Kandy

Kandy

Kandy is a picturesque city located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, often referred to as the cultural capital of the island nation. Surrounded by emerald green forests and mist shrouded mountains, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, where devotees gather to venerate a treasured relic of the Buddha. The city hosts the annual Esala Perahera festival, one of the oldest Buddhist pageants in the world, featuring ornate processions of dancers, drummers, and caparisoned elephants parading through candlelit streets. Lake Kandy, a tranquil reservoir at the city center, provides a serene backdrop for leisurely boat rides and lakeside strolls. Local artisans produce exquisite handcrafted lace and wood carvings, while traditional dance performances offer glimpses into centuries old Kandyan art forms. Tea plantations on surrounding slopes supply aromatic tea varieties, and nearby botanical gardens display a diverse array of tropical flora. Culinary offerings in Kandy range from hearty rice and curry platters to sweet milk rice desserts, giving visitors an authentic taste of hill country cuisine. Its combination of history, spirituality, and natural splendor makes Kandy an unforgettable destination