Sri Lanka – the island nation in South Asia – is indeed a pearl of joy shining brightly in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The lazy charm of clinging onto the hills and floating by the gushing waves makes Sri Lanka a perfect destination to venture, explore, and contemplate. Snuggled between the imposing mountains and verdant peaks are some of the best places to visit in Kandy that are defined by calmness and serenity. So, go around and discover eternal comfort as you plan a much-awaited trip to Sri Lanka.
Places To Visit In Kandy
Wondering what are the best places to visit in Kandy? Kandy has no dearth of places when it comes to exploring this beautiful hill station. With plenty of attractions and must-visit places in Kandy, here are the top common as well as uncommon places to visit in Kandy. From museums to viewpoints, there is something for all kinds of travelers. Take a look!
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – An Experience Worth Relishing
- Temple Of Tooth Relic – For Spiritual Enlightenment
- Kandy Lake – Best Place To Stroll Around
- Hulu River Waterfall – A Sight To Behold
- Knuckles Mountain Range – Hiking And More
- Bahirawakanda Temple – For Spiritual Seekers
- Ranweli Spice Garden – Natural Surprises
- Royal Botanical Garden – A Colorful Affair
- Udawattekele Sanctuary – More Than Just Greenery
- Commonwealth War Cemetery – Learn The Legendary History
- Millennium Elephant Foundation – An Educational Tour
- Horton Plains National Park Ohiya – Witness The Wildlife
- Ceylon Tea Museum – A Paradise For Tea Lovers
- Riverton Gap – Trekking And More
- Highlands – Lose Yourself Amidst Nature
- Galmaduwa Temple – Witness The Awe-Striking Structure
- Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara – For History Lovers
- Pallekele Cricket Stadium – A Must-Visit For Sports Fans
- Giragama Tea Plantations – Absorb The Calm
- Kandy Viewpoint – Be Mesmerized
- Lankatilaka Temple – Marvel At The Structure
- Hanthana Mountain Range – Hiker’s Paradise
- Royal Palace Of Kandy – Legacy & Heritage
- Degaldoruwa Temple – Oldest Buddhist Cave Temple
- Ambuluwawa Tower – For a mile-high view
- International Buddhist Museum – For Knowledge & Fulfillment
- Gadaladeniya Vihara – For A Deep Sense of Calm
1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – An Experience Worth Relishing
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This one's considered amongst the best places to visit in Kandy for couples, family, friends, and solo. Plan a day out with wild Asian elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This is a popular breeding ground for 90-plus elephants who stay in their natural habitat. Watch these adorable elephants bathe, play around, and feed them fruits. Tourists can see them when they tour the orphanage to see the majestic animals. If you are in Kandy visiting places, then this spot is perfect if you want to have a small picnic along with your friends or family. Pinnawala is the place where abandoned and injured elephants are raised. The elephants have mahouts who give them baths and proper food on a timely basis. If you’re looking for natural bathing places in Kandy, then this is it!
Entrance Fee: INR 1300
Famous For: Wildlife tours
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2. Temple Of Tooth Relic – For Spiritual Enlightenment
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Considered one of the most important temples of Buddhists in Sri Lanka, the Temple of Tooth Relic is located to the north of Kandy Lake and is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Kandy Sri Lanka. The sacred tooth of Lord Buddha enshrined in the temple makes it one of the popular Kandy tourist places. The room housing the tooth is open to devotees to offer their prayers. However, nobody gets to see the tooth because it is kept in a golden casket inside a stupa-like structure. The temple is housed in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. One of the best places to see in Kandy, this temple is of great importance due to the belief of the country in the tooth. The temple has rituals thrice a day. The temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The temple still stands strong even after facing attacks twice, making it among the best places of interest in Kandy.
Entrance Fee: INR 1500
Famous For: Architecture
3. Kandy Lake – Best Place To Stroll Around
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Adjoining most of the popular tourist places in Kandy and eateries with lake views, the Kandy Lake is certainly among the best places to visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka. An ideal place to spend hours during your lazy vacation, the lake offers stunning nature views around it and is a perfect romantic sojourn for a romantic couple visiting the place. The lake. also known as the Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake with an island in the middle, making it a beautiful place to explore.
