Kandy

Kandy, often referred to as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city nestled amidst picturesque hills in the heart of the island, and a center for music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. Known for its rich heritage, Kandy offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. This was the last capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815. It is also the site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth of the Buddha), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera (Street parade) annually. The scenic Kandy Lake is popular for strolling. The Kandyan Arts & Crafts Industrial Center situated in the town is a fantastic place for souvenir hunters. Excellent range of quality, handcrafted gifts are available for a reasonable price. Udawattakele Bird Sanctuary with its densely wooded green hills and The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is situated about 5 km to the west of the city Centre. (UNESCO world heritage site).