The Last Royal Capital of Sri Lanka
Kandy was the last capital of the ancient Kandyan kingdom — the only Sri Lankan realm that resisted European colonisation for over three centuries. Nestled in a bowl of forested hills at 500 metres, it is the cultural, religious, and artistic heart of the island. The city is centred on a beautiful artificial lake built by the last Kandyan king in 1807, its shores lined with colonial-era buildings that now house museums, temples, and local institutions.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — Sri Dalada Maligawa — is the holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and one of the most important in the world. It is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. The Esala Perahera, held every July or August, is one of Asia's grandest festivals: ten days of nightly processions with over a hundred decorated elephants, drummers, fire-dancers, and whip-crackers — a spectacle that has not changed for centuries.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth
The holiest Buddhist site in Sri Lanka — the daily puja ceremonies are atmospheric and open to all respectful visitors.
Kandy Lake
A peaceful walk around the lake at dusk, with the Temple on one shore and the forested Udawatte Kele sanctuary behind.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
60 hectares of tropical palms, orchid houses, bamboo groves, and royal palms — one of Asia's finest botanical gardens.
Kandyan Cultural Show
Traditional dance, drumming, and fire-walking performed nightly — an entertaining introduction to Kandyan arts.
Esala Perahera
Sri Lanka's greatest festival (July/August) — ten nights of ceremonial elephant processions and traditional performers.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. The Esala Perahera (July—August) is a spectacular reason to time your visit. December—April are the driest months.
Getting There
Approximately 3 hours by road from Colombo. The scenic train from Colombo Fort station takes around 3 hours and is a pleasant journey in itself.
