Kandy View Point (Arthur’s Seat View Point)

Kandy View Point with our guest During our Kandy Day Tour

Kandy View Point, or what somebody called Arthur’s Seat View Point, is a must-visit spot in Kandy city. The place is situated on the Rajapihilla Mawatha, which is around one kilometer away from the city center. You can go there easily by foot. But you need to walk on a hilly route to get there. Sometimes it can be very tiring for adults. If you are uncomfortable going there on foot, then you can hire a tuk-tuk to reach there easily and quickly. Tuk-tuk is the perfect option to visit there.

Arthur’s Seat View Point is also considered the height point of the Kandy City area, and it is 550m above sea level. It takes around 10–15 minutes to reach there from Kandy Lake.

 

Location of the Kandy View Point

Here is the Google Maps location of the place.

 

View

From the Kandy View Point, you can observe the beauty of Kandy City. There is a nice metal stage for the viewers. Starting from the right side, you can watch a marvelous picture of the Tooth Relic Temple and Kandy Lake. Udawattakale Forest Reserve is situated just above the Tooth Relic Temple. The picture of Kandy Lake is absolutely beautiful, and that brings much relaxation to your mind.

In the center, you can see a clear picture of DS Senanayaka Street, which is directed towards the Katugasthota area. From the distance, you can view Hunnasgiriya Mountain Peak of the Knuckles Mountain Range. As well, you can observe some of the mountain peaks near Kandy City. On the left side, you can see Bahirawakanda Temple with its giant Buddha statue. Simultaneously, you can identify some of the most important buildings in the city.

We can definitely say that this is a perfect spot for a photographer to take some marvelous photos. Therefore, it is advisable for anyone to bring a camera.

 

The Best Time to Visit Kandy View Point

According to most visitors, early mornings and late evenings are the perfect times to visit there. The sunrise pictures of the early mornings will generate fabulous images. It is not very crowded in the mornings. The sunset time is also perfect, but you will face a crowded environment at that time. Nighttime is also ideal for viewing a marvelous picture with lights.

 

Final Word

Kandy View Point is one of the must-visit places during our Kandy Tour. If you are a foreigner who loves to visit there, you can easily contact us as your trusted tour agency in Kandy.

 

 

Sri Muthumariamman Temple (Hindu Temple) in Matale

Gopuram of the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale.

Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a Hindu temple that is situated in Matale. Most of the Tamil people also called this Arulmigu Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil. The place is an honorable place for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is an open place for locals and foreigners, making it a fabulous place to visit in Matale.

The Sri Muthumariamman Temple is dedicated to Mariamman, who is believed to be the goddess of rain and fertility. In that name, the prefix ‘Muthu’ means pearl, ‘Mari’ means rain, and ‘Amman’ means mother in Tamil.

 

Location

The Matale Hindu Temple is situated not far from Matale City, where it is easy to find. Here you can see its Google Maps location:

 

Address: 608. Sri Mutthu Maryamman Devastanam, 16A, Trincomalee Street, Matale, Sri Lanka

 

What can you observe in the Sri Muthumariamman Temple?

The main attraction of this temple is its large gopuram. The structure is 32 meters tall, so it can be seen from a long distance. The gopuram is decorated with many statues and sculptures. It looks so beautiful, and nobody misses it without capturing its photograph. The gopuram is also called Raja Koburam, and it is considered one of the largest gopurams in Sri Lanka.

As well, you can see paintings and Hindu architecture in this temple. It can further be described as the finest place to watch the excellence of Hindu architecture in Sri Lanka.

 

History of the Matale Hindu Temple

The place was a paddy field in the early 19th century. It was gifted by the owner in 1852 to establish a small statue under a tree to pray for Hindu devotees. Then the current temple was developed by the Hindus into a large Kovil. That happened in the year 1874, which was funded by Nattukkottia Chettiar.

The gopuram contains more than 1000 statues and sculptures that represent Hindu deities. The designs and decorations were done by a South Indian sculptor called ‘Nagalingam and his son, ‘Ramanathan. However, it has been supported by more than 100 local designers and painters as well. The Raja Gopuram was completed in 2007.

The first Kumbabishekam event of the Muthumariamman Temple was held in 1960. The temple was damaged during the anti-Tamil riots in 1983. But it was restored later.

 

Festivals of Sri Muthumariamman Temple

The chariot festival at Sri Muthumaramman Temple is trendy among the locals. It is celebrated every Navam full moon Poya day (Poya day in February). Many people gather around the city to watch that festival with devotion.

