Kandy

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses what is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, smuggled to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century AD. Possession of the relic was traditionally considered essential to the right to rule, making it the most politically and spiritually significant object in Sri Lankan history. The temple’s daily puja ceremonies, accompanied by traditional drumming, create a deeply atmospheric experience for visitors.

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, just outside the city, are among the finest in Asia. The 60-hectare gardens feature over 4,000 species of plants, including a renowned orchid house, a giant Javan fig tree covering 2,500 square metres, and an avenue of royal palms that is one of the most photographed scenes in Sri Lanka. Kandy’s annual Esala Perahera, held in July or August, is one of Asia’s most spectacular festivals — a ten-night procession of hundreds of elephants, thousands of dancers, fire-breathing acrobats, and drummers escorting the Sacred Tooth Relic through the city streets. Even outside festival season, visitors can experience traditional Kandyan dance performances most evenings.

The city’s colonial architecture, craft workshops specialising in Kandyan silverwork and brassware, and the gem museums showcasing Sri Lanka’s famous sapphires provide a rich cultural experience. The Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary, a primeval forest reserve in the heart of the city, offers peaceful walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. Kandy’s mild climate, scenic setting, and profound cultural significance make it an essential stop on any Sri Lanka itinerary a city where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive and where the spiritual essence of the island is most powerfully felt.