Crafts Market: The Crafts Market at the Kandy Cultural Centre is a great place to pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts. There are a variety of stalls selling everything from traditional jewelry and clothing to handmade toys and traditional masks.
5. Take a Tour of the Royal Palace: The Royal Palace of Kandy is one of the city’s most famous attractions. It is open to the public and visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and explore the various rooms and courtyards.
6. Learn About the History of Kandy: The Kandy Cultural Centre offers a range of educational programs and workshops. These include lectures and seminars on the history and culture of the city, as well as guided tours of the city’s main attractions.
7. Enjoy a Traditional Sri Lankan Meal: The Kandy Cultural Centre has a range of restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Many of the dishes are prepared using locally grown ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
8. Take a Boat Ride on the Mahaweli River: The Mahaweli River is a major river in Sri Lanka and a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river and explore the various villages and attractions along its banks.
9. Visit the Botanical Gardens: The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is located just outside of Kandy and is home to a variety of plants and trees from all over the world. The gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm and visitors can explore the various pathways and gardens.
10. Take a Tour of the Tea Plantations: Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea production and visitors can take a tour of the tea plantations located in the hills around Kandy. The tours usually include a visit to a tea factory and a tea tasting session.