 

Further details about the Matale Hindu Temple

There is a large wedding hall in this temple, which has been used since the early days. Visitors from all over the world can enter the temple. However, foreigners are required to buy a ticket to enter the temple. Anyhow, Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a fabulous spot to visit in Matale. You can visit this place during your tour from Kandy to Sigiriya.

Phone Number: +9466 2222 481

Open Hours: 6.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 16.45 p.m. to 19.45 p.m.

 

Other places to visit in Matale

National Spice Garden

 

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Worldwide Hindu Temples ॐ )

 

 

National Spice Garden in Matale

Entrance of the Matale Spice Garden

The National Spice Garden, or something called Matale Spice Garden, is a nice place to visit in the Matale region of Sri Lanka. It covers more than 20 hectares of land. Here you can observe the wide range of spices that are being cultivated in Sri Lanka.

 

Location

Matale Spice Garden is situated 142km from Colombo and 25km from Kandy. It is 4km away from Matale City, and you need to drive the Madulkelle-Kabaragala road to reach the destination. You can come across this either if you are traveling from Kandy to Sigiriya or from Sigiriya to Kandy.

Here is the Google Maps location of the Matale Spice Garden:

 

Physical Address: National Spice Garden, Central Research Station, Matale, Sri Lanka

 

Spices

You can observe more than 15 spices in the Matale Spice Garden, including pepper, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc. As well, you can observe beetles and cocoa cultivations here. The resource persons will explain how these spices are cultivated, grown, harvested, and processed. You can apply that knowledge to start your own spice cultivation in your garden. The place is open to all locals and foreigners without charge. It offers guided tours for foreigners.

In the 15th–19th centuries, Sri Lanka was a world-renowned destination for spices. This has given the Europeans a compelling reason to seize this island. Matale is one of the best places on the island to cultivate most of the Sri Lankan spices.

 

Other Facts about Matale Spice Garden

The place is managed by the Department of Export Agriculture Sri Lanka, and the premises include an information center, a library, a sales center, and a conference hall. You can get all the information you need about technical advice, cultivation methods, harvesting, and value addition from their information center. In the library, you can browse many publications, including books and brochures. A sales center is a place where you can buy spice-related products for a reasonable price. Here, you have plenty of traditional remedies, cosmetic items, and much more to buy.

Tourists can also experience a free Ayurvedic body massage. You should note that spices and Ayurveda have a very close relationship. These spices are very friendly to your health. You are lucky in Sri Lanka because you can experience the taste of the spices with most of the Sri Lankan dishes.

 

Opening Times of Matale Spice Garden

Matale Spice Garden is open all days of the week. But it is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a normal day, while it is open all Sundays. There is no need to make pre-bookings, and it is open to all. If you have any further information, then you can easily dial the number below:

National Spice Garden Contact Number: 0662 222 945

 

Conclusion

There are many spice gardens in the Matale and Kandy areas. Ranweli Spice Garden is also another place where you can explore Sri Lankan spices. It is also situated close to Matale.

So, finally, we request that you visit this beautiful and significant place if you are touring both the Matale and Kandy areas.

 

Other beautiful places to visit in Matale:

  • Aluviharaya Temple
  • Nalanda Gedige Temple
  • Matale Hindu Temple

The Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy

The entrance of Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana, Kandy

The Ceylon Tea Museum is another nice place to visit near Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Ceylon tea while watching the ancient industry equipment. The situated places are called ‘Hanthana, where you can easily reach them by any vehicle. Public transport is also available towards the place, which is 4km away from the city. There is also enough space available to park your vehicles.

Opening Days and Hours

The Ceylon Tea Museum is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. But it is only open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Anyhow, it is closed on Mondays and Poya days.

 

Ticket Prices to the Ceylon Tea Museum

You need to buy tickets to enter the museum. According to their official website, the ticket price for non-resident adults is 1000 LKR. But for the non-resident child, it is 500 LKR. Tickets for locals are cheaper than those for non-residents. There are also guided tours available, and their cost will be added to the ticket cost.

 

What you can observe in the Ceylon Tea Museum

There are 4 floors in the Ceylon Tea Museum. You can see old tea machines and equipment used on the first two floors. On the first floor, you can also see a library and an auditorium. The third floor consists of tea outlets where you can buy some Ceylon tea bags. The fourth floor is entirely a tea café. Here, you can enjoy the surrounding beauty while enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea.

