Kandy

Located in the foothills of the central highlands around the banks of a picturesque lake, steeped in history, and possessing a salubrious climate, Kandy is Sri Lanka's renowned second city. In many ways, however, Kandy is more important than the true capital, for although Colombo may be the hub of commerce and communication, it is Kandy that has always been the centre of Sri Lanka's rich culture and the symbol of the nation's complex identity. Travel to Kandy Sri Lanka which is known to most locals as Maha Nuwara, "The Great City." And great it is. The sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is housed here in its own temple, and is paraded around the city in one of Asia's most celebrated festivals, the Kandy Perahera, held during July-August.Book one of the many Kandy hotels Sri Lanka proudly offers to witness this grandiose spectacle, you will not be sorry. The monasteries of Sri Lanka's two leading Buddhist sects have long been established in the city. Traditions of Sinhalese music and dance, such as Kandyan dancing, are kept alive in Kandy, as are many arts and crafts. Little wonder, then, that Kandy was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

galleries

Accommodation