The old Sinhalese royal city of Kandy, located 115 km from Colombo, is of course fortified. Many interesting museums testify to the cultural importance of this city. Kandy is located in a stunning green landscape. The city is surrounded by tea hills, rice fields and forests.
The longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli Ganga, flows around Kandy. Situated in an enchanting mountain world, Kandy is the fourth largest city in the country and at the same time the spiritual and religious centre of Sri Lanka. In addition, Kandy is still the center of handicrafts and dance and folk arts. Folklore shows in Kandy are a must-see for any visitor.
Here are just a few sights that should definitely be visited:
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, (Dalada Maligawa, contains a tooth relic of Buddha), Embekke Devale, Lankatillaka, Gadaladeniya, Degaldoruwa Temple, Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya, Elephant Bath in Katugastota, Kandyan Arts Association (Art Association), Kalapura (Handicraft Village) in Nattarampotha (2.5 km from Kandy) and Henawela, a village known for its Dumbara mats (16 km from Kandy).
The city is characterized by the Temple of the Tooth, which is the religious center of Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth is called “Dalada Maligawa” and it was built in the 18th century. The sacred relic of Buddha’s canine tooth is kept in an altar inside the temple.
In August every year, the sacred tooth relic is led through the streets on an elephant. The extremely colourful procession is probably the most important festival in Sri Lanka. A visit to this festival is worthwhile for the hundred or so elephants that accompany the procession.