From the fourth floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kandy City and its surrounding areas. The Knuckles Mountain Range, Hunnasgiriya Mountain, and Alagalla are some of the mountain peaks you can watch from here.

Apart from these, you can observe the old machines that were used for tea production in the 20th century. As well, it consists of photos of notable people and highlights of Ceylon tea from the old days. Anyone can also learn how the famous Ceylon tea is produced. There is a special room called the Tea Tasting Room’. There, you can enjoy the taste of different tea varieties and locations.

 

History

The building was established as a museum in 2001. Before that, it was the old Hanthana Tea Factory. The Tea Factory was established in 1925 by the British Ceylon Government. But the factory closed in 1986. Hanthana was a place where the first commercial tea estates were established.

James Taylor is the pioneer of Ceylon tea history, having started the first commercial tea estate in the Loolkondera estate in 1867. Since then, tea has become Sri Lanka’s major exported agricultural product. Sri Lanka is the fourth-largest tea producer and the third-largest tea exporter in the world. Today, over one million people are engaged in the industry while doing many jobs. Famous Ceylon tea comes from these lovely tea gardens in Sri Lanka. The industry has gone up and down over the past 150 years. The Ceylon Tea Museum is the best place to observe the history of this massive industry.

 

Other Nearby Places to Visit;

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Walahanduwa Tea )

Hanthana Bird Park: A Fabulous Place for Bird Lovers

Hanthana Bird Park Entrance

Hanthana Birds Park (Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center) is a recently established travel destination near the famous Kandy City. It is a superb spot for nature and bird lovers. Here you can see more than 100 different bird species, making it a must-visit destination when you come to Kandy next time.

 

Location of the Hanthana International Bird Park

The place is situated 6 kilometers away from the busy city of Kandy. You can observe the famous Hanthana Mountain Range from there. Anyone can easily identify that mountain range because of its established radio transmission towers. However, you should now go towards this hilly area to reach this beautiful bird park.

Address of the Location: Hanthana Bird Park & Eco Tourism (Pvt) Ltd., Kandy, Sri Lanka.

You can easily find the location if you search on Google Maps for the name. Here we have also attached the location to help you find it more easily.

 

To reach the location, you should first come to Kandy. Next, you should drive towards the Bogambara Stadium, and you must turn left there to find the Kandy General Hospital. From there, you should drive around 5 kilometers to reach this destination. It is advisable to use Google Maps, which will assist you in reaching there without any trouble at all.

 

Tickets

You must buy tickets to enter Bird’s Park. The ticket cost for a local adult is 600 rupees. This was the price in May 2023. But the price can change when you are reading this post.

 

Opening Hours and Days

The Hanthana Bird Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. But it is closed on Mondays. It will open at 9 a.m. to visitors and close sharply at 6 p.m.

 

Birds

As we mentioned earlier, you can observe a lot of birds here. It is recorded that there are more than 100 birds, some of which are rare and native to Sri Lanka. Those are protected in cages, where you can observe them very closely. Further, you can learn about their life cycle, habitat, and behavioral facts. Some of the noted endemic birds are Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Yellow-fronted Barbet, etc.

As well, you can observe popular birds like peacocks, eagles, owls, and kingfishers. But most of the visitors are especially attracted to its beautiful parrots. Some of them are in your hands and shoulders. It is a nice incident that you should not capture with your camera. Visitors can also participate in the feedings of those birds. It is a nice experience to have while safely traveling.

Apart from the birds, you can observe monkeys, rabbits, and turtles. From the visitors, little kids are the most enjoyable ones who enjoy watching these birds and animals.

 

Other Facts about the Hanthana Bird Park

The park is situated near the famous Hanthana Tea Museum. It is another nice place to visit for tourists to watch the highlights of the famous Ceylon tea. The premises cover almost 27 acres of land, where you can walk around a large area while watching birds.

The park also includes an educational training center, a breeding unit, a bird orphanage, a bird shelter, a quarantine unit, a natural bird study center, and an educational and recreational center for schoolchildren. Further, it includes a kids playing area, a shooting area, a small café, and photography areas.

Hanthana Bird Park offers guided tours which are ideal for most visitors. It is well suited for family tours, too. There are more than 100 workers working for the protection and care of the birds, and the park looks well maintained.

