Kandy Shopping, SRI LANKA
Airing Date: Sep 19th, 2005
Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital is sometimes acclaimed as the most beautiful city in the island. Situated just 100 kms north east of Colombo, the city of Kandy lies at an altitude of 488.6 meters (1629 feet) above sea level in the centre of the island. It is surrounded by a range of mountains and enjoys a cooler climate than most cities in Sri Lanka.
The city's history dates back to the 5th Century B.C. Kandy was temporarily occupied by the Portuguese (16th Century) and the Dutch (18th Century) but as a stronghold, it remained free until 1815 when the British captured it and exiled the last king to India. A palace, an art museum, and a library provide you a glimpse of the royal period.
The city itself is contained within a small land area due to its hilly surroundings and has a modest population just exceeding 100,000.
The main part of the city overlooks a scenic artificial lake built by the last king of Kandy in 1806. Near the lake is the Temple of the Tooth, said to house one of Buddha's teeth. The relic, has made Kandy a pilgrimage and tourist attraction especially at the annual Esala Perahera pageant.
The centre of Kandy is extremely busy and the best way to get amongst it is in a tuk tuk. You can get from one end of the city to the other for a few dollars and it's an experience no visitor to the city should miss.
Shopping is a big attraction in Kandy with all sorts of bargains to be found. Gems, clothing, batiks, tea and handicrafts are popular among the tourists. Fabric, leather products, furniture, reproduction antiques, jewellery and ceramics are also suitcase stuffers!
In order to dig out the best buys, make sure you have the three 'c's' - cash, calculator and comfortable foot wear! Cash makes it easier to bargain and a calculator enables you to work out what your money is worth! You get around 74 Sri Lankan rupees to the Australian dollar.
One place to shop is the main market on Station Rd. It's open every day. You will find all types of goods in the market including leather bags for as little as $30 each and pashminas. In Australia, expect to pay around $200 for a goat's wool pashmina, in Kandy you can pick one up for around $15. As always, if you buy more than one item, it's easier to get a discount. It is also possible to pick yourself up a beautiful silk sari for around $50 each. Another good purchase to be made in Sri Lanka is sapphires. These can be bought for around half what you'd pay in Australia.
Further information
Citadel Hotel rooms from $144 a double, including breakfast.
Website: asiahotels.com
Cathay Pacific to Colombo start from $1493 ex Perth, $1548 ex Melbourne, $1565 ex Sydney, $1572 ex Brisbane, $1580 ex Adelaide. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
Cathay Pacific
Telephone: 131 747
Prices correct at 19/9/05
