Surrounded by forests that house ancient secrets, the city of Kandy is filled with enticing revelations and surprises! Kandy was the last Sri Lankan kingdom to fall to the British in 1815, after successfully defending against Portuguese and Dutch invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries. The pinnacle of the city is the last king’s palace, now the famous Temple of the Tooth. It hosts the annual Esala Perehera, a grand and colourful festival that is held annually over the course of centuries, to honour Lord Buddha’s tooth relic. With all its wondrous offerings the city today boasts the perfect marriage of colonial architecture with historic and religious hues of yesteryears with a touch of modernity.
Called the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy has managed to maintain its traditional way of life over the years. It is also the gateway to several hiking adventures as the city is set in the midst of magnificent mountain ranges and lush forestlands. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, the noisy yet cheerful central market, tea factories, temples and take picturesque hikes to hidden waterfalls during your time here.