Kandy City
Kandy, a picturesque city in central Sri Lanka, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and scenic beauty. Nestled amidst lush hills, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a captivating blend of history and natural splendor.
Ura Kanda
Ura Kanda, a relatively lesser-known destination in Sri Lanka, is a mountain located in the central highlands of the island. The name "Ura Kanda" translates to "Boar Mountain" in Sinhala, reflecting the rugged and wild nature of the terrain. This mountain is part of the diverse landscape of Sri Lanka's central province and offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
The region surrounding Ura Kanda is rich in natural beauty, with dense forests, rocky outcrops, and panoramic views of the central highlands. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic plant species and wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and occasionally, wild boars—true to the mountain’s name. The mountain offers a refreshing escape from the more frequented tourist destinations like Kandy or Ella, providing a quieter, more serene experience for those seeking solitude in nature.
Trekking to Ura Kanda is one of the most popular activities for visitors. The trek itself is moderately challenging, making it accessible for most hikers, but still rewarding with stunning views at the summit. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the lush greenery, cool mountain air, and the sounds of nature. The trail passes through tea estates and small local villages, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the central highlands.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ura Kanda holds cultural significance for the local communities. There are small shrines and temples in the area, reflecting the spiritual connection that the local population has with the land.
In conclusion, Ura Kanda is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty without the crowds. It offers a peaceful trekking experience, rich biodiversity, and a connection to the local culture, making it a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
About Kandy District
Kandy district is situated in the centrel province of Sri Lanka. One of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Kandy was once home to the Kandyan Kings of yore in the 16th-century and a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. About 129 km away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka, because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or "Temple of the Tooth" is located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded.
The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is situated about 5 km to the west of the city centre at Peradeniya and is visited by 1.2 million people per year. It is the largest botanical garden on the island. The Udawatta Kele (Udawatta Forest) is a protected sanctuary situated in the heart of the city, just north of Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy is a Sinhala majority city; there are sizeable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Moors and Tamils. Kandy is second only to Colombo the center of the Sri Lankan Economy. Many major co operations have large branch officers in Kandy and many industries include textiles, furniture, Information Technology and jewellery are found here. Many agriculture research centers are located in the city.
And a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. About 129 km away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka , because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Toothis located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded.
About Central Provincce
The Central Province of Sri Lanka consists primarily of mountainous terrain. The province has an area of 5,674 km², and a population of 2,421,148. Some major towns include Kandy, Gampola (24,730), Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela. The population is a mixture of Sinhalese, Tamil and the Moors.
Both the hill capital Kandy and the city of Nuwara Eliya are located within the Central Province as well as Sri Pada. The province produces much of the famous Ceylon tea, planted by the British in the 1860s after a devastating disease killed all the coffee plantations in the province. Central Province attracts many tourists, with hill station towns such as Kandy, Gampola, Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. Temple tooth or Dalada maligawa is the main sacred place in Centrel province.
The climate is cool, and many areas about 1500 meters often have chilly nights. The western slopes are very wet, some places having almost 7000 mm of rain per year. The eastern slopes are parts of the mid-dry zone as it is receiving rain only from North-Eastern monsoon. The Temperatures range from 24°C at Kandy to just 16°C in Nuwara Eliya, which is located 1,889 m above sea level. The highest mountains in Sri Lanka are located in the Central Province. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with deep valleys cutting into it. The two main mountain regions are the central massif and the Knuckles range to the east of Kandy.