 

Conclusion

Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center is an ideal place for bird lovers and enthusiasts. It is also a nice place to relax and enjoy nature. Here you can observe a lot of birds and take lovely photographs of them. We invite you to visit this place, whether you visit the Hanthana Mountain Range or are looking for a relaxing place in Kandy.

Contact Number of the Hanthana Bird Park for further information: 076 6120120

 

 

(Cover Image Source: T R A V E L view from facebook)

 

 

Discover the Amazing Ussangoda National Park

Ever thought about visiting a place where the ground is all colorful and magical? Well, Ussangoda National Park in Sri Lanka is just the spot! It’s a cool place for people who like nature and want to see something different.

When you step into Ussangoda, it’s like entering a whole new world. The ground here is red and orange, and the sand is really white. It looks super cool! People used to tell stories that a long time ago, a king’s chariot flew from here, and that’s why the ground is so special.

What’s really interesting is how the land looks. It’s not flat – there are little hills and cliffs you can walk around. It’s not a hard walk, so you can take your time and enjoy the view.

Ussangoda isn’t just about looking pretty, though. It’s home to many plants and animals. If you like watching birds, this is a great place to see them. You might see birds that live here all the time, or even some that are just visiting for a bit.

When you’re at Ussangoda, you can forget about the busy world for a while. It’s peaceful and feels like a secret place that not everyone knows about. Whether you’re someone who loves nature or you’re just curious to see something amazing, Ussangoda is a place you won’t forget.

To sum it up, Ussangoda National Park is like a colorful wonderland where the ground is special, and you can see cool birds. It’s a great place to take a break from regular life and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. So, get ready to explore Ussangoda – it’s a place where the land tells stories and nature shows off its magic.

Exploring the Beauty of Kadiyanlena Falls in Sri Lanka

Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s lush countryside, Kadiyanlena Falls is a special spot for people who love nature. It’s often called “Kadiyanlena Falls” locally, and it’s a peaceful place far from the busy city.

Kadiyanlena Falls is like a clear waterfall painting, gently dropping into a calm pool of water below. This lovely sight shows how pretty Sri Lanka’s highlands are. To get there, you take a nice walk through green forests and paths that show you amazing views.

The trip to Kadiyanlena Falls is an adventure by itself. It’s good for those who walk a lot and those who just want a simple stroll. While you walk, you can hear birds singing and leaves moving – a calming sound that goes along with your steps.

Whether you like taking pictures, being alone, or you’re just curious, Kadiyanlena Falls is great for taking cool photos, finding peace, and being amazed by nature. Don’t forget to enjoy the mist that sprays around the falls – it feels nice after your walk.

In short, Kadiyanlena Falls in Sri Lanka is an amazing example of the country’s natural beauty. Enjoy the calm feeling, the refreshing mist, and the magic of this hidden spot. Plan your trip to Kadiyanlena Falls now and explore the wonderful nature of Sri Lanka.

 

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(Image Credit: @hasanthi_w from IG)

Kalpitiya Lagoon: A Tourist Paradise of the North-Western Sri Lanka

Kayaking at Kalpitiya Lagoon

Kalpitiya is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Situated in Puttalm District, Kalpitiya Lagoon is a perfect spot to visit for any tourist. There are four small islands situated in an area of 16 sq km. The distance to Kalpitiya Lagoon from Colombo is around 165 kilometers.

Kalpitiya and its peninsula are the areas most famous for their breathtaking sunset views, dolphin and whale watching, and watersport activities. Those are things that you should not miss if you go there.

 

Kitesurfing at Kalpitiya Lagoon

One of the best attractions of the Kalpitiya Lagoon is the water sports. It is a world-famous spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. April to October is considered the Kalpitiya season, where wind speed and wind conditions are perfect for Kitesurfing and other water activities. No matter whether you are an amateur or a pro. The teachers will give good lessons on how to do them. Adventure tourists can also participate in Paddleboarding activities.

Read more: Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

 

Dolphin and Whale Watching

As we mentioned earlier, Kalpitiya is a superb spot for watching Whales and Dolphins. November to April is considered the best season to watch dolphins, while December to April is regarded as the best season to watch sperm whales. Normally, the whale- and dolphin-watching tours start early in the morning, considered the perfect time to see whales.

Read more: Dolphin and Whale watching in Kalpitiya

 

Other things about the Area

The lagoon is much larger, where you can experience lovely little waves, and it’s not much deeper. Kayaking is another water activity that tourists can experience. You can kayak towards the mangrove forest that surrounds the lagoon, where you can watch lovely birds and many more animals. The surrounding lagoon is a perfect spot for watching flora and fauna.