Entrance Fee: INR 1500
Famous For: Leisure walking trails
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4. Hulu River Waterfall – A Sight To Behold
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30 km from Kandy into the quiet town of Dumbara lies Huluganga Falls on the Hulu River. The river originating from the scenic Knuckles Mountain Range is the perfect escape to leave the onlookers awed. The 75-meter high waterfall, located in the Dumbara town, is a true beauty enclosed by nature allure. And it’s no wonder that Hulu is considered as one of the popular Kandy places to visit! The Huluganga Falls still maintains its pristine condition because of its natural setting. When visiting places in Kandy, make sure you add this one to your itinerary. Tourists will enjoy the numerous rocks present in the bed of the waterfall. If they are feeling adventurous they can click pictures sitting on them. When looking for places to visit near Kandy, then don’t forget to stop by this majestic waterfall.
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
Famous For: Nature Walks
5. Knuckles Mountain Range – Hiking And More
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This is one of the top places to visit in Kandy Resembling the shape of a knuckle of a clenched fist from the top, the Knuckles Mountain Range is probably one of the most scenic Kandy tourist attractions. The mountain Range in the region towards the northern end of Sri Lankan highlands (39 km from Kandy) is the place to be. Perfect place to try your hands-on adventure traveling, hiking, and camping, the Knuckles Mountain Range spans from Matale to Kandy and is a treat for nature lovers. Look around and embrace the wilderness brought to you by sprawling grasslands, jagged peaks, torrents of streams, and gushing waterfalls. The best view of the range is the thick clouds that gather in the higher Montane area. Hiking is considered to be one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. So, if you are looking for one of the exclusive places to see in Kandy Sri Lanka to escape the cityscapes, just explore this destination.
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
Famous For: Wildlife tours
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6. Bahirawakanda Temple – For Spiritual Seekers
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Just 1 km away from the Kandy city, the Bahirawakanda Temple is a major attraction and a distinct structure. The place is a popular attraction for Buddhists and there are quite a few international Buddhist relations meetings that are carried out here. This makes it one of the popular things to see in Kandy. The magnificent structure is huge and can be spotted from anywhere in the city. The place is also an important monastery where many Buddhist events do take place. The statue was started in 1972 and ended in 1993. You can take the steps to reach the top of the hill or you can take a tuk-tuk ride is all it takes to get to the temple premises. If you are traveling places in Kandy, don't miss this architectural wonder when you are in the city. People may actually see the Buddha statue from all around the city but it is a sight to visit it to see the beauty in an up-close-and-personal way. It takes about 200 LKR to visit the statue. If you are visiting Kandy in August, make sure you add it to your itinerary.
Entrance Fee: INR 75
Famous For: Spiritual Observations
7. Ranweli Spice Garden – Natural Surprises
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Enough of talks about spotting wildlife in their natural habitat! Time to spot greenery and exquisite plant varieties in their natural habitat. This Kandy tourist attraction is located in proximity to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Turmeric, Peppercorns, Cloves, Cardamom, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cocoa, and Aloe Vera are the main plantations that are the highlights of this place. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Kandy for couples.
Learn about plantations, spices, natural products, and various techniques involved while cultivating it. Ranweli Spice Garden is the perfect escape from the hustle of city life. Vibrant history and lots of surprises await you at the Spice Garden.
Entrance Fee: NA
Famous For: Botanical Garden
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8. Royal Botanical Garden – A Colorful Affair
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This place is counted as one of the best Kandy attractions. Spanning over 60 hectares, the Royal Botanical Garden is the largest and one of the best places to visit in Kandy with a hidden charm to explore. Situated in Peradeniya, the place is quite close to the Mahaweli River. Along with the most striking orchids, you can find more than 4000 species of plants in this Botanical Garden, making it one of the perfect tourist attractions in Kandy Sri Lanka. The garden is also an ideal place to plan a picnic with family and friends. However, romantic couples can be mostly seen hanging around the garden area. The cab drivers in Kandy mostly offer to cover the Botanical Garden along with Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or the Kandy temple to make it a Kandy sightseeing tour. The park remains open from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. You can consider this as one of the amazing places to visit in Kandy for couples.
