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