Last Kingdom of Kandy

The ancient kingdom of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha as well as Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake, a nature reserve and exciting shops.

As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. As well as the Temple of the Tooth, there are many Buddhist monasteries and Hindu places of worship to visit, and cultural dance performances to watch.

Kandy is a convenient base to stay for a few days while exploring the Cultural Triangle as there are comfortable hotels to suit every budget. The city is easily accessible from Colombo by rail, road and float plane.

The city of Kandy comes alive during The Kandy Esala Perahara which is usually held during the month of July or August is a significant event to both Sri Lankan’s and Indians. The month of the Perahara is considered to be the time when ritual performances to divinities are held to obtain rain for the cultivation of crops.

During the ritual The Sacred Tooth Relic of The Buddha is carried through the streets of Kandy together with lavishly decorated elephants, fire breathers, jugglers, musicians, dancers and acrobats. The ten day Perahara is considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique festivals in the world and is a must see during your visit to Sri Lanka. The festival kicks off with the planting of the young sanctified sampling which is sprinkled with scented water and once the offering ceremonies and internal Perahara is complete the colorful procession takes to the streets of Kandy during the course of ten days.