Entrance Fee: INR 1500
Famous For: Nature Scene and Herbarium
9. Udawattekele Sanctuary – More Than Just Greenery
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Located at the hilly terrains of the temple of the Tooth Relic, this sanctuary served as the retreat for the Kandyan kings in the older times. Later, converted into a sanctuary, it is an important bio reserve of Kandy. The sanctuary is spread over 104 hectares and is primarily known for the different species of birds residing in it. Offering as many as 80 species of birds and animals like mammals and insects, it is one of the visiting places in Kandy. Along with the wildlife, you can also visit the three Buddhist forest monasteries present at this place. Another attraction is the three Buddhist cave dwellings. Tourists will love the thick forest cover of the area which looks beautiful in the monsoon months. If you are an animal lover and visiting Kandy, you must go here!
Entrance Fee: INR 30
Famous For: Trekking
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10. CommonWealth War Cemetery – Learn The Legendary History
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This is one of those tourist places in Kandy that should be a part of your itinerary. This cemetery is maintained by the officers. By maintaining the place they pay tribute to the braveheart soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War. There are six commonwealth war cemeteries that you must witness during your Sri Lanka tour, yet the one in Kandy is notable amongst all because of the praiseworthy scenic beauty.
Entrance Fee: INR 180
Famous For: Historic Tours
11. Millennium Elephant Foundation – An Educational Tour
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The place is located in Randeniya. This is the only place where tourists can ride on the elephant’s back and travel around the place, they are allowed to interact with them. The educational tour conducted by the organization is rendered helpful and amusing for the tourists as they can witness right in front of them the activities of the animals.
This Foundation was established in the estate named Samragyi inherited by the Samarasinghe family.
Entrance Fee: INR 2,000
Famous For: Wildlife Tours
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12. Horton Plains National Park Ohiya – Witness The Wildlife
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If you want to witness the most majestic wildlife of Sri Lanka, this is the place for you! This national park is a treat to travelers fond of the mystical beauty of nature. The valley is shadowed by the two mountains Kirigalpotta and Totapola; Sri Lanka’s second and third largest mountains. This place is often stated as World’s End because of the surprisingly formed waterfall, mist-filled lakes, and the variety of plants and animals found here. The wide variety of flora and fauna makes the place even more special. The ethereal feeling offered by the place becomes prominent, especially in the morning.
Entrance Fee: INR 30
Famous For: Wildlife Tours
13. Ceylon Tea Museum – A Paradise For Tea Lovers
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The museum is located in Hantane the 1925 vintage tea museum was built on four floors and the first two floors consist of vintage tea-making equipment, machinery, libraries, museum. To taste the authentic Sri Lankan flavored tea. Visitors can savor a free cup of the tee to relish the flavor. This is one of the most amazing places to see in Kandy.
Entrance Fee: INR 297
Famous For: Tea Tours
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14. Riverton Gap – Trekking And More
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When looking for Kandy tourist places that are ideal for nature lovers and adventurers, a trip to the Riverton Gap is a must! This place is located a few kilometers away from the Matale town. It takes a few hours to reach from Kandy. The main attractions of this place include the scenic beauty and trekking. The two spectacular waterfalls present here, are Sera Ella and Bambarakiri Ella. To reach the waterfalls one must trek through the marvelous forest and witness the beauty.
Entrance Fee: NA
Famous For: Adventure tours
15. Highlands – Lose Yourself Amidst Nature
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Situated in Nuwara Eliya along with the waterfalls the place consists of tea gardens. Tea-cultivating lands are a major attraction for tourists. It's a few hours' journey from Kandy. Travelers could enjoy the flavored beverage and appreciate the authentic taste. When searching for places to visit from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, then this site can be the best one!
