Kandy is a major city in central Sri Lanka, often considered the cultural capital and a gateway to the island’s scenic tea country.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as the epicenter of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture and history.

Key Highlights

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): This is the city’s, and arguably the nation’s, most significant religious site. It houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which historically has been the symbol of Sinhalese sovereignty and governance of the country.
• Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda): An artificial lake built in 1807 by the last King of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it sits in the heart of the city and is a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll.
• Esala Perahera: Kandy is famous for hosting one of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, the annual Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth), which takes place over ten days in July or August with magnificent processions of dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants.
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Located a few kilometers outside the city center, these vast gardens are the largest in Sri Lanka, boasting over 4,000 species of plants, including a famous collection of orchids and palm trees.
• Historical Significance: Kandy was the capital of the last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka, resisting foreign powers (Portuguese, Dutch) until it finally fell to the British in 1815. This history contributes to its distinctive Kandyan architecture, art, and dance forms.
• Location: The city is situated on a plateau amidst lush green hills, tropical plantations, and is a major hub for visiting the Central Highlands and tea country.