 

Kalpitiya Lagoon Viewpoint

There is no exact viewpoint on the Kalpitiya Lagoon. But you have magnetic views from your resorts or most of the places. You can watch the sunset very clearly and nicely from there. Also, the ocean currents, mangrove forests, and fishing boats offer tourists picturesque views.

 

Other Places to Visit Near Kalpitiya Lagoon

1) Kappalady Lagoon

2) Kalpitiya Dutch Fort

3) Kalpitiya Dutch Church

4) Alaikuda Beach

5) St. Anne’s Church

6) Ambanttativu Island

7) Battalangunduwa Island

8) Puttalm Salt Pans

 

 

Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya: An Enchanting Adventure

Kalpitiya is a beautiful coastal town by the sea in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka. The destination is a paradise for kitesurfing. It also offers a magical experience for nature lovers: dolphin watching! With its clean beaches, blue waters, and rich marine life, Kalpitiya Lagoon has become a famous place for people who want to see and play with these clever and fun creatures. If you dream of seeing dolphins in their own habitat, Kalpitiya is the perfect place to visit. It is known worldwide as one of the best spots for dolphin watching.

Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya is a fantastic adventure that will stay in your heart forever. The tours usually start early in the morning, when the sea is calm and the chance of finding dolphins is high. Experienced guides join the tourists, and they know the sea very well. They help find the best spots where dolphins love to play.

The boats used for the tours are safe and comfortable. As the boat sails further into the sea, the excitement of meeting these magnificent creatures grows.

Once the boat reaches the right spots, get ready for the magic! The water comes alive in the presence of dolphins. They are graceful and playful, jumping in and out of the water, and even riding the waves made by the boat.

The joy on the faces of the tourists is contagious. Seeing these lovely creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat is a heartwarming experience. In Kalpitiya’s waters, you can find different types of dolphins like spinner, bottlenose, and humpback dolphins, making the encounter even more diverse and delightful.

Kalpitiya has more surprises! At certain times of the year, you might spot blue whales and sperm whales in the area. These gentle giants gliding through the sea will leave you in awe and add an extra touch of wonder to your already captivating tour.

 

Conclusion

Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya is an extraordinary adventure that connects you with nature’s marvels. The sight of dolphins playing and the chance of seeing whales are simply amazing. If you’re looking for a memorable and joyful experience, be sure to include Kalpitiya in your travel plans. Dive into the magical world of these incredible marine creatures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

(Cover Image Source: Tourism Sri Lanka)

Thirukoneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee: An Ancient Temple with Stunning Views and Ramayana Connection

Located on the beautiful eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Thirukoneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee is a significant Hindu temple that showcases ancient architecture, religious devotion, and a connection to the famous Ramayana story. This sacred temple is a must-visit for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts exploring the enchanting island.

The temple sits atop Swami Rock, offering a breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal. From this vantage point, visitors can witness the mesmerizing blend of the sky, sea, and land, creating an unforgettable experience.

Thirukoneswaram Kovil holds great religious value for Hindu devotees. It has a long history dating back to ancient times, mentioned in texts like the Mahabharata and the Konesar Kalvettu. Legend has it that Lord Shiva performed a mourning dance here after the death of his beloved wife Sati.

For those on a Ramayana tour, Thirukoneswaram Kovil is a must-see. According to the epic, Lord Rama and his devotee Hanuman visited Trincomalee while searching for Rama’s wife, Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king, Ravana. The temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance and blessings before embarking on his quest to rescue Sita.

Apart from the temple, Trincomalee offers other attractions worth exploring. The pristine beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli are perfect for relaxation and water sports. Pigeon Island National Park, known for its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, is another nearby attraction. It provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial history and offers panoramic views of the town and harbor. Additionally, the Kanniya Hot Springs, located a few kilometers away, provide natural hot water wells for a soothing and therapeutic bathing experience.

Thirukoneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee is not just a temple; it is a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty come together. With its stunning location, religious significance, and connection to the Ramayana, it offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Combined with the nearby attractions, a visit to Thirukoneswaram Kovil and Trincomalee promises an unforgettable journey that will leave visitors captivated by its simplicity and charm.

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(Cover Image Source: Worldwide Hindu Temples ॐ )

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