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- No.62, Melagama, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka 12560
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Kandy, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is one of the country’s most revered cities — a place where history, culture, and spirituality converge. As the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy holds immense religious and historical significance. Its natural beauty, colonial-era charm, and role as a center of Buddhist tradition have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Kandy’s roots trace back to the 14th century, though it rose to prominence in the 15th century under the rule of the Kingdom of Kandy. As European colonial powers — first the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British — conquered other parts of the island, Kandy remained an independent stronghold.
For centuries, Kandy was a symbol of Sinhalese sovereignty and resistance. Even after multiple attempts, the Portuguese and Dutch failed to conquer it. It was only in 1815 that the British succeeded in annexing Kandy through the Kandyan Convention, ending more than 2,000 years of royal rule in Sri Lanka. The city’s legacy, however, lived on — especially through its preservation of Buddhist traditions and the sacred Tooth Relic.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, located near the royal palace complex, is the spiritual heart of Kandy and one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world. It houses the left canine tooth of the Buddha, believed to have been smuggled into Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, hidden in the hair of an Indian princess.
The relic played a central role in Sinhalese political power — it was believed that whoever possessed the tooth had the divine right to rule the island. As a result, the temple not only served religious purposes but was deeply tied to the kingdom’s governance and sovereignty.
Today, thousands of devotees and tourists visit the temple daily, participating in pujas (offerings), witnessing traditional rituals, and admiring the temple’s exquisite Kandyan architecture — featuring golden roofs, intricate wood carvings, and sacred paintings.
Each year, usually in July or August, Kandy becomes the center of a vibrant cultural celebration known as the Esala Perahera. This grand Buddhist procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic and dates back centuries.
The event includes:
Decorated elephants (including the majestic tusker carrying a replica of the Tooth Relic)
Traditional Kandyan dancers
Fire breathers
Whip crackers
Drummers and flutists
The Esala Perahera is one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia and attracts visitors from all over the world. It embodies the deep spiritual devotion of the Sri Lankan people while showcasing the artistic richness of Kandyan culture.
Located adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth is the Royal Palace complex, once the residence of the Kandyan monarchs. Although the original palace was damaged and rebuilt over time, several structures remain, including the Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) and Queens’ Quarters. Today, parts of the palace serve as museums, displaying artifacts, royal regalia, and traditional Kandyan crafts.
At the center of the city lies the picturesque Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda (Sea of Milk). It was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last monarch of Sri Lanka, as part of the palace gardens.
This man-made lake is a tranquil focal point in the bustling city, offering peaceful walking paths, shaded by trees and dotted with resting spots. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the lake for its serene ambiance and birdlife.
Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, not only because of its religious importance but also due to its strong preservation of Kandyan arts, music, and dance. The Kandyan dance tradition, once performed only in temples and for royalty, is a key aspect of the city’s identity. Today, visitors can attend cultural shows to witness these dynamic performances — complete with rhythmic drumming, elaborate costumes, and acrobatic movement.
Craftsmanship also thrives in Kandy. The city is known for traditional wood carving, brassware, and handwoven fabrics such as batik and silk. Many of these arts are passed down through generations and remain a vital part of the local economy and identity.
Kandy is also a center for Buddhist education and monastic life. It is home to some of the country’s most prestigious Buddhist institutions, such as the Asgiriya and Malwathu monasteries, which have played key roles in preserving Buddhist scripture and tradition.
The University of Peradeniya, located just outside Kandy, is one of Sri Lanka’s most respected institutions of higher learning. Set amid rolling hills and colonial-era buildings, it adds to the city’s intellectual and cultural atmosphere.
Kandy’s location in the central hills gives it a cooler climate than coastal cities and lush surroundings. A short drive from the city center leads to several natural and historical attractions:
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens – Spanning over 140 acres, these gardens showcase thousands of plant species, from orchids to towering palms.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – A forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
Knuckles Mountain Range – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ideal for trekking and wildlife exploration.
In 1988, the Sacred City of Kandy was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation recognizes its outstanding cultural value — particularly the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the city’s historical role in preserving Sinhala Buddhist traditions during colonial rule.
Kandy is much more than a city — it is a living embodiment of Sri Lanka’s spiritual, cultural, and historical identity. From the sacred chants echoing through the Temple of the Tooth to the swirling dances of the Esala Perahera, Kandy invites visitors into a world where ancient tradition and natural beauty intertwine.
For travelers, pilgrims, and culture enthusiasts alike, Kandy offers a deeply immersive experience — one that connects the present with a glorious past, and the earthly with the sacred.
