| Kandy has emerged as a major tourist attraction | | | | 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. |
| for visitors worldwide. The city has a rich history | | | | Another chief attraction is the Gadaladeniya |
| and is also known as the cultural capital of the | | | | Temple, which was constructed in 1344. The |
| island nation. The beautiful town is nestled in the | | | | temple which owes a lot of its inspiration to |
| hills at an altitude of 488 meters. Moreover, it is | | | | Dravidian architecture is located on a hilltop at a |
| located at a distance of 115 kilometers from the | | | | distance of 15 kilometers from the town. Even |
| capital city of Colombo. It was originally called by | | | | the spectacular views of the surrounding |
| most Sinhalese people as "Mahanuwara" which | | | | countryside from the temple are eye catching. |
| means 'the Great City'. However, it was the | | | | Nature lovers have just got to straight away |
| colonial rulers who derived 'Kandy' from the | | | | head towards the Peradeniya Gardens. This |
| Sinhala word 'Kanda' which means a hill. Historically, | | | | garden like paradise was built in the 14th century. |
| Kandy has always been a stronghold of the | | | | The Orchid House, the best known attraction of |
| Sinhalese kings till the British invaded and took | | | | the garden houses exquisite orchids which are |
| over in 1815. | | | | almost 300 in variety. Those interested in the |
| One of the best times to visit Kandy is when the | | | | Ayurvedic system of medicine will like the spice |
| huge cultural pageant takes place around the | | | | garden located here as it will provide them with a |
| months of July or August. The pageant known as | | | | first hand account of the trees and plants used. |
| the 'Kandy Perahara' is one of the most colorful | | | | The Embekke Temples has the entire structure |
| processions of the world. The streets of Kandy | | | | buildings made from wood and decorations of |
| are witness to thousands of drummers and | | | | dancers, musicians, wrestlers and legendary |
| dancers who accompany a parade of ornamented | | | | beasts and birds as well. The intricate wooden |
| elephants performing their acts. The onside | | | | carvings of this 14th century temple dedicated to |
| spectators get an opportunity to pay homage to | | | | God Katargama have become quite legendary. In |
| the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is | | | | the near vicinity are the ruins of an ancient rest |
| carried by the leading tusker. This colorful | | | | house which houses similar pillars which have been |
| procession moves along the streets consecutively | | | | carved in stone. |
| for seven nights and finally concludes with the | | | | A unique attraction is the "Knuckle Mountains" |
| August full moon. | | | | which range about 90 square miles. The |
| One of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites | | | | Knuckles range has 35 peaks which rise to more |
| of the world known as "the Temple of Tooth", | | | | than 3000 feet and alongside also have a rich |
| also called 'Dalda Maligawa' is an important | | | | variety of flora and fauna. |
| attraction for tourists from all over the world. | | | | Checking into any Kandy hotels Sri Lanka with |
| This is the place where one of the Buddha's teeth | | | | prior reservations is quite a hassle free affair. |
| is kept in safe custody. This 17th century temple | | | | Most Kandy hotels provide the best of modern |
| had a golden canopy added to it recently. One can | | | | facilities and amenities along with warm hospitality |
| catch either of the three or all the three rituals | | | | services. |
| which are carried out everyday here at 4.30 a.m., | | | | |