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
Famous For: Tea Cultivations
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16. Galmaduwa Temple – Witness The Awe-Striking Structure
Image Credit: L Manju for Wikipedia
This is one of the most prominent temples in Sri Lanka. As the Gal Oya development program commenced near the Ampara area, the ruined complex of Galmaduwa Temple emerged. It was then that this temple was established again and modernized into the Vihara complex. Because of this, you can find various recently constructed buildings here along with some age-old structures like Sandakada Pahana, Chatra stones, Korawakgala, and some giant pillars. This temple is lying on the road that connects Hingurana and Ampara.
Entrance Fee: INR 555
Famous For: Spiritual Landmarks
17. Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara – For History Lovers
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This too is an ancient temple in Kandy known for its glorious historical significance. This temple has been established amidst a lush green natural setting. This temple is considered to be one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka. There is a trail running through the temple that takes you to the forest. This temple has been established on the theme of Buddha's life and various significant scenarios of his life have been presented in the forest.
Entrance Fee: INR 75
Famous For: Historic Landmarks
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18. Pallekele Cricket Stadium – A Must Visit For Sports Fan
Image Credit: Hasindu2008 for Wikipedia
This stadium is considered to be one of the most famous places in Kandy. It is also known by the name Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium since July 2010 when the Central Provincial Council of Kandy declared the plan of naming it after the amazing cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. However, the name has not yet been officially sanctioned. This stadium was built along Hambantota International Cricket Stadium for the 2011 World Cup. It was inaugurated on November 27th, 2009 and even became 104th Test Venue of the world. For all the cricket lovers out there, this will definitely be one of the best places to visit in Kandy city.
Entrance Fee: NA
Famous For: Sporting Memorabilia
19. Giragama Tea Plantations – Absorb The Calm
Tea plantations are common things in Sri Lanka. Kandy is no less when it comes to tea plantations and one of the best places to visit in Kandy is Giragama tea plantations. Giragaram is a pretty little town in Kandy that is known for its tea plantations. It offers much-needed peace and tranquility along with picturesque views that will leave your soul stirred. There are estates wherein you can walk and soak the views. Keep this on your list of places to see in Kandy for a refreshing experience as this place is one of the best visiting places in Kandy. This is also one of the best things to do in Kandy in Summer.
Entrance Fee: NA
Famous For: Tea Plantations
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20. Kandy Viewpoint – Be Mesmerized
Kandy is the heart of Sri Lanka and watching the gorgeous hill station from a height is not something everyone gets to witness, so don’t miss out on exploring the most beautiful places to visit in Kandy on your vacation. The viewpoint is located at a distance of 1.7 km from the city centre and the route to the viewpoint is equally mesmerizing. Carry your camera along for some Instagrammable pictures at this point which is one of the best places to visit in Kandy. It is also one of the top places for trekking in Sri Lanka.
Entrance Fee: INR 180
Famous For: Panoramic Views
21. Lankatilaka Temple – Marvel At The Structure
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One of the best places to visit in Kandy is Lanka Talika temple which is very famous amongst the locals as well as tourists. Dedicated to Lord Buddha, the temple is the epitome of the rich history and culture of the beautiful city. The architecture is something you can marvel at and it is divided amongst three sections. Make sure you visit the temple as it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kandy at night.
Entrance Fee: INR 112
Famous For: Spiritual Landmarks
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22. Hanthana Mountain Range – Hiker’s Paradise
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One of the most beautiful places in Kandy, Hanthana Mountain Range is every nature lover’s paradise. The mountain ranges are located on the outskirts of Kandy city and appeal to tourists as an amazing picnic and hiking spot. One can even enjoy the exhilarating views of the city from the top. Declared an environmentally protected area, the range consists of seven peaks, Uuara Kanda being the highest one. This is also one of the best visiting places in Kandy.
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
Famous For: Panoramic Views
23. Royal Palace Of Kandy – Legacy & Heritage
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Royal Palace of Kandy is one of the historical Kandy tourist attractions that is mandatory to visit. Located north of the Temple of Tooth Relic, the palace is an exhibit of Kandy’s rich legacy and heritage. It was built by Vikramabahu in the 14th century. It was the last building to be built by a Sri Lankan king before British colonialism took over. You will fall in love with the impeccable architecture.
