Highlights of Kandy
Overview
Right at the heart of the island, in the “Upcountry”, Kandy is the second-largest city on the island after the capital, Colombo, but it feels like a small town.
Watch a performance of the traditional Kandyan dances including the cobra dance, and mask dance accompanied by energetic drummers. The entire frenetic and colourful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act just outside the hall of the main entrance.
The Tooth Relic, purported to be a tooth of Lord Buddha is the most sacred relic on the island, which is situated in the Dalada Maligawa palace complex next to the lake in the centre of Kandy. The Sacred City of Kandy is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.
The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a festival held in July and August in the city, it is a crowded time, but this historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
A leisurely walk around the lake gives an elated feeling to the city. There are temples in the surrounding area worth visiting.
There is Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya, a well-worth a visit just a 15-minute drive from the city.
