Kandy

4.02

Kandy, nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a city renowned for its sacred Buddhist sites and colonial architecture. It's a vibrant home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most venerated places, believed to house a tooth of the Buddha. The city holds historical significance as the last capital of ancient Sri Lankan kings before falling to British control in 1815. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing cultural and spiritual richness.

Kandy sits at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level, surrounded by lush hills and dense forests, offering a serene and cool climate, distinct from the tropical heat of the coastal regions. Its picturesque setting around Kandy Lake, also known as Bogambara Lake, is a notable feature, adding to the city's charm.

Apart from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, famous for its vast collection of orchids and endemic flora. The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue is another iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city.

Kandy is famed for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic. This event, taking place in July or August, features traditional Kandyan dancers, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants, attracting visitors from around the world.

An interesting fact about Kandy is its strategic military importance during the colonial era, which made it a focal point for both the Portuguese and the British. The city's unique convergence of culture, history, and religion continues to make it an enlightening destination for tourists.