February 4th~ Kandy, Sri Lanka
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Today is Independence Day in Sri Lanka and a national holiday to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. Flags are displayed everywhere. This is the equivalent to the 4th of July in the USA.
No alcohol is sold or served today.
View Point
Overlooking the town of Kandy
We made a brief photo stop at a vantage point overlooking Kandy, the lake and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Royal Botanical Gardens
Not on our scheduled itinerary, we paid a surprise visit to this enormous park for about an hour long walk-about.
I have to try to find the name of this one
The park covers 147 acres, and includes over 4000 species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The orchid collection is especially nice.
Gem Lapidary
A visit to a family-owned lapidary where we learned how the gems are mined, and had the opportunity to purchase some jewelry. We also paid a visit to the silk shop next door. I did not make any purchases at either place, but bought a cute elephant necklace from a local vender.
Colorful Murals
Kandy is known for their colorful murals. They adorn many walls and are used to deter graffiti as well as putting up random posters.
Lunch was on our own in Kandy. The stop allowed us time for a quick swing through a local market where Karen and I both purchased coconut cooking spoons.
We ate at Cafe Aroma and I can highly recommend it. The lime soda is especially refreshing.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa, (aka Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is housed in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites attracting several million visitors a year, reportedly more than the Taj Mahal.
This is a place of worship where both locals and visitors bring flowers and incense as offerings.
The tooth relic is encased in seven golden caskets which are engraved with precious gemstones. The caskets have a shape of a stupa. They are not on display.
Both the town of Kandy, and the Temple are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Evening Home Hosted Dinner
Our host and hostess on their wedding day
Welcomed into a local home, we are first treated with a performance of a local Kandayan dancer and drummer.
Kandayan Dancer in full traditional outfit
A demonstration of how to make two local dishes including the string hoppers preceded a wonderful dinner.
Making string hoppers
I’m now on the hunt for the kitchen tool that will allow me to try making string hoppers at home. Actually, I want to make angel hair pasta with it.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to have been welcomed into a Sri Lankan home and have the opportunity to learn more about their day-to-day way of life as well as see some traditional dancing.
A Note From Abroad 
Interesting, I always pictured Kandayan dancers female, but I see he’s quite small.
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We did not see any female dancers on this trip.
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Everything is so colorful and interesting! Being able to meet a local family and be treated to dancing and a local meal is something most tourists don’t get to do. It sounds like a really special night.
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Having home visits when ever they do occur on a tour is usually one of the highlights. The Sri Lankan people as so nice, and this family made us feel very welcome.
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But please, what is a “string hopper”??
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Never mind – I was too impatient and asked The Google! And now I know that the disk under the noodles is not part of the dish!
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HaHa, no the platform just holds it while it steams.
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It looks like a birds nest made out of pasta like strings.
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A question about the coconut cooking spoon: Is it a spoon made of coconut or spoon you use to cook coconut? And how is it used?
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The bowl part of the spoon is made from the coconut shell. The handle can be made from a variety of different wood. The spoons can be used for cooking or serving. I will be doing a post in a few days that will show all of the different souvenirs I brought back from this trip and it will include a picture of the spoons.
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Thanks for the explanation.
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