Most travelers will find it difficult to believe that Kandy is the 2nd largest city of Sri Lanka. Cocooned by high mountain ranges, this cozy town is not as sprawling as Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa nor is it as worldly as Colombo. The commercial centre comprises of 10 or so blocks and can be covered on foot in about ½ hour. Each block is crammed with tiny shops, giving a bazaar-like atmosphere to the centre.
But don’t let appearances deter you! The adventurer will find a number of worthy souvenirs and investments in these shops. After all, Kandy is renowned for its beautiful, handcrafted silverware and exquisite gems and jewelry studded with precious and semi-precious stones.
Swarna & Sons is a famous silverware crafter in town, who was commissioned to design and create Sri Lanka’s wedding gifts for both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. Hemachandra Jewelers is a much larger establishment specializing in intricate gold jewelry. The establishment is complete with its own gem museum where the traveler is able to appreciate the fine work that goes into cutting and polishing various gems.
Kandy is also famous for its hand-painted batiks on silks, kaftans, wall hangings and many other fabric items. The most famous batik designer, Ena de Silva resides in Matale – few kilometers from Kandy. Her batik workshop gives a wide choice of beautifully designed fabrics to the customer as well as a healthy income to women folk in the village.
Kandy as a region is absolutely beautiful. Thick, rain-forests cap mountain tops and Sri Lanka’s longest river Mahaweli River almost encircle the region. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 – 2000 feet, the climate is very comfortable.
