Kandy

🕍Step Into the Spiritual & Cultural Heart of the Island

Nestled among lush green hills in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Kandy is a city that pulses with tradition, history, and spiritual beauty. Known as the Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the country’s most sacred Buddhist shrine — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — which draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.

At the heart of the city lies Kandy Lake, a tranquil, man-made lake built by the last king of Kandy. A peaceful stroll around the lake offers picturesque views of the temple and surrounding hills. The Temple of the Tooth itself is a stunning architectural masterpiece, rich in history and ornate carvings, where a tooth relic of Lord Buddha is kept in deep reverence.

Cultural experiences abound in Kandy. You can witness traditional Kandyan dance performances, visit museums, explore ancient temples, and shop for locally made crafts, batiks, and spices. The city is also famous for its Esala Perahera, a vibrant festival held annually in July or August, featuring processions with dancers, drummers, elephants, and sacred relics.

Kandy also serves as a gateway to the hill country, with popular day trips to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, tea plantations, and scenic train rides to Ella or Nuwara Eliya.