Entrance Fee: INR 1,000
Famous For: Heritage Tours
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24. Degaldoruwa Temple – Oldest Buddhist Cave Temple
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Built by King Rajadhi Rajasinha, Degaldoruwa Temple is one of the oldest Buddist rock temples in Kandy. Undoubtedly, one of the best Kandy attractions, you should visit and admire the old colorful frescoes on the wall that tell a thousand stories. The cave inside the temple is excavated out of a rock and is known to be at least 12 m high. You should put this place on your itinerary if you happen to be visiting Kandy.
Entrance Fee: NA
Famous For: Spiritual Observations
25. Ambuluwawa Tower
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Visit here to see one-of-a-kind architecture that combines the styles of many regions and religions. This unusual and unusually beautiful tower can be seen from the Gampola Railway station. The tower is 48 meters tall and is conical at the top, which houses the stupa in it. Marvel at this delight of a tower when you visit Kandy. From the top of the tower, you can see 360-degree panoramic views of the hills and natural vegetation of the landscape.
Entrance Fee: INR 550
Famous For: Unique Shape and Style of Architecture
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26. International Buddhist Museum
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This is the world’s first International Buddhist Museum. Founded with help from 17 countries in South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, this museum houses vintage relics centered around the Buddhist faith. The museum is situated next to the National Museum of Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, this place used to be the palace of the erstwhile Kandian king. British colonizers turned it into its present form – a building in the style of Victorian architecture. The International Buddhist Museum houses a store of valuable information and scholarship.
Entrance Fee: INR 345
Famous For: Informative Outlook on Buddhism
27. Gadaladeniya Vihara
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Gadaladeniya Viharaya, also known as Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Gadaladeniya in Kandy. The temple is said to have been founded as early as the 14th century. It is built in an amalgam style of Dravidian and Sinhalese architecture. The temple is constructed solely out of rock, except for the pillars. The central chamber contains an 8 ft high statue of Buddha in the enlightenment pose. The atmosphere at the temple is serene and peaceful.
Entrance Fee: INR 80
Famous For: Meditation
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How To Reach Kandy
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By air: Bandaranaike International Airport is the nearest airport to Kandy, located 104 km away. Cabs and buses make the easiest means of transport from the airport to Kandy.
By rail: Colombo Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach Kandy Railway Station. The Colombo to Kandy train ride, offering great nature views, is one of the most scenic rides in the world.
Best Time To Visit Kandy
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March-May: This is the ideal time to visit Kandy when the temperature remains around 26 – 28 degrees Celsius and conditions are ideal for planning activities and other excursions in and around the city.
December-April: This city has new Beauty to offer, the weather remains cool and satisfactory. Neither too cold nor too hot, absolutely perfect for travelers to enjoy the climate and the surroundings.
October-November: During this span of two months Sri Lanka goes through the intense monsoon phase which is not suitable for visitors to enjoy.
Further Read: 19 Photos That Will Make You Wish You Were In Sri Lanka Right Now!
Kandy, being an important spiritual city and a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, has a lot to offer. Its beauty has made people remain awestruck and spellbound, looking at the variety it has to offer to tourists is indeed serene and beautiful. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Sri Lanka today and do not forget to add the best places to visit in Kandy with family to your itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kandy
Can you do a day trip to Sigiriya from Kandy?
Yes, you could reach the bus station in Kandy before 7:30 AM. Ride on a direct bus to Sigiriya from Kandy. The journey will take around 3-4 hours.
Is 1 day enough for Kandy?
Yes, there are numerous places to visit in Kandy on a single day trip. Some of the places to visit in Kandy in one day are Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake and more.
What are the special places in Kandy?
Some of the best places to visit in Kandy are - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Udawattakele Forest Reserve, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake, Riverton Gap.
What is Kandy famous for?
The city is known for being the last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan era of Kings. It is the religious as well as administrative city of Sri Lanka. It is famous for the Tooth Relic, which is considered to be one of the holiest places in Buddhism.
What is there to do in Kandy?
There are a range of things you can do in Kandy, like embark on a peaceful retreat to Ashburnham Estate, visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, and meditate at Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre, among other things.
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