Kandy

A UNESCO designated heritage site, the city surrounds Kandy Lake. It is beautiful.

The last Sinhalese kingdom to be subjegated by colonials, successfully holding back the Portuguese, and the French but falling to the British in 1818.

Pleasant walkways run around Lake Kandy.

Sri Malada Maligawa (TEMPLE OF THE SA RED TOOTH RELIC)

This temple is said to house the relic of a tooth belonging to Buddha and opened in 1595. The tooth is washed weekly with herbal water which is given to worshippers.

In days past the city that housed the Sacred Tooth Relic was considered the seat of power. It was moved last here from Anuradhapura at that city’s downfall in the mid 1500s.

Kandy has some stunning colonial buildings. Many have seen better days but are still beautiful:

Overlooking the city is a huge Buddha: Bagiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue.

It seemed like a nice way to conclude the afternoon, to take in an hour cultural show at the Kandy Lake Club. It was entertaining.

The evening is topped off with a special (early) Valentine dinner at the upscale, historic Kandy Hotel.

PERADENIYA BOTANIC GARDENS

Once reserved for only Kandian royalty, this garden is one of the most outstanding in South Asia spreading over 146 acres. It dates back to 1371.

Orchids abound: (my best guess at identifying)

The Mahaweli River, the longest in Sri Lanka, borders on a part of the gardens.

Moving off the swinging bridge one starts to hear a tremendous high pitched squaking: nearby trees are the home of a huge number of huge friut bats.

Wonderous trees with fascinating roots: