Kandy

Kandy is a historic city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, surrounded by beautiful mountains and tea-growing areas. It was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka before the country came under British rule.

• Main attraction: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites.
• Kandy Lake: A scenic lake located in the centre of the city, next to the Temple of the Tooth.
• Nature: Kandy is surrounded by green hills, forests and tea plantations.
• Culture: Famous for traditional Kandyan dancing, drumming and cultural performances.
• Peradeniya: The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya are a major attraction just outside the city.
• Location: Kandy is an important stop on the famous railway route from Colombo through the hill country toward Ella and Badulla.
• Economy: Tourism, education, trade and services are important to the city.

Kandy is a historic city in Sri Lanka's Central Province, set among forested hills and centered around a scenic artificial lake. It served as the last royal capital of the Sinhalese kingdom and remains one of the country's most important cultural and religious centers, drawing visitors for its heritage, festivals, and mountain setting.

Major landmarks
Several places define Kandy's identity and showcase its history, religion, and natural surroundings.

• Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple.
• Scenic lake at the heart of the historic city.
• Renowned botanical collection just outside Kandy.
• Hilltop temple known for its giant white Buddha.

History and significance
Kandy became the capital of the Kingdom of Kandy in the late 16th century and successfully resisted several colonial powers for centuries before coming under British rule in 1815. Its historical importance and enduring religious traditions have made the city one of Sri Lanka's best-known heritage destinations.

Culture and traditions
The city is closely associated with Theravāda Buddhism, especially through the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a revered relic traditionally believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Kandy is also famous for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession featuring elaborately decorated elephants, dancers, drummers, and ceremonial performances that ranks among Asia's most celebrated cultural festivals.

Visiting Kandy
Kandy's cooler highland climate, walkable lakefront, colonial-era architecture, and access to nearby tea-growing regions make it a popular stop on journeys through central Sri Lanka. Visitors often combine cultural sites with excursions into the surrounding hills, botanical gardens, and scenic railway routes that connect the city with other